Category: Staff

Karen Tam Wu is an accomplished leader with deep expertise in energy and climate policy, nature conservation, and sustainable forestry. Her career highlights include serving at the Pembina Institute as Director of the Buildings and Urban Solutions Program and later as Regional Director for B.C., where she spearheaded innovative strategies and impactful collaborations.

From 2017 to 2024, Karen contributed to the BC Climate Solutions Council, shaping policies to address climate challenges. Currently, she serves on the board of BC Hydro. For her work, Karen has been recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s B.C.’s most influential business leaders, a Georgia Strait Trailblazer, and is a recipient of the Foresight Industry Impact Award.

Mira Oreck became the first Executive Director of The Houssian Foundation in 2020. She is a dedicated leader passionate about driving social and environmental change through progressive public policies and fostering civic engagement.

Guided by a feminist perspective shaped early in life and a deep commitment to our natural environment, Mira has worked closely with the Board to craft the foundation’s inaugural grant-making and investment strategies and built meaningful relationships within the philanthropic sector. Alongside the board, she has guided the foundation towards trust-based philanthropic practices.

Mira has a professional background in community and political organizing, working on issue-based campaigns in both Canada and the United States. She also served as the Director of Stakeholder Relations to Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan.

Holding an undergraduate degree in sociology and women’s studies from McGill University and a Master’s in urban policy from The New School in New York City, Mira’s expertise and vision have been instrumental in shaping the foundation.

Mira loves to be outside with her husband, two kids and elderly dog.

Christine Robertson is an accomplished operations and project management professional with expertise in administration, large-scale event management, and strategic implementation. Since joining The Houssian Foundation in 2021, she has been instrumental in strengthening operational infrastructure, including significantly modernizing all Foundation systems to enhance efficiency and deepen impact.

Her career spans operations, event, and project roles in Vancouver’s nonprofit sector, as well as leadership positions at The Georgia Straight and Whole Foods Market. She has also worked on food security issues through FarmFolk CityFolk and Quest Food Exchange.

Outside of work, Christine finds inspiration seeing live music, travelling, and enjoying the arts.

Lizzy Karp is a passionate advocate for creativity, accessibility, and community impact, with a focus on gender equity. With over a decade of experience in community engagement and program development, she has spearheaded impactful initiatives that inspire connection and drive meaningful change. A co-founder of Brood, Lizzy brought innovative solutions to maternal and family care, supporting over 3,500 families since 2022. During her tenure at TELUS, she played a pivotal role in launching STORYHIVE, a groundbreaking film-granting program that has invested over $75 million to amplify diverse voices.

A recognized leader, Lizzy has received numerous accolades, including a 30 Under 30 award and the Wendy MacDonald Diversity Award, underscoring her commitment to fostering cultural change and promoting equity.