Blessing Adeniyi, BA, MBA, Edmonton, AB

“Live, Learn & Upgrade.“

Blessing is a dynamic Mass Communication graduate, who is driven by a profound commitment to cultivating a global brand. Holding a first degree in Applied Communications from the esteemed Bowen University, Iwo, she further distinguished herself by earning a master’s degree in public relations and advertising (PRAD) from the Faculty of Media and Communications Studies at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

As a seasoned Public Relations and Advertising professional, Blessing embodies responsibility, intelligence, and enthusiasm. Her extensive expertise spans journalism, publishing, editing, and event planning. A proud member of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), she is also an associate member of the Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (APCON).

Known for her ambition and energy, Blessing approaches tasks with a mature and responsible demeanour. Her creativity, adaptability, and effective communication skills distinguish her as a bright and forward-thinking individual. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an avid book lover and has a deep passion for children, evident in her creation of the acclaimed kiddies show, “Aunty BB and Friends.”

Blessing’s impact extends beyond her career and creative endeavours. She has positively touched countless lives by visiting prisoners, lepers, and seniors’ homes. Recognizing herself as a principled, disciplined, and assertive individual, Blessing is committed to pursuing her goals with unwavering determination.  Her portfolio includes public relations, crisis management, market mapping, storytelling,  research, reputation management, and event planning.

Brianna MaClean, BA, Edmonton, AB

“Embrace all opportunities to learn constantly,
to give selflessly, and to live beautifully.”

Brianna is a public relations professional with a passion for learning, media, communications, pop culture, and volunteering; most importantly, she possesses an unyielding altruistic drive to serve and uplift her communities.

Brianna graduated from the University of Alberta in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Women & Gender Studies and a minor in Social Anthropology, and later graduated with distinction from MacEwan University in 2022 with a diploma in Public Relations. She completed her PR practicum as the Cub Brand Ambassador at Pounce Support Services™ in the spring of 2022 and was thrilled to make her epic return as an official member of The Cool Cats the following autumn!

During her time at Pounce Support Services™, Brianna has had the opportunity to write about a wide array of topics and interview industry innovators for Pounce Support Services™’ monthly e-Newsletter, The Cat’s Meow. She has also taken her first steps into the art and science of grant writing with the completion of the Grant Proposal Writing Course through the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Brianna’s specialties include: Public relations writing, creative writing, editing and proofreading, qualitative research, and social media and pop culture.

Charles MacKenzie, MBA, CFRE Halifax, Nova Scotia

“Philanthropy is both an art and a science.
Your donors aren’t just giving money, but also time, their expertise, and their support.”

Charles MacKenzie brings over a decade of experience helping non-profits across Canada achieve their fundraising goals. He has worked extensively in the non-profit sector and the academic world. He is a self-described fund development generalist with a broad professional practice that includes major gifts, grant writing, strategic planning, and prospect research. He has held senior positions with several major national organizations, including Diabetes Canada, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Alberta AdaptAbilities Association.

Charles is a graduate of Cape Breton University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. He has also pursued graduate studies in history, completing his MA at the University of Western Ontario. In 2022, Charles earned the recognized international credential of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

An active community volunteer, he has served on the boards of several organizations across Canada, including Hospice Toronto, AFP Edmonton, and AFP Nova Scotia.

His specialties include:

Donor stewardship
Feasibility studies
Grant writing
Prospect research
Operational reviews
Strategic planning
Strategic prospect engagement

Imad-Dean Kaddoura, MBA, Edmonton, AB 

“Innovation is the fuel of development, and the vanguard of sustainability.”

Imad-Dean is a seasoned veteran with over 30 years of business development, marketing, commerce, and fundraising experience. He is a recognized business development strategist.

Imad-Dean worked with many businesses, including the global multinational trading organization Sumitomo Corporation in marketing and sales throughout his career. He has coached several start-up businesses and developed digital strategic marketing courses, including numerous dynamic digital business and marketing tools for small businesses. In 2000, Athabasca University approached Imad-Dean to teach marketing, business management, commerce, and international business, where he was an instructor for over a decade.

Imad-Dean has also succeeded in becoming a catalyst for growth and development for the not-for-profit sector. He is an avid advocate of social innovation and, by nature, is restless in searching for and exploring creative and cutting-edge innovative solutions of fund development for the not-for-profit sector for the greater benefit of Canadian society at large.

Imad-Dean holds an MBA from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a bachelor’s degree in Business from Eastern Washington University. He also earned a diploma in Executive Leadership in the Non-profit Sector from MacEwan University and a diploma in computer technology from CDI College in Edmonton, Alberta.

Imad’s specialties include blockchain technology for fundraising, crowdfunding, digital fundraising,
digital marketing, diversified and sustainable fundraising infrastructure development, DMS/CRM databases, email marketing, and automation, moves management donor development, stakeholders’ engagement, and stewardship programs’ development. He is fluent in English and Arabic.

