Who We Are
Dr. Samra Zafar
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Samra Zafar is a physician, an award‑winning speaker, and a bestselling author recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. After escaping years of abuse, she has become a global advocate for gender equity and mental health. Her new bestselling book, Unconditional, combines narrative and science to guide readers in unlearning limiting beliefs. She leads research, advocacy, and survivor‑centred change through Brave Beginnings.
Board of Directors
Julie Fry
Board Chair
Julie Fry is a strategic brand marketer with over 17 years of experience leading high-impact campaigns and cross-functional teams. Her expertise spans advertising, digital experience, and change management. Julie has helped grow major brands including Yahoo!, AOL, MySpace, and The Home Depot. She brings dynamic leadership and a passion for innovation to Brave Beginnings’ mission of supporting survivors through bold, community-driven programs.
Justin Schurman
Board Chair
Justin Schurman is Regional Vice President, Commercial Banking at RBC, where he leads a dynamic team of over 200 talented colleagues serving diverse business clients with tailored, advice-driven solutions. With over 25 years at RBC, he is known for his collaborative leadership and inclusive approach, striving to create a work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves to bring the best to our clients. Justin knows the power of mentorship both as mentee and now as a mentor. As a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Justin brings a strong commitment to Inclusion and has had several rewarding experiences supporting RBC’s Pride Employee Resource Groups.
Shelley Khaper
Board Member
Shelley Khaper is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and Vice President, Global Markets at TD Securities. She has over 15 years of professional experience in financial services, including accounting, audit, finance, strategy, governance, and financial planning and analysis. Shelley is an inclusive thought leader and champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and is passionate about advancing representation and professional development of diverse talent in the capital markets industry. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the TD Securities Black Employee Network in Canada, in addition to serving as a Member of the TD Securities Disabilities Inclusion Network and having previously served as a Pillar Lead of the TD Securities LGBTQ2+ Employee Resource Group.
Sana Khohkar
Board Member
Sana Kohkar is a family law lawyer based in Oakville, Ontario, with a practice focused on divorce, decision making responsibility, support, and domestic violence prevention. She regularly appears before both the Superior and Ontario Courts of Justice. Sana brings cultural insight and compassion to her work, alongside a strong commitment to advocacy. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and several family law associations.
Sana Khohkar
Board Member
Nimish Bhatt is a Regional Manager- Commercial Banking at RBC, supporting diverse business clients in achieving their goals. Passionate about coaching and mentoring, Nimish aligns closely with Brave Beginnings’ mission to empower survivors. Nimish also consistently champions Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and is committed to community service.
Nicole Hastings
Board Member
Nicole Hastings is Senior Director, Wealth Tax Advisory & Senior Counsel at CIBC, with expertise in tax law. Called to the Ontario Bar in 2012, she is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and several professional associations. Nicole is passionate about mentorship and community service, and she is proud to contribute her expertise to Brave Beginnings.
Jasvir Nijjar
Board Member
Jasvir Nijjar is a seasoned fundraising and sales leader with over 20 years of experience. At Benevity, she helps companies scale their community impact programs. She has led and supported major fundraising campaigns at United Way of Greater Toronto, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the University of Toronto—including U of T’s historic $2 billion Boundless campaign. Jasvir brings to Brave Beginnings a proven track record in revenue growth, donor engagement, and stewardship, all in service of driving greater community impact.
Operating Team
Jeremy De Mello
Co-founder & Assistant Director
Jeremy De Mello is Co-founder and Assistant Director of Brave Beginnings and currently works at MaintainX, a leading industrial work execution software company. With a background in fintech, insurtech, and venture capital, Jeremy has played key roles at Tipalti, Owl.co, Zafin, Lending Loop, and MaRS Discovery District, bringing innovation and strategic insight to Brave Beginnings.
Ngaire Rasmussen
Program Director
Ngaire Rasmussen is the Program Director at Brave Beginnings, bringing experience in the violence against women sector and a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. Passionate about peer support, she believes in the power of community responses to gender-based violence. Ngaire holds a Psychology degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Emily Monkman
Program Manager
Emily Monkman is the Assistant Program Manager at Brave Beginnings, blending arts-based administration with a passion for social impact. With experience across corporate and nonprofit sectors, she combines operational skills with a commitment to community building and volunteer empowerment.
Supriya Sorout
Social Media Coordinator
Supriya Sorout is part of the sales team at WellnessLiving, a Canadian software company, and volunteers as a Social Media Coordinator with Brave Beginnings. Since moving to Canada in 2021, she has focused on building her career in tech while staying connected to community-based advocacy. Social justice has always been important to her, and her work with Brave Beginnings allows her to support a cause she cares about.
Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the help and guidance provided by some of our most generous supporters, including:
• Broadbent Studio
• John Rothschild
• Juliet Kwan
• Karina Barker
• Nathan Snelgrove