Our People

With over 25 years of experience as a leader in technology & impact businesses and as an angel investor, Keith has accelerated the growth of both small and large companies and raised over $80M in angel investment and venture capital. As a global keynote speaker, teacher, and advisor, he has an unparalleled ability to collaborate with entrepreneurs, employees, and investors to grow businesses and change the world. Keith has trained more than 400 impact entrepreneurs on investment readiness and raising capital, including Hootsuite (first three rounds), StoryTap, SocialNature, Nada Grocery, Foodee ($200m exit), Ministry of Programming, ehsAI (acquired), Brightkit (acquired; 3x in 2 years), Careteam, and FoodMesh.

A female founder, impact investor, business leader, international citizen and mother, Caroline brings these multiple, complementary perspectives to co-leading Spring. Prior to Spring, her experience included building an internationally acclaimed social enterprise developing renewable energy solutions for off-grid households, working for UNICEF in Laos and growing CPG brands in the UK and Ireland. As such, she brings Spring and its global community her deep understanding of the interplay between impact and profit at both a strategic and operational level, firsthand knowledge of testing and iterating both product and business model, and how to build effective partnerships for maximum impact.

Allison is a social enterprise strategist and entrepreneur based in Toronto. She has a track record for creating impact-driven programs and supporting startups to take scalable business ideas from beta to producing revenue. She provides consulting and program development for purpose-led organizations with a focus on impact and community building. She utilizes her 20 years of experience managing teams and leading projects to help organizations develop training, incubator and accelerator programs.

Luan is responsible for leading all things growth and expansion across Spring’s business units and entities. Luan is passionate about using her technical knowledge, entrepreneurial experience, and corporate background to empower impact-driven founders, investors, and innovators to make a positive impact in the world.

Luan considers facilitation, operations and curiosity her super powers. She earned her Bachelor’s of Commerce (Honors) from the University of Manitoba, her MBA and Certificate in Social Impact from Queen’s University.

After a degree in Development Studies, I started my career working in microfinance impact research. I worked in India for over a year and traveled around the country to find partner organizations keen to set up randomized impact evaluations.

I then went on to work in the banking sector, working in risk management and client facing roles in leading international banks (Citigroup and HSBC), in London, Paris and Taiwan. Strengthened by these experiences, I then went back to the development world and developed a social enterprise in Cambodia.

After four years in the organization, I then went on to work for a Social Impact Investing fund in Paris, Phitrust. I spent four years investing in social enterprises in Europe and Africa.

Neema likes to think of herself as an amalgam. With a degree in Economics and International Relations from the University of British Columbia where she was also a MasterCard Foundation Scholar, her academic background and values for support and engagement feed a keen interest in social impact and financial inclusion ventures, especially with underserved and equity-seeking communities. Her experience includes roles in impact measurement, competition policy and operations and logistics and she is excited to bring these intersectional experiences to support the Spring team as a Program Manager.

In her free time you may find her spotting continuity errors and other “cinema sins” on your everyday tv shows and films over a warm beverage.

Natalie is a mission-driven individual with an entrepreneurial mindset and a background in investor relations, compliance, sustainability and the private markets. She strongly believes in the role and power of capital in creating resilient and equitable communities, and is passionate about equipping impact entrepreneurs and investors with the tools needed to thrive and succeed. Throughout her career thus far, Natalie has had the pleasure of assisting early-stage startups and social purpose organizations in Canada with their crowdfunding capital raises and business needs, and developing strong relationships with investors nation-wide. Currently, she supports the operations of Spring’s investment programs.

Andrea Butters is an Investment Program Manager based in Toronto. She is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in software engineering, and digital marketing. Her commitment to creating equity in all communities fuels her work. Andrea has a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills that allow her to promote and advocate for inclusivity and social justice. She is passionate about technology and its potential to drive change. Outside of work, she is dedicated to promoting these values within her community. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city she calls home and other vibrant cities around the world.

Liv is passionate about building great communities as well as learning and sharing knowledge. She has a background in Global Development and Project Management. Liv started her career at an educational non-profit organization, travelling across Canada providing science, math, and coding programs to Indigenous Youth.

Liv has since worked in tech, government and more. She focuses on problem solving, life-long learning, and making an impact in her community.

As an Investment Operations Manager at Spring, Selina supports the investment team to ensure that all investment programs run smoothly. She enjoys taking on challenges and learning new things, especially when she knows it is making a positive impact. Selina has been passionate about protecting and caring for all beings since a young age. This passion led her to study Environmental Studies and Geography, with a concentration in Urban, Health and Development Studies, at the University of Victoria. She completed an Honours thesis, researching environmental and social sustainability initiatives in urban Cascadia. During her time at university and after, she has worked at various non-profits and companies with a focus on the environment, social justice, and education.

Nathan is committed to inspiring future impact investors to become more active and engaged. He is deeply passionate about supporting founders and investors in the startup ecosystem, with a vision of changing the world.

When he’s not recruiting investors, you’ll find him either lifting heavy weights or writing poetry. Nathan holds an MBA from IE Business School and a Bachelor’s of Engineering from McGill University.

