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Meet the Team

Passionate Purpose -  Our ‘Why’

At Do Gooders, we are united by a shared belief that our work has the power to help transform lives. Our commitment is rooted in a genuine understanding of the impact that charities and not-for-profits can make in their communities when they have the right support. 

We believe not-for-profits deserve the help they need to access funding so they can deliver vital services and strengthen communities across Canada. Together, our team brings decades of experience in grant writing and fund development, helping charities, not-for-profits, and Indigenous Nations secure the funding they need to grow their impact.

About Do Gooders
Our Services

Kathleen Rafter Lemieux

Founder, CEO

Kathleen Lemieux is a dynamic entrepreneur, seasoned leader, and fundraising professional with over two decades of experience in Canada’s not-for-profit sector. As the founder and CEO of                Do Gooders, Kathleen leads a skilled team that provides grant writing and grant research services to support charities, nonprofits and Indigenous Nations across the country. She launched                Do Gooders in May 2021 with a clear mission: to help organizations secure the funding they need to deliver vital services to Canadians. 

Kathleen’s career is marked by strategic success in fundraising, from developing comprehensive revenue plans to securing millions in grant funding for organizations from coast to coast. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2015, she is a proud graduate of the Boston University Professional Fundraising Program and a certified digital marketer who keeps pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape.

A longstanding member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for over 20 years, Kathleen is one of the founding members of the AFP BC Interior Chapter and has served on the National Philanthropy Committee. Her deep commitment to professional standards and sector collaboration is a hallmark of her leadership. Do Gooders currently sponsors a multitude of events in the not-for-profit sector each year.

Kathleen has played key roles in high-impact campaigns for organizations including Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, and the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities Association. She also brought her expertise to the political realm, serving as Director of Logistics for Loyal Woolridge’s successful 2018 Kelowna city council campaign.

In recognition of her leadership and community contributions, Kathleen was nominated for the Crowe MacKay LLP Change Maker Award as part of the inaugural Kelowna Women in Business RISE Awards in 2020. In 2023, she received an Honourable Distinction and was named one of the “Top 40 Over 40” by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Under her leadership, Do Gooders was named the winner of the 2024 Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Community Impact, following back-to-back nominations for the Rising Star Business of the Year award in 2022 and 2023.

Patricia Asaka

Administrative & Client Services Manager

Patricia is an aspiring humanitarian with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia.

As the Administrative and Client Services Manager at Do Gooders, Patricia is passionate about helping not-for-profits, Indigenous Nations, and charities amplify their impact. She recently completed Alacrity Canada’s CRM Bootcamp, strengthening her ability to support organizations with meaningful systems and client care.

Driven by a deep desire to make a difference, Patricia thrives in values-based work. She brings empathy, curiosity, and a people-first approach to every conversation—building strong relationships and helping changemakers feel supported every step of the way.

She firmly believes that when purpose-driven people are empowered, they can change the world.

Ivana Jazic

Grant Writer

Ivana is an experienced grant writer based in Ontario, Canada, with a strong track record of securing funding for various organizations. With nearly four years of experience, she has successfully worked with for-profit organizations, non-profits, and municipalities, securing grants of all sizes.

Ivana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Toronto, combined with her Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ivana is known for her genuine love for animals. As an avid animal lover, she has two cats and actively supports animal welfare organizations in her community. Her dedication to both her work and her furry friends showcases her compassionate nature and commitment to making a difference.

Jithin Ayinickal

Web Developer

Jithin is a web developer with a keen interest in Web User Experience and Cybersecurity. He has designed and developed several websites for small businesses and non-profits across Canada and the U.S. His expertise ranges from structuring, developing and implementing interactive and secure websites using WordPress.

Jithin loves to work collaboratively and is always eager to learn new web standards and trends.

When not working, Jithin can be found enjoying the Okanagan,  – especially the trails and the wineries.

Kimera Andrades

Digital Content & Grant Research Specialist

Kimera is a perpetual learner who leverages her creative and analytical abilities to make an impact in the world of digital marketing and grant research. She holds certifications in digital marketing, Google Ads Search and Measurement Certifications, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with a specialization in marketing, and a Post-Graduate diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communication.

