Photo by Tiffany Thomas of Taylre Media
Brandon Meawasige
Chief Operating Officer
Brandon Meawasige, a member of Serpent River First Nation, is the Chief Operating Officer at Indspire. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies from McMaster University and a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing from St. Lawrence College. Since joining Indspire in 2020, Brandon has led the Communications team—spearheading a reimagining and successful execution of Indspire’s events—and has played a key role in shaping the organization’s voice and public presence.
With over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and media, Brandon previously managed a web design agency and held leadership roles with both established tech companies and early-stage startups. Born and raised in Toronto, he also has familial ties to Alderville First Nation and was a recipient of Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures bursary program during his undergraduate studies.
Currently pursuing a Master of Design (MDes) in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University, Brandon remains deeply committed to advancing Indigenous education and empowering First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth across Canada.
Photo by Tiffany Thomas of Taylre Media
Yancy Craig
Vice President, Indigenous and Government Relations
Yancy Craig brings over 25 years of public administration and policy experience in the government and not-for-profit sectors. A strong advocate for Indigenous human rights, Yancy has held influential roles with the Assembly of First Nations and the National Association of Friendship Centres. His career began at the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and includes a range of policy and program administration roles within the federal public service.
Of mixed settler and Oneida heritage, Yancy is a proud member of Six Nations of the Grand River. He currently resides in Ottawa on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg.
Yancy holds a degree in Sociology and History from Trent University, where he is serving his second term on the Board of Governors. His work is driven by a passion for public policy, innovation, and advancing equity for Indigenous communities.
Thomas Darnay
Chief Financial Officer
Thomas Darnay is Ojibway from the Garden River First Nation and the Chief Financial Officer for Indspire. He was previously the Director of Finance for the Six Nations of the Grand River, Finance Manager for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Finance Officer for the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Service Corporation. He is a Trustee of the Six Nations Community Development Trust, a member of the Anishnawbe Health Foundation’s Finance, Audit and Investment Committee, and a Board member of the Indigenous Screen Office. He was also a founding member of Oonuhseh and Aknohsot Native Homes. Tom’s leadership and expertise in finance, investment, strategic planning and governance successfully guides both senior management and the Boards of Directors. Tom has an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration, is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA)/Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM). He received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Photo by Tiffany Thomas of Taylre Media
Dr. Nima Dehghansai
Vice President, Research and Impact
Dr. Nima Dehghansai is Vice President of Research and Impact at Indspire, bringing a strong background in research, strategy, and system design. He holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University, with a focus on athlete development and high-performance sport systems, particularly in Para sport. His work has informed national strategies in Canada and Australia, including efforts leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Games.
A widely published scholar and co-editor of Talent Development in Paralympic Sport (Routledge), Dr. Dehghansai bridges research and practice to advance equity in sport, education, and workforce transitions. His research has centered on identifying key factors that support long-term success, with an emphasis on creating data-informed strategies that improve access, inclusion, and performance outcomes.
At Indspire, he leads research and evaluation efforts that identify systemic barriers and inform policy to improve outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth.
Photo by Tiffany Thomas of Taylre Media
Kate Espina
Vice President, Development
Kate Espina is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and organizational growth. As Vice President of Development at Indspire, she oversees national fundraising efforts that support the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada.
Since joining Indspire, she has held senior roles—including Director of Major Gifts and Director of Partnerships. Kate’s expertise in major giving, strategic partnerships, and campaign development play a key role in strengthening donor relationships and increasing philanthropic support for Indigenous education.
Before Indspire, Kate served as Vice President of Client Services North America at GiveBridge, where she collaborated with a wide range of international charities to grow their monthly donor programs. Her background also includes executive support roles at The Arthritis Society, Canadian Tire Corporation and Cineplex Entertainment, giving her a broad perspective on corporate strategy, stakeholder relations, mergers and acquisitions and board governance.
Kate brings a beneficiary-focused approach to fundraising and a deep commitment to advancing equity through education. She is passionate about aligning philanthropic strategy with mission impact.
Mallory Rose
Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Student Success
Mallory Rose, a member of Curve Lake First Nation, is the Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Student Success at Indspire. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and brings 15 years of leadership experience in Indigenous communications, marketing strategy, and digital storytelling.
Before joining Indspire, Mallory served as Director of Marketing and Communications at a national non-profit and Creative Director at Tribal Trade Co. Mallory has led high-growth marketing teams, expanded digital audiences of over 100,000, and trained more than 10,000 learners in Indigenous communications, culture, and reconciliation.
She has led communications projects with both national and international brands, including Procter & Gamble, Best Buy, Marsh McLennan, and Nielsen, to deliver genuine and impactful campaigns through strategic amplification of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis voices.
Featured speaker at TEDx, Indspire’s National Gathering, and the Assembly of First Nations, Mallory is now pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Ivey Business School and is dedicated to transforming the narrative surrounding Indigenous leadership through education, empowerment, and innovation.