Kat Mooney, Founder and Principal Navigator

“We all have feelings. Never leave your donor feeling like a chequebook.“

Kat Mooney has always had an entrepreneurial and youthful spirit. Along with an abundance of energy and creativity when it comes to helping organizations do the greatest good, Kat believes it is important to pay it forward and to help shape the next generation of leaders by providing a hands-on learning opportunity through internships at Pounce Support Services™.  Her deep-rooted and innate understanding and belief “we are in the business of helping people” has been her motto and driving force that supported the people in organizations she has served for almost 30 years.

Kat’s experience is in fund development, communications, public relations, marketing, volunteer services, and special events management.  Earlier in her career, she was a social service worker.

She earned and held senior roles within the non-profit and corporate sectors, including Program Manager, Communications and Marketing Specialist, Director of Development, Executive Director, Mentor, and Consultant.

With five years of post-secondary education, Kat received a diploma from Dawson College, took multiple Applied Social Sciences courses at Concordia University, and has a Certificate in Public Relations Management from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.  She is also Brené Brown Dare to Lead Trained™ and is currently pursuing her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), an internationally recognized fundraising designation.

Kat can help you with:

Building infrastructure and organization sustainability
Capital campaign management
Creating your organization’s case for support & case statements
Developing a culture of philanthropy
Direct mail campaigns
Fund development & communication plans
Generating publicity & newsworthy stories
Sponsorship
Fluent in English & French

Visit Our Founder’s Page

Mirande Alexandre, Edmonton, AB 

“Knowledge decides what to Say,

Skill decides how to Say,

Attitude decides how much to Say and

Wisdom decides whether to Say or not!”

Mirande is a high-energy and accomplished social development and fund development consultant, mentor, project manager, facilitator, and marketing and sales advisor.  Over her 25 years career, she has worked in social development, management, and marketing capacity for the Canadian government as well as local, national, and international companies in both Canada, Mexico, and Jordan managing and evaluating horizontal initiatives and building partnerships across federal, provincial, and municipal governments, the private sector, NGOs, and community groups.

At the beginning of her career, Mirande joined the government of Canada with the Department of Canadian Heritage and Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a Multiculturalism, Official Languages, and Settlement Consultant. She started “Connecting 360” in 2012, specializing in what she calls “building credible capacity”- in other words helping professionals build and manage their organizations, know how to strategize, obtain government funds, and trust their abilities with their prospects. Mirande has now worked with many service providers and communities and has obtained over 20 million in grant funding.

Throughout her career, Ms. Alexandre has received various awards from the Government of Canada and community groups. She received in 2022 an award from the 2SLGBTQ+ community for her support to build the capacity of the community. Mirande was named and recognized in 2017 by Radio Canada as the “Pearle” of the Francophone Community for her dedication and commitment to assisting the community in achieving its objectives. She also received the 2017 “Womanition Inc.” Award for her success as an immigrant in Canada. She received the 2012, 2010, and 2009 Alberta Federal Council “Official Languages Award “in recognition of her work and leadership role in supporting and assisting the development of French linguistic minority communities in Alberta. Further, she received the Alberta Federal Council “Collaborative Working Relationships Award” in 2010 in recognition of her leadership and commitment to establishing horizontal partnerships and developing collaboration among federal departments to better serve Canadians. She received the Edmonton Viets Association award in 2006 and finally the World Championships in Athletics – Edmonton 2001 award for her effort and dedication in ensuring the success of the government of Canada’s involvement in the 8th IAAF World Championships.

Today she remains a very successful mentor, instructor, and consultant and is sought after by many individuals, community groups, and organizations to assist them in achieving their envisioned results.

Sarah Birmingham, Edmonton, AB 

“Life presents us with many obstacles; we can either look at them like they are hindrances or opportunities.
It is our choice. I chose the glass-half-full mentality.”

Sarah’s experience in the Public Relations Diploma program at MacEwan University, coupled with her successful internship, positions her well for a promising career in public relations. Her involvement in various tasks, such as writing articles for The Cat’s Meow E-Newsletter, conducting interviews, and developing a crisis communications plan, demonstrates her versatility and capability in the field.

Her skills in crisis communication, social media content creation, and creative writing showcase a well-rounded set of competencies. These are essential in the dynamic landscape of public relations, where adaptability and effective communication are key.

Her passion for her work and enthusiasm for the tasks ahead bodes well for her continued success with Pounce Support Service™. The mention of her adorable calico Maine Coon cat, Bodhi, adds a personal touch and aligns with the organization’s theme, reinforcing the connection between her interests and the values of the company.

Sarah is well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities in her public relations career. Her specialties include crisis communication, social media content creation, and creative writing.