Kristine Bugayong - Chief Executive Officer
Contact: kristine@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Kristine joined the Central Okanagan Foundation as the Executive Director in September of 2023. Kristine has almost 2 decades of non-profit experience in a variety of capacities, including executive positions within Red Deer and Central Alberta, where she lived for over 20 years. She has worked in and volunteered with various boards, committees and coalitions spanning areas such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership development; poverty reduction; housing and homelessness; education and training; and mental health and addictions.
Kristine moved to Canada in 2003 from Manila, Philippines, along with her sibling to reunify with her mother. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Audio-Visual Communication degree and a Master of Arts in Women and Development Studies degree both from the University of the Philippines. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, karaoke singing, exploring new places, and gaining new experiences.
Abbie Norrish - Manager, Grants & Community Initiatives
Contact: abbie@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Abbie has worked with a wide range of non-profit organizations as an administrator, fundraiser, and executive director, and is excited to continue her career with the Central Okanagan Foundation providing support to the many non-profit organizations working to make our community great. Abbie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Okanagan College, as well as an MBA from the University of Northern BC.
Julie Belgrove - Accounting Technician
Contact: julie@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Julie joined the Central Okanagan Foundation finance team with over 20 years of non-profit accounting experience. She has worked both directly for non-profits in the Okanagan and independently, running a successful bookkeeping business with a focus on the charitable sector. She feels passionate about people in general, and with an education in business accounting, she wishes to remain within the realm of the betterment of mankind.
Moving from the receiving end of the gifts provided, she feels privileged to be able to support those same charities with the funds to sustain their amazing work within our community. The need is growing every year and the generosity of our citizens has touched her immensely.
Bonnie Clarke - Administrative Associate
Contact: bonnie@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Bonnie joined the team at the Central Okanagan Foundation with a background in both administration and finance. She volunteered in the non-profit sector for over a decade, which made her a wonderful fit for the foundation.
Lisa Watson - Office Administrator
Contact: lisa@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Lisa joined the Central Okanagan Foundation in July of 2023. Lisa’s experience with the non-profit sector includes her previous role at AutismBC and her volunteer experience with other disability organizations.
Lisa has lived in Kelowna since 2000 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Simon Fraser University.
Her interests include reading, travelling, spending time in the lake in the summer, and skiing in the winter.
Paulyn Chua, CPA - Finance Manager
Contact: paulyn@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Paulyn has called Kelowna home since 2003. She graduated from then the Okanagan University College with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and was awarded both the Governor General’s Silver Medal as well as the Bachelor of Business Administration Medal for academic excellence. Paulyn received her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2005 and has worked in both public practice and industry for over 20 years. She has also owned and managed a licensed daycare for six years as she wanted to be able to be actively participating in her children’s early years, while at the same time feeding her entrepreneurial spirit.
Paulyn joined the Central Okanagan Foundation in November of 2023. Having had many years of experience in the private sector, she now wants to turn her focus on contributing to her community. She has a great passion for helping people and is looking forward to working together with the non-profit organizations of the Okanagan to help create a better community.
When not at work, Paulyn enjoys spending time with her children enjoying the beautiful Okanagan, listening to podcasts, taking dance lessons, crafting, and creating wonderful experiences and memories through travelling the world.
Niveria Oliveira - Community Entity Manager
Contact: niveria@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Niveria Oliveira (she/her) has worked in the social purpose and profit sector for over 20 years. Prior to joining Central Okanagan Foundation, she worked for Vancouver Foundation creating transformational change in numerous granting programs. She is a graduate of both University of Waterloo and UBC and volunteers her time with WORTH advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the recreation, tourism, and hospitality sectors.