In her role, Kimera combines her passion for storytelling with data-driven insights to create compelling content and conduct in-depth grant research. Her exceptional writing and editing skills are evident in her mastering four languages and her continuous love for learning new languages and cultures. 

She brings out her artistic side by exploring various arts such as knitting, weaving, painting, etc. and by being an avid reader. She loves travelling and has visited more than 25 countries! Her motto in life is to be kind and compassionate and to use her talents for the good of humanity.

Gaelene Askeland

Grant Writer

Gaelene has more than 25 years of experience working in the social justice sector, the last 15 years as Executive Director. Locally, she was the ED at the John Howard Society of the Central and South Okanagan, the Central Okanagan Journey Home Society and the BC First Nations Justice Council.

Gaelene has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development with a minor in Conflict Resolution from the University of Winnipeg. 

She fostered dogs for a number of years until the last one was a ‘foster fail’, so now her two dogs keep her active with walks and hikes every day. Much to the chagrin of many of her friends, she is an Oilers fan.

Jeffrey Griffin Asaka

Grants Data Entry & Research Assistant

Jeffrey Griffin Asaka is a Grants Data Entry and Research Assistant at Do Gooders, where he helps expand the ReadySetGrant AI-Powered Platform by adding and organizing grant opportunities. With a background in psychology and communications, Jeffrey brings strong attention to detail, research skills, and a collaborative approach to his work.

Before joining Do Gooders, Jeffrey gained experience in data organization, client service, and administrative support through roles in property management, retail operations, and community volunteering. He is passionate about contributing to projects that make a positive community impact and enjoys learning about Canada’s nonprofit and charitable landscape.

Karin Massar

Community Relations Lead

Karin brings over 25 years of experience working and volunteering in the non-profit and charitable sector, supporting large and small organizations across Animal Welfare, Education, Environmental, Health, Hospice, Social Services, and Sports. She holds an Honours Postgraduate Degree in Fundraising & Resource Development and has a strong background in Marketing and Promotions. Her training and work experience include Grant Proposals & Research, Annual donations, Major & Planned Gifts, Donor Stewardship and Signature Events.

A highly motivated and entrepreneurial professional, Karin is committed to lifelong learning, professional development, and innovation, to continue supporting the mission and vision of
charitable organizations. She has been a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2004 and continues to attend conferences and seminars.

Karin is most passionate about building meaningful, lasting relationships with donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, community groups, peers, staff and volunteers. She is recognized for her strong planning, communication, networking, marketing, and organizational skills.

Deeply committed to giving back to her community, Karin has held numerous Board of Director leadership roles, including AFP Interior BC Programs, VP of Abbotsford Business Professional Women, and Secretary of Barrie Community Foundation. She also volunteered and supported Chamber Events, Gala’s and Golf Tournaments. As the incoming President of the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club, she is honoured to serve, support and empower charitable organizations in
her community.

Outside of work, Karin enjoys life in the Okanagan, including boating, swimming, paddleboarding, yoga, wine tours, and walking her dog.

Jude Brunt

Grant Writer

Jude Brunt is a strategic consultant and coach with a strong track record of supporting nonprofits and social enterprises to clarify their impact, strengthen operations, and build sustainable funding models. With recent leadership experience at Purppl, a specialist social impact consulting firm, as well as nonprofit organizations like United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters in both the UK and Canada, and over two decades of entrepreneurial and fund development experience, Jude brings a unique ability to align organizational strategy withfunder expectations, outcomes reporting, and community-centred storytelling.

She helps teams develop clear, compelling Theories of Change and measurement frameworks that support grant writing, stewardship, and strategic partnerships. Jude has successfully led fundraising strategy, stakeholder engagement, and donor communications in both start-up and established organizations. Recent projects include guiding an Indigenous-led social enterprise through business model development and fund development strategy, with a focus on aligning earned revenue with grant funding and community impact.

She has also supported organizations in securing multi-year grants by building strong cases for support grounded in measurable, mission aligned outcomes. Combining strong relationship building skills with a deep understanding of systems change and DEI principles, Jude helps organizations navigate funder requirements, demonstrate accountability, and cultivate lasting relationships with supporters. Whether building fund development plans, coaching on impact reporting, or co-creating strategic communications, Jude brings clarity, care, and a collaborative spirit to every engagement and is the ultimate connector of people in community.