2024 40 Under 40 Winners

Adrienne's unwavering commitment to philanthropy and donor-centric care, paired with her thoughtful and unassuming leadership, sets her apart. Starting as a university co-op student 17 years ago, she has built a remarkable career at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Adrienne's creativity and dedication are evident in her pivotal role in the $60M Future of Surgery campaign, where she pioneered innovative donor recognition. Her efforts have led to significant initiatives, such as revamping donor recognition categories through a DEI lens and creating successful events like the Luminaries Stewardship Dinner. Adrienne's leadership in the "Improving Donor Experience" initiative has engaged the entire organization, elevating our vision for meaningful donor engagement. Her strategic approach, adaptability, and commitment to donor feedback have resulted in numerous successful projects and improved donor relations.

I completed an 8-month co-op term at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in the middle of getting my BA in Business at Simon Fraser University. It was like drinking out of a fire hose, but I fell in love with the cause, the people, and spirit of the organization. I worked for two other nonprofits after my term ended, and when my old director asked me to return in a permanent coordinator position, I jumped at the chance in 2008 while completing my final year at SFU. 

At any given time, your health is not guaranteed. Health issues can impact anyone, at any time, at any instant. I find it a privilege to support our talented and passionate healthcare professionals and teams who dedicate their lives to improving patient outcomes through care or research and better the lives of the greater community and beyond. Having access to the best care possible is the reason why my husband's bleak cancer diagnosis in 2018 had a positive outcome. I have always had an appreciation for the impact healthcare fundraising has had and find joy and excitement expressing that gratitude to our donors who are the real champions of healthcare philanthropy. 

There was a point earlier in my career that I felt quite undervalued and was looking to leave the organization. I cannot underscore the value of incredible leaders, which was a pivotal reason and turning point for me to stay the course. I was given opportunities to spread my wings and develop the hard and soft skills which eventually landed me in a leadership role in donor engagement and stewardship. Over my many years at the foundation, I have been blessed to have the guidance and support of great leaders who have really motivated and encouraged me throughout my career. 

This would have changed throughout the years, but I would have to say nurturing connections with my family of four is always top of mind—as my parents grow older and my kids grow up—all we have at the end of the day is our health and time. It is important to me that I leave lasting memories for my children and ensure they excel at whatever they become passionate about. A close second is always ensuring I have a positive impact through my actions and my work. 

I would say always stay curious; don't ever think you are finished learning. Even being at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation for as long as I have, I still learn something new every day, whether in donor relations, a process in another department, or within the actual clinical areas that we support. Establishing strong relationships with stakeholders is also important such as donors, but also clinical partners. Effective philanthropy is built on trust and collaboration and at the end of the day you become a better colleague and partner in fundraising—which keeps you invested in your job and contribution to the greater mission.