Leadership
Zoe Miller
Community Development Lead
Zoe has a Master of Arts (MA) in Adult Education & Community Development.
She helps us build meaningful relationships with all stakeholders in our community, whether that’s with grassroots groups, charities, organizations, or funders.
We believe that the best community projects are those that involve every relevant stakeholder, so her biggest responsibility is to connect the dots and grow our relationships in the community.
Outside of work, Zoe is a feminist, activist, permaculturist and a community leader. She is passionate about building better systems, sharing knowledge and impacting change on a community and ecosystem level.
Contact Email: zoe [at] communitycompany.org
Emma Hofstra
Social Enterprise Lead
Emma has a Master of Science (MSc) in Family Relations & Applied Nutrition.
She is the lead strategist for all Social Enterprise projects. Combining principles of business development and community-based research, she creates effective enterprises that balance sustainability and social impact with our charity and nonprofit partners.
With a background in academic research, she recognizes the crucial role that community engagement plays in driving meaningful, positive social change.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys painting and hiking with her dog, Kaz. She values the importance of maintaining strong relationships and loves spending time connecting with her friends and family.
Contact Email: emma [at] communitycompany.org
Justin Chan
Founder & Executive Director
Justin founded The Community Company in 2018 to connect with people overcoming adversity and creatively share their talents with the world.
Today, The Community Company is creating sustainable Social Enterprises in partnership with our community's most inspiring charities, nonprofits, and grassroot groups.
With a background in both Business Administration and community organizing, he brings a unique blend of experiences to every client project, from investment management, to nonprofit fundraising, to launching grassroot projects.
Outside of work, Justin is a lifelong learner. He sits on the board of the Guelph Community Foundation and enjoys photography, reading, running, basketball, and studying chess theory.
Contact Email: justin [at] communitycompany.org
If you’d like to learn more about why we do our work, you can click the button below!
Our Certification
We’re a Certified B Corporation
In 2021, we passed a one year assessment to become a Certified B Corporation to further our commitment to creating social change. We’re one of 150 Certified B Corporations in Ontario.
In order to qualify as a B Corporation, an organization must have a cumulative score of 80 in Governance, Community, Environment and Accountability. We scored 124 points, which ranks us as one of the highest scoring organizations in Canada.
Many companies will tell you they do good, but few can actually prove it. We are proud to have received this certification from the leading global movement for social enterprises.
Our Artists
Maya Masengi
Artist, Founder of Softly Scripted
What are you most passionate about?
I would say that I’m passionate about a lot of things but they all have creativity in common. Creativity is an important aspect of my life because it allows me to express my thoughts, feelings and emotions in a way that is unique to myself. As someone who has struggled with mental health, my creative outlets have always been a way for me to de-stress and to find comfort. My most valued creative outlet would be my small business, Softly Scripted.
What do you do outside of this project?
I spend a lot of my time working on custom orders for my small business. I create mostly calligraphy wood signs but have recently gotten more into watercolour and digital design. I am also currently going into my 4th year of Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. My hobbies outside of work and school include hiking, thrifting, ultimate frisbee, and hanging out with my dog.
Co-created designs with: Zach, Nathan, Susie and Ranju for the JOE Postcards project. Worked with all five youth at oneROOF Youth Services to create our 2021 Holiday Cards.
Contact info: softlyscripted [at] gmail.com
Social Media: @softlyscripted on Instagram and Facebook
Jacquelynn Chartres
Artist, Founder of Lines of Mine
What are you most passionate about?
As someone who struggles personally, I’m very passionate about advocating for mental health and helping others feel seen & heard. I’m also a self-proclaimed cat-lady so I’m also definitely passionate about cats and animals!
What do you do outside of this project?
Part of my time, I work in child care. I teach at a great pre-school program in Toronto, ON. I’ve always practiced art as a hobby and through school, but I’ve always wanted to use my hobby as a way to make even a small difference. I hope to continue to spread mental health awareness/advocate for others like myself and others through my art!
Co-created designs with: Ben and Tobias, as well as designs for our 2019 Holiday Cards and 2020 Holiday Cards.
Contact Info: linesofmine [at] hotmail.com
Social Media: You can learn more about my art project by following @linesofmine on Instagram!
Amsa Yaro
Mixed Media Artist, Founder of Amsa Yaro Studio
Created the illustrations for: The Period Project (tampon, pad, and menstrual cup designs)
Contact Info: amsayaro [at] yahoo.com
Social Media: You can learn more about my work by following @amsayarostudio on Instagram!
Meris Kieller
Photographer, Founder of Meris Kieller Photography
What are you most passionate about? I'm most passionate about small-scale storytelling. I feel that it is important to hear stories and see from angles that we don't always have access to. I believe this can help us all find perspective in our lives and feel more connected to our world and the people in it.
What do you do outside of this project? I do freelance photography in Guelph and surrounding cities. Slow-paced days spent outside hiking, running, rock climbing, and simply taking in my surroundings are some of my favourites. I love travel and the opportunity to wander around new places. I always appreciate moments of connection with the people around me. And, I hate cheese (currently working through this one).
Photography provided for: Addictions Project, The Wellness Project, 2020 in your Words
Contact Info: info [at] meriskieller.com
Social Media: You can check out my work by following @meriskieller on Instagram!
Laura McMillan
Graphic Designer & Artist
What are you most passionate about?
My passion is bringing people’s imaginations to life. I loved this project because it allowed me to really get to know someone and make the perfect design for them. Art has always been my favourite language and I love to communicate it with people.
What do you do outside of this project?
I just graduated Conestoga college for visual merchandising and I have learned so much in the past two years. I am saving money at the moment so I can continue my education at OCAD for advertising next fall. In my spare time I love to surround my self with nature and paint all day!
Co-created designs alongside: Brandy, Tiffany, Elisa, Sam, and Jillian.
Contact Info: lauramacjerzak [at] gmail.com
Brice Zhao
Filmer, Director, Co-founder of Visuo Studios
Photography provided for: Videography provided for the 2019 Holiday Cards.
Contact Info: brice [at] visuostudios.com
Social Media: You can learn more about Visuo Studios by following @visuostudios on Instagram!
Join our Team
While there are not currently any openings, we expect to be hiring again within the next 6-12 months.
We are open to hearing more about how you think you can best fit into our work! If you believe in what our organization stands for and want to be part of our growth, you are welcome to proactively submit an application and let us know where you can add the most value for our organization.