Our Team
Vanessa Paesani
Principal Consultant
Vanessa Paesani is focused on creating systems change for an equitable economy. Vanessa is leading the Pond-Deshpande Centre’s work in convening the social enterprise ecosystem in New Brunswick, and their work as a regional delivery partner of WIN-VC, a national collective focused on changing the system of less than 3% of venture capital going to women.
She is deeply passionate about how governance practices lead to better outcomes for people and organizations, and how organizations can serve people instead of people serving organizations. Vanessa is leading the transition committee of the Fundy Trail Parkway as they transition the non-profit into the NB provincial government, and has served on the board of Venture for Canada - a national charity dedicated to building entrepreneurial skills in young Canadians - for the last 7 years.
Vanessa is a certified teacher and certified executive coach. She is currently completing a Masters of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching at Royal Roads University, and certification in the Hello Seven Coach framework, a coaching framework targeted at assisting entrepreneurs who have experienced systemic barriers in growing their business to over $1M in revenue..
Christina Benzing
Principal, Consonance Consulting
With over 15 years of experience working across the full spectrum of organizational life from top executives to front-line staff, across all operational divisions in both private and public sector organizations, Christina has developed a holistic, systems understanding of organizational strategy, leadership, and performance. Having been involved in various organizational strategy and change initiatives, she has an exceptional understanding of what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to driving performance. She is able to help organizations uncover creative solutions based on her in-depth understanding of human behaviour from a global perspective.
Christina currently teaches with the Queen’s University Faculty of Law in the area of managing Human Resources in the context of legal firms, with a specialization in cross-cultural management. Christina was also a former adjunct faculty member with the Edwards School of Business (University of Saskatchewan).
Christina has spent the majority of her career working in the public sector for healthcare, social services and community resources, as well as post-secondary education. She also offers public sector and global experience, and was the VP of Human Resources for a global manufacturer.
Norah Kennedy
Associate
Norah Kennedy is an experienced executive director with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit management. She has led the Family Transition Place for over 15 years. Their mission is is to support the holistic wellbeing of those affected by gender-based violence and promote healthy relationships and community through education.
Norah is a certified executive coach and a certified culture transformation tools practitioner. She also holds a graduate certificate in values-based leadership - something she brings to all of her work. Norah coaches clients in community engagement, nonprofit management, adult education, volunteer management, and public speaking. She is also skilled in business development.