Sandra Hawken
Sandra Hawken joined Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation in 2015 as President and CEO of Canada’s largest foundation supporting pediatric disability research and healthcare.
In partnership with a dynamic staff team and Board of Directors, she has increased the supporter base by over 850%, more than doubled annual fundraising, launched a viral national disability inclusion media movement and raised over $6 million in the award-winning and uniquely accessible Capes for Kids program. The Holland Bloorview Foundation inspired $32 million in philanthropy as part of the largest fundraising campaign for disability research in Canadian history which resulted in Holland Bloorview now having the highest concentration of childhood disability research globally.
A values-based leader, Sandra has raised more than $150 million and significant media attention for equity-focused charities. Prior to joining Holland Bloorview Foundation, Sandra held senior leadership roles at Canadian Women’s Foundation, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and the Assaulted Women’s Helpline. Sandra has been a frequent spokesperson in the national media, persuasively reframing complex issues ranging from workplace harassment to disability inclusion and gender based violence. Her leadership has included launching Canada’s first Donor Code of Conduct, authoring a column in the Huffington Post and spearheading record-breaking campaigns that have won national and international awards including a Cannes Lion.
Sandra's volunteer leadership has included serving as Board Director of Theatre Passe Muraille, past Vice-Chair of Canadian Marketing Association’s Not-for-Profit Marketing Council, past President of Brookfield RPS Charitable Foundation, multiple committee and board positions at women’s organizations and has served as a mentor and guest lecturer at Queen’s University Smith School of Business
Media Expertise
not-for-profit, pediatric disability advocacy, philanthropy, sexual assault and harassment in fundraising
