Laura Lazo

CHAIR

My role involves providing leadership to the Board, overseeing the overall operation of our organization, developing relationships within MWAF and with stakeholders, representing MWAF at industry events, raising our organization’s profile, liaising with MWAF’s Secretary on day-to-day developments and with Board Directors on the initiatives that pertain to their roles.

I have a Ph.D. in biology from Dalhousie University and experience in research, consulting, university teaching, publishing in scientific journals and presenting at international conferences. Currently, I have my own company, Careers in Agriculture and Food, offering HR services specialized in the agriculture and agri-processing industry.

Inspired by the people that make up this industry, I devote my experience and passion to advocating for agriculture, diversity, inclusion and equity to contribute to the fulfillment of our industry’s capacity. Having adopted a servant-leader management style, the values that drive me and MWAF are collaboration and service. I am also MWAF’s Co-Founder.

MariJo Patino

SECRETARY 

My responsibilities include constructing the board meeting agenda in partnership with the board chair; taking meeting minutes, developing governance, and by-laws and adding policy decisions to the policy manual; overseeing the list of board directors and membership; providing safekeeping of all official contracts and records, all financial matters and report to the board of directors about MWAF’s financial health; liaising with staff responsible for the financial management of the organization; and, assuming a leadership role on board committees or initiatives related to financial matters.

Laura and I started MWAF as we both saw a need for a space where women could come together to support each other in our business and career goals. I enjoy connecting with our members, hearing their stories, and supporting their ambitions. Besides volunteering at MWAF, I work as a market research consultant for organizations in the agriculture and technology sector. I am also an In-Country Analyst for Euromonitor International. I love all-year-round outdoor activities such as camping, cycling, hiking, skating, and cross-country. Reading non-fiction novels and playing board games with my three kids are my favourite ways to relax. I have a master’s degree in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics from the University of Manitoba in Canada (2012).

Zheting Zhu

TREASURER

I offer research services related to Agribusiness, Agriculture Economics and Agricultural policy to support MWAF’s advocacy and growth as an organization.

I joined the MWAF board to help women achieve career and business success and try to narrow the gender gap in the agriculture and food sector. I am a data analyst with three years of experience in economic analysis and policy evaluation, mainly in the agriculture and food industries. I am a research assistant and hold a master’s degree in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in Economics at the University of Manitoba. My research interests focus on price discovery of agricultural products, the agricultural futures market and international trade.

Maryam Bafandkar

Delta Hirsch

With a decade of experience in communications and strategy, Delta brings a valuable perspective to the table. Her journey in agriculture began three years ago when she joined the Pulse Canada team, where she currently serves as the Manager of Marketing and Content. In this role, Delta works with her team to expanding the global market for pulses (chickpeas, beans, lentils, and peas) collaborating closely with stakeholders across the value chain.

Before joining Pulse Canada, Delta honed her skills on the agency side, specializing in public relations and brand strategy. It was during this time that she realized the frustration of building purpose-driven brands only to hand off the reins and hope that their values were upheld. This led her to transition to an in-house role at Pulse Canada where she gets to advocate for sustainable food systems on a global scale.

Delta is committed to advancing equity for all in this land we call Canada and recognizes Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of the land. She believes there is still much work to be done in the agricultural industry and looks forward to collaborating with MWAF to propel the industry forward.

Nilakshi Abeysinghe

DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS.

Nilakshi Abeysinghe.

Nilakshi completed her Master’s degree in agriculture at Dalhousie University and is taking a PhD in Food Science at the University of Manitoba, where she has been involved in many student groups and career development platforms. Presently, besides being the editor for a prestigious Canadian Food Science and Technology e-journal (Manitoba Section), she is also the initiator and founder of the FHNS-CCARM (Food Science and Human Nutritional Science Joint Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine) journal club.

She is passionate about meeting and networking with women with similar interests. With her experiences and skills, she is committed to supporting women in agriculture and food science to grow their careers and thrive.

 Her role at MWAF involves advancing rapport with women and organizations in our industry, developing strategies to raise awareness about MWAF, and managing membership.  She is also responsible for developing, planning and scheduling MWAF events.