Nina is an Investment Program Associate at Spring based in Vancouver. She provides exceptional support to the team with her organizational skills and proactive mindset. She is a go-getter who has a diverse background in marketing, technology, SaaS, business development and retail. She seeks to always make a positive impact wherever she can and her nimble-thinking and detail-orientedness allow her to always be one step ahead. She holds a degree in Speech and Broadcast Communication and has recently finished her post-degree studies in Business Management. Outside of Spring, Nina is passionate about building sustainable and healthy lifestyles through food, physical activity and more.

Adaeze is a results-driven Investment Program Associate with eight years of experience in project management and leadership who is passionate about driving success, growth and creating lasting impact for small businesses. Adaeze’s expertise lies in designing and implementing strategic programs that foster sustainability and drive significant growth. When not immersed in the world of business, she finds joy in taking long walks, exploring new paths and spending time with loved ones.

Shantanu is an entrepreneur at heart and studied economics at UBC. Before this role, he co-founded a start-up, worked at American Express, and was a fund manager at Canada’s first student-led impact investing fund, the Vancouver Propel Impact Fund. He enjoys collaborating with founders and supports investments at Spring.

Vivian is a supporter of entrepreneurs in every sense of the word. As a founder herself, an advisor, and an investor, Vivian thrives when in service of others and her passion is connecting people so that they can do their best work.

Cheralyn is the Executive Director & Co-Founder of Propel Impact. Since its inception in 2019, she has led the organization to train 400+ youth across Canada. Social and environmental impact have always been core to her work; Cheralyn brings entrepreneurial experience from founding and operating a zero-waste necktie company for seven years (Miley Cyrus bought one in 2015!) and was an early employee at social ventures ChopValue and Awake Labs. She serves on the board of the Tribe Network and as an advisory board member of the University of Victoria Impact Investing Hub. She holds a BCom from the University of British Columbia and was named a BCBusiness Top 30 Under 30 in 2022 and one of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders in 2024.

A recognized nonbinary advocate working at the intersection of DEI and ESG, Tristan previously served in executive roles with several Indigenous organizations, and, in recognition of their work, was named by Future of Good as one of Canada’s top 21 Young Impact Leaders in 2019 and Forty Under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal in 2023. Outside of Propel, they lead a graduate seminar on responsible and impact investing for Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration. 

Beyond work, Tristan is an advisor to Boann Social Impact and the Common Approach to Impact Measurement. Additionally, they serve on the boards of directors for the Table of Impact Investment Practitioners (TIIP), Giyak Mishkawzid Shkagmikwe Corporation (GMS), Textile Museum of Canada, and Living Wage Canada.

Keshiv is a graduate of Queen’s University with a BComm. (Hons.) in Finance. He has held various roles in impact investing and community economic development over the last 5 years as a consultant as well as at SVX and the County of Lennox & Addington. Keshiv also co-founded the Kingston Propel Impact Fund and has been engaged in multiple community capital initiatives in Eastern Ontario. Keshiv has worked across the impact investing ecosystem, evaluating social enterprise loans and venture investments, working with organizations to design funds and build strategies, consulting directly with impact-driven ventures, running investment readiness programming for social enterprises, and raising capital for funds and impact investment products (like Manitoba’s first SIB focused on Indigenous youth in the justice system). Keshiv has successfully passed his Level I CFA exam and holds his CSC and SASB FSA credentials.

Olivia holds a MSc in Management, specializing in Strategy, from HEC Montréal, as well as a BA in International development & African studies from McGill University. She has held various program management, project management and consulting roles for development finance institutions, funds, foundations, social enterprises and non-profit organizations. Olivia has advised leadership teams on strategy, spearheaded transformative projects, influenced organizational direction, and successfully managed innovative development projects. Within the global impact space, she’s managed various client relationships, including TELUS Pollinator Fund, Vancity Community Investment Bank, the Houssian Foundation, the Government of Quebec, the Eastern and Southern African Trade & Development Bank (TDB) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). Olivia has also designed and led capacity building in impact management systems for development finance institutions in emerging economies. Olivia was named one of Future of Good’s Young Leaders to Watch in 2024.

Daius participated in Propel Impact’s Summer Analyst Program, where they worked at RADIUS SFU as an Impact Analyst in 2022 and Vancity Savings Credit Union in 2023. Daius is a recent graduate of Simon Fraser University’s Sustainable Business Joint Major Program (BBA), where they were awarded the Sustainability Leader prize in 2023. They supported the advancement of sustainability in business education by contributing the development of Simon Fraser University’s first mandatory lower-division business sustainability course, BUS 275: Business in a Sustainable Society, as a Research Assistant. Additionally, Daius advocated for integrating sustainability into business schools across Canada as a Curriculum Change Coordinator at Re_Generation.

Tina can be found filling in the gaps wherever they may exist to make sure Spring runs efficiently, focusing on financial and administrative support for the company and operational program support for the team. Tina also leads Spring’s Impact Startup Visa program with an amazing squad, supporting immigrant entrepreneurs from around the world to launch their impact ventures and settle in Canada. She lives by the proverbial notion that there’s a place for everything and everything is in its place, which is why you will find her constantly telling the team to put things in their proper trackers.

