2024 40 Under 40 Winners

Megan has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Sinai Health Foundation, focusing on enhancing the donor experience and driving significant results. Under her guidance, initiatives like "The Mount Sinai 100 Experience" at the Art Gallery of Ontario garnered substantial media attention and engaged thousands of stakeholders. She has been instrumental in raising $26.5M towards the $50M goal for priority campaigns such as the Centre for Mature Women's Health, while also leading 30 major gift events annually to deepen donor engagement. Megan's data-driven approach includes developing KPIs for donor satisfaction and achieving a 90% gift renewal rate, contributing to a 35% increase in overall donor engagement activities. Her professionalism and strategic acumen make her a trusted leader in stakeholder management and community engagement at Sinai Health Foundation.

I began my career in charitable events, which eventually led me to my first role in healthcare philanthropy as an events and corporate partnerships manager at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in the west end of Toronto. There, I witnessed the profound impact a hospital can have on its community. Hearing testimonials about the hospital’s presence during pivotal life moments—such as the birth of a child, a critical surgery, or the loss of a loved one—opened my eyes to the unique and enduring relationship individuals have with healthcare institutions. This experience inspired and motivated me to become more deeply engaged in the work, striving to support healthcare teams in providing the best care possible.

I initially joined the healthcare philanthropy sector out of curiosity, but it was the profound impact on patients and their families that truly inspired me to build a career in this field. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power that excellent clinical care and research can have is incredibly motivating. Working closely with clinical and scientific leaders—some of the brightest minds from around the globe—adds an exciting and dynamic element driving my daily work. Additionally, seeing the personal impact that healthcare professionals have on patients and their families makes me feel privileged to play even a small role in this larger, meaningful endeavor.

A pivotal moment in my career was the development of the Donor Experience team at Sinai Health Foundation. To support the organizational strategic plan, SHF adjusted our internal structure to create a dedicated stewardship team focused on showcasing impact to our donors through innovative and well-supported activities. This new structure allowed me to transition into a leadership role, overseeing how the organization strategizes, executes, and measures the success of our stewardship initiatives. Through strong internal collaboration, we have transformed our approach to stewardship and showcasing donor impact, which has not only enhanced our donor relationships but also allowed me to grow in my role with the trust and support of our organizational leadership.

My greatest passion in my professional work is understanding what motivates donors and what resonates most with them. Each donor brings their own unique experiences and history that inspire them to support a specific institution, and they measure their impact in different ways. Understanding a donor's motivations and customizing their stewardship experience accordingly is extremely rewarding. This tailored approach not only enhances the donor's experience but also strengthens the crucial relationship between donors and the healthcare teams their support enables.

Lead with curiosity. Embrace the mindset of always asking "why" and "how" when it comes to understanding people and organizations. By doing so, you'll uncover the underlying motivations and factors that drive success. This approach not only helps you gain valuable insights but also enables you to identify innovative ways to enhance your efforts and improve the impact of your work.