Since moving to Calgary in 1990, Barbara Burggraf has been a Fund Development Professional, Community Volunteer and Pioneer Leader seeking solutions to complex community challenges. She has developed and implemented fundraising initiatives for the Glenbow Museum; Calgary Opera; Alberta Ecotrust; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Sciences. As the founding Executive Director of Prairieaction Foundation, Barbara helped to raise a $5 million endowment fund and build a tri-provincial foundation focused on funding research and education solutions to violence and abuse. Most recently Barbara worked for KCI (Ketchum) Canada as a senior fundraising consultant and Campaign Director in Health, Education and the Arts. Barbara has a BA from McGill University; an MPA from University of Manitoba and is an alumnus of Leadership Calgary (Class 0f 2002). In July 2005, Barbara was appointed Executive Director of EducationMatters, (Calgary’s Public Education Trust). Barbara is passionate about the important role public education plays in building engaged citizens for tomorrow.

Donna brings 25 years experience in communications, marketing, and media relations to EducationMatters. After earning her B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of Southern California, Donna moved to Calgary and has held communications positions with the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, 107KIK Fm Radio, the Calgary International Children’s Festival, the Calgary International Jazz Festival and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. Donna also developed new media products for Axia Netmedia. Donna has an Applied Public Relations certificate from Mount Royal College, an APR designation from the Canadian Public Relations Society, is a past member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is currently a member of the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education, Donna has been a community volunteer and supporter of AIDS Calgary, Kensington Sinfonia, Alberta Ecotrust, Music Mosiac, and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Currently Donna is a Big Sister for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary.

Monica Bryan graduated from the University of Alberta in 1981, with a Master of Business Administration degree. Her next goal, while working in the commercial banking industry, was to complete the requirements for the Certified Management Accounting program. As a Certified Management Accountant, she started her own consulting practice where she gained experience, over a twenty year period, in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Monica has volunteered for many types of organizations over the years, including education and sports. She values education for youth and recognizes the importance of enhancement programs to facilitate each student in maximizing their potential.
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Heather Hankins-Brucemoved to Calgary the first day of the 1988 Winter Olympics and has called Calgary home for the last 20 years. After years of working in the hospitality industry, Heather returned to school and earned her Business Administration Diploma from SAIT. Since then Heather has worked with The Arthritis Society, Operation Eyesight Universal, The Calgary Foundation, and The Salvation Army obtaining experience in donor stewardship, database management, general administration, and individual giving. Continuing with her education, Heather obtained a National Certificate in Fundraising Management from Mount Royal College, and completed the CAGP Planned Giving Course in Banff. Pursuing her passion for working with children and community, Heather volunteered with Girl Guides of Canada for six years and various other community and school events. Heather’s focus with the EducationMatters team is on Planned and Annual Giving.
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Pamela Cook spent over a decade working in community relations within the corporate environment. During that time, she developed and managed programs in the areas of employee volunteerism, communications and community investment. She holds a BA from St. Thomas University, Fredericton New Brunswick and over the years has also furthered her education through courses in volunteer management and non-profit management. Pamela has been a volunteer and supporter of Volunteer Calgary as a member of the Board of Directors. Pamela continues her volunteerism as a Mentor at the Centre for Inspired Living.
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