Sharilyn is an advisor with 21/64 to support multi-generational family philanthropy, and holds the Master Financial Advisor – Philanthropy (MFA-P) designation demonstrating expertise in all aspects of strategic charitable gift planning. She is a faculty member of the Ultra High Net Worth Institute, a think tank established to advance the practice of those working in the family wealth space. She’s also a Trusted Family Advisor with the Institute for Preparing Heirs, and a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.
As a certified governance advisor and trainer with BoardSource, Sharilyn integrates their renowned curriculum and resources in her work with foundation and nonprofit boards. A Chartered Director (C.Dir) and member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), she has completed ICDs course on Family Enterprise Governance.
An invited speaker and educator to professional communities around the world, Sharilyn has written or co-authored numerous publications on philanthropy, governance, and the nonprofit sector, and teaches Governance & Leadership at Carleton University’s graduate program in Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. She holds undergraduate degrees in Theology and Psychology and a graduate degree in Philanthropy. Sharilyn earned a Doctor of Education degree, where her research on family philanthropy governance produced a model that helps families approach their giving in a meaningful way that works. She has also released a groundbreaking study on affluent giving in the Caribbean, where she grew up and continues to work.
A committed volunteer, Sharilyn is a member of the Advisory Council for Canada’s first graduate degree program in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Carleton University; a program initiated by a group of sector leaders – including Sharilyn – who saw a need to strengthen Canada’s philanthropic eco-system.
She is Vice-Chair of the Toronto Public Library Foundation in support of the world’s busiest library system, and has been a leadership volunteer for the Imagine Canada accreditation program for charities in Canada. Previously, she served as a Provincial Appointee to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which is Canada’s largest grant-making foundation, and was Chair of the Governance Committee for Canadian Feed the Children. Having spent much of her career as a professional fundraiser, Sharilyn was Chair of CFRE International, the globally recognized credential setting the standard for effective and ethical fundraising practice.