Heena describes herself as passionately curious. This trait came to the forefront when she founded and managed her own school at 25, leading a team of 15 and positively impacting over 400 families. She believes in equal access to knowledge and creates engaging learning experiences for people of all ages, from 3-year-olds to 60-year-olds. Her efforts have impacted over 8,000 learners in 75+ countries. At Spring, Heena integrates learning philosophies, builds relationships, and uses analytics to design customer experiences driven by operational excellence and data insights.

In their role as Executive Assistant to Tina Ippel, KJ handles administrative responsibilities and provides support on the Impact Startup Visa Program. With a knack for technology, strong analytical skills, and client-facing experience, KJ is passionate about making a positive impact. Outside the office, KJ is an adrenaline junkie who loves beach vacations and thrilling adventures.

Helen is the Accounting Manager at Spring, bringing nearly ten years of diverse industry experience to the team. Outside of her role, she is continuously learning as a CPA Candidate and enjoys planning her next travel adventure.

Esther, an Executive Assistant to co-CEO Keith, is driven by a passion for helping others thrive and find purpose. Outside work, she’s a creative enthusiast who enjoys arts like crocheting and painting, and is always keen to explore new hobbies, from ice skating to archery. Guided by the principle of offering support wherever possible, Esther aims to leave a legacy of kindness, focusing on making a positive impact in both her professional and personal endeavors.

Ely is a dedicated Executive Administrative Assistant to Caroline von Hirschberg, known for consistently going above and beyond to ensure exceptional service delivery and task fulfillment. Ely thrives in fast-paced environments, providing top-tier support with a strong attention to detail. Outside of work, Ely enjoys spending time at the beach and takes pride in personal style, always paying attention to detail in every aspect of life.

Erin is a media professional fuelled by impact. Passionate about the power of storytelling, she draws on her repertoire as a documentarian, journalist, creative writer, podcaster, interactive website producer and social entrepreneur to create compelling marketing strategies and brand experiences to inspire meaningful action.

Rhea has extensive knowledge of brand marketing and is passionate about developing effective content marketing, and digital and social media strategies. With over 6 years of B2B marketing experience delivering profitable solutions to drive brand awareness, attract leads and sustain relationships with existing customers. Rhea has always had a keen interest in making a social impact and supporting the Spring team will allow her to work with like-minded people to bring impactful projects together seamlessly.

I have worked in marketing for about 5 years now, creating data-driven marketing strategies, event planning, marketing automation, email campaigns, website management, graphic design, and search engine optimization (SEO). I graduated Master’s in Business Administration from New York Tech Vancouver, where I also worked as a part-time Student Life Assistant, I helped organize various student community engagement events and activities for international students. Outside of work, I’m passionate about everything pop culture & exploring the great outdoors through hiking.

Following an impressive journey spanning various corners of the marketing world, Taylor became a Content Marketer at Spring. Taylor has a background that spans circular economy to entrepreneurship. She is passionate about making a positive impact on our world and facilitates this through Spring’s social media presence and content creation.

Loreen has over 8 years of experience in bridging purpose and profit through impact in Asia and North America, with a passion for fostering impact-driven businesses and community development. Guided by a human-centered approach, she strives to create an inclusive, sustainable economy. Her journey began with the UN SDGs, particularly Goal 17, which led her into career in fundraising, corporate partnerships, program management, and business impact strategy. Loreen is committed to driving positive social and environmental outcomes through collaborative efforts and purpose-driven endeavours.

Gina is the co founder of a mission focused CPG business, working on supporting small farmers in Egypt. She has appeared on “Dragons Den” and multiple publications such as Globe and Mail, Oakville Beaver and Blogto. Gina loves facilitating and has guest lectured at Duke, U of T, U Waterloo and more. Gina is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Duke Fuqua School of Business.

Fabíola has been active in the entrepreneurship ecosystem for more than 10 years, as a member of program execution teams and by being a co-founder in an edtech business for over 7 years. She has participated in several startup accelerators in South America and has been a Tedx talker before. At Spring, she brings her passion for Community Building, Immigration and Entrepreneurship!

Ernest Barbaric is a seasoned entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in electronics engineering, marketing, and executive coaching. As the founder of Elari Ventures, he developed leadership programs for mission-driven founders and coaches executives to confidently navigate uncertainty. Ernest has taught at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary, delivered over 100 keynotes, and his work has been featured in TEDx and Forbes. Now, as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) at Spring, he helps international founders build successful companies in Canada.

Previously Chief Investment Officer at Spring Activator, providing programming for startup entrepreneurs and impact investors. Former Investment Manager at LGT Impact (now Lightrock with $3b AUM) leading climate and agriculture diligence. Former CFO of Sistema.bio, a global regenerative agriculture company. Ex-Oliver Wyman.

Former VP at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, in the Alternative Investments & Manager Selection team. Former consultant to Vancity’s impact investing fund portfolio, investor relations at a $5bn London-based hedge fund and portfolio advisor at RBC Dominion Securities.