Sharilyn is an advisor with 21/64 to support multi-generational family philanthropy, and 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. A Trusted Family Advisor with the Institute for Preparing Heirs, she is also a member of P150, a global initiative to connect philanthropic advisors working with the world’s UHNW donors to collaborate and mobilize more capital for good. She holds the Master Financial Advisor – Philanthropy (MFA-P) designation demonstrating expertise in all aspects of strategic charitable gift planning.
As a Chartered Director (C.Dir), Sharilyn is also a certified governance advisor and trainer with BoardSource, integrating their renowned curriculum and resources in her work with foundation and nonprofit boards, and blending the best of corporate and family governance.
A speaker, educator, and mentor 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.
An experienced director, Sharilyn most recently served on the board of the Toronto Public Library Foundation in support of the world’s busiest library system, and was 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 her early career as a professional fundraiser, Sharilyn was Chair of CFRE International, the global credential for effective and ethical fundraising practice.
