"Here's to the crazy ones - the misfits - the rebels - the trouble makers - the round heads in square holes - the ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules - and have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them - disagree with them - glorify or vilify them. But the one thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things - they push the human race forward. And while some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world... are the only ones who do!"
There is, in the world, an interesting collection of people
who seem to view the universe differently, who have trouble dismissing a problem apparent before them, who experience some sense of responsibility for the events in their midst, who are somehow "connected" to the larger world, who act according to original rules, who have a special confidence in their ability to change what is not right, and who have the bravery to move into the unknown.
These are the colleagues, the friends, the inspiration and the heart of all that CEDAR Foundation: International does.
There are the Visionaries:
-
Deborah Bial [POSSE Foundation] who created a major American social institution from a simple idea,
-
Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, who created the academic wonder that is KIPP by seeing the need for improvement in America's troubled educational sector, and
-
Fred Swaniker who fearlessly decided to change the future of Africa with his African Leadership Academy.
There are the Pragmatists:
-
Ian Kilbride [KiDS Foundation],
-
James Urdang [Education Africa],
-
Nyagaka Ongeri [SSP],
-
Father Bill Muller [Verbum Dei], and
-
the leadership staff of CIDA, TALLER San Jose and Prep for Prep.
...all of whom devote their lives to developing and implementing brilliant, innovative solutions to complex social problems.
And there are the Compassionates:
-
the Gilani family of SCANN who have made the lives of street boys a major priority in their own lives,
-
Dr. Jim and Trish London of South Central Scholars whose simple decision to help one boy go to college progressed quickly to their support and guidance of 500 more, and
-
Gail Johnson, the "mother" of Nkosis Haven, who assumed the responsibility for the care and support of as many HIV/AIDS infected women and their children as she could house.
...all of them seem to possess a capacity for love beyond the imaginable.
Add to these the extraordinary talents and energy of Leigh-Ann and Greg Kazolas, the intrepid spirits of CEDAR, who travel the world, tap into the heart of the nations we serve and hold on boldly to their convictions as they discover and manage the diverse relationships and logistics that define CEDARs unique mandate and presence in the world. They endure exhausting travel schedules and assorted climates, but will always be the first to bring humour and spirit to every meeting. Without them, CEDAR could not accomplish its simple goal of "educating some of the worlds most disadvantaged children".
We are grateful to have these phenoms in our lives.
CEDAR Foundation: International Board of Directors
» ROBERT (BOB) BENTALL
CHAIRMAN
As a Registered Professional Engineer (Structural Engineering), Bob's career in the family-owned company progressed through several levels to Chief Executive Officer in 1979, Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1988 and retiring in 2001.
During the span of his career, BENTALL CORPORATION progressively grew to a major international real estate development and property management company, trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under Bob's leadership, the company expanded its operations and value while building superb international reputation for integrity, innovation and quality.
» LYNDA BENTALL
PRESIDENT
After achieving a MASc (Industrial Psychology), Lynda established a national career as a Human Resources Specialist/Consultant with expertise in corporate leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, ethics and executive training programme design.
Since 1989 she has been President of CEDAR Foundation: International through which she designed, developed, funded and led the unique and internationally-acclaimed AILANTHUS Achievement Centre.
In 2004, CEDAR Foundation: International's decision to provide support to the disadvantaged children in other countries was an exciting opportunity for Lynda to adapt her extensive professional history and expertise to this complex, ambitious and important endeavour.
» GERARDO AVILA
DIRECTOR
Gerardo Avila holds a Masters Degree in Hispanic Literature from the University
of British Columbia. He has worked as a teacher and artistic coordinator for
AILANTHUS Achievement Center for more than ten years.
Gerardo brings to CEDAR Foundation: International his experience as a Spanish teacher at the University of British Columbia, and Open Learning University and as a performer with several Canadian professional theatre companies, including Cirque de Soleil.
» PAUL McMULDROCH
DIRECTOR
Paul's career began as a teacher whose talents and leadership led his career through progressive levels of administrative and leadership responsibilities. He retired in 2001 form the position of Assistant Superintendent of Schools of British Columbia's largest school district. In addition, he has instructed in the Department of Administrative, Adult and Higher Education at the University of British Columbia.
Enjoying a variety of challenges, Paul has played a significant role in educational accreditation programmes, chaired over 30 External Evaluation teams, developed a leadership series for teachers, and served on the province's Planning Committee for an International Symposium on Government Policies in Education Technology.
Since 2002, Paul has been a member of the Board of Directors of CEDAR Foundation: International and has contributed his expertise and energy towards its many community endeavours.
» Dr. SCOTT RUSSELL
DIRECTOR
After attaining his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine in the USA, Scott completed
his training and residency at UBC School of Medicine in Vancouver, Canada.
Since 1980, he has been fully engaged in Private and Group Medical Practice
as well as Hospital affiliations in various locations in the USA and Canada.
In spite of an incredibly demanding professional schedule, Scott was willing
to accept the invitation to join the Board of Directors of CEDAR Foundation:
International in 2001.
His sense of community responsibility, as well as his keen focus on the
betterment of health and well-being of others, makes Scott an important
contributor to the plans and activities of CEDAR Foundation: International
around the globe.
