Capacity Canada proudly marked another milestone in strengthening Canada’s non-profit sector with the successful completion of its 17th Board Governance BootCamp, held November 18–20, 2025, in Kitchener at the Bingeman’s Centre. This year’s BootCamp brought together board members, executives, and emerging leaders from across Canada and beyond for three days of shared learning, reflection, and growth.
The event opened with a sense of excitement and purpose. As participants settled in for the immersive program ahead, which was filled with workshops, fireside chats, and peer-to-peer engagement, one message rang clear: strong governance is the backbone of resilient, high-impact organizations.
“Capacity Canada’s Board Governance BootCamp represents an exciting opportunity to equip non-profit leaders with the tools and insights they need to govern with confidence and impact,” said Cathy Brothers, CEO of Capacity Canada. “Strong governance is the foundation of thriving organizations, and tonight we celebrate the courage and commitment of our participants to excel in leadership roles.”
A Theme Rooted in Leadership and Bravery
The theme for the 2025 BootCamp – Navigating Change With Courage – reflected the challenges and opportunities facing non-profit organizations in an era of rapid transformation. Through practical exercises, expert-led sessions, and scenario-based discussions, participants explored what courageous governance looks like in action and how boards can position organizations for long-term success.
The opening night set the tone with a keynote fireside chat featuring Arlene Dickinson, one of Canada’s most recognized entrepreneurs and investors. In a candid conversation, Dickinson shared lessons on strategic leadership, innovation, and the evolving expectations of boards as they embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Strong governance is about oversight, vision, adaptability, and courage,” Dickinson said. “I’m thrilled to join Capacity Canada in inspiring leaders to embrace innovation and lead with purpose.” Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, a respected Indigenous leader and Board Member of Capacity Canada, delivered an opening evening keynote that invited us into the healing journey of Truth and Reconciliation by sharing seven new teachings as guiding principles to live and lead with purpose.
Participant Reflections: Growth, Insight, and Community
Among this year’s attendees was Itohan Onaghinon, who travelled all the way from Nigeria to participate in the BootCamp. “I was drawn to the curriculum. The sessions were themed around AI, and it’s crucial for me to know AI is being introduced into a boardroom,” she said. “It was a great learning experience.”
Faune Lang from Food4Kids Waterloo Region, returning for her second BootCamp after first learning about Capacity Canada through one of her organization’s consultants.
“I love the BootCamp. Each year brings new perspectives, different themes, and so many opportunities to learn,” Faune shared. “It’s inspiring to be in a space where leaders can exchange ideas openly, and I’d love to see even more engagement and conversation as we continue to grow together.”
Deep Dives With Sector Experts
This year’s BootCamp also featured a series of pre-BootCamp sessions that quickly became highlights. Among them were:
Courage in Board Governance with Senator Paulette Senior, AI for Board Governance with governance expert and author Paul Smith, and sessions on risk management, fundraising, and more.
These sessions equipped participants with both the strategic perspective and practical tools needed to thrive in increasingly complex landscapes.
As the BootCamp concluded, participants left with renewed confidence, stronger networks, and a deeper understanding of how courageous leadership can transform communities. The 2025 cohort joins hundreds of past BootCamp alumni who continue to shape governance excellence across Canada.