Our Board

Curtis is drawn to the intersections of policy and operations, in education, work and social systems. A past Deputy Minister in multiple ministries, his mastery in policy development, public governance, and organizational renewal is now directed toward building a world-class mentoring field across Canada. 

A champion of equitable, quality education and lifelong learning, Curtis is a veteran leader in Alberta’s ministries of Advanced Education, Education (K-12), and Solicitor General. He has represented the Canadian Council of Ministers of Education as vice-chair of the OECD Education Policy Committee Bureau and was a Board director for diverse organizations, from the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addictions to Victoria Big Brothers and Sisters.  

Curtis holds an Honours B.A. and an M.A. (Sociology) from Queen’s University, and a Ph.D. (Sociology) from York University. 

As head of Social Impact, Public Policy & Sustainability at Starbucks Canada, Ross brings over 25 years of corporate accomplishment to the Board of Mentor Canada. 

As the architect of government relations and public policy for Starbucks Canada, Ross is proficient in facilitating connections between business, community and government for the benefit of society. In every aspect of his work—whether that’s inspiring employee engagement, collaborating with partners to reintegrate veterans into civilian life, or originating a refugee hiring plan, Ross strives to amplify social impact beyond the bounds of traditional philanthropy. His track record, tenacity, and principled approach are equally motivating to mentoring program staff, future mentors, and mentees alike. 

Ross holds an Honours B.A. (Philosophy) from the University of Western Ontario and an M.A. (International Affairs & International Political Economy) from Carleton University. 

As Chief Executive Officer of the Students Commission of Canada (SCC) and Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement, Sharif works with youth, youth-serving partners, funders, staff, and volunteers to ensure young people’s ideas on improving themselves, their peers and their communities are heard, valued and acted upon.   

For years, Sharif witnessed how SCC involvement empowers youth and augments their transition to adulthood. Now, Sharif contributes his insights—along with his expertise in strategic visioning, revenue generation and sustainability—to the Mentor Canada Board. 

Sharif also holds Board Chair roles with the Child Development Institute (CDI), and the National Alliance for Children and Youth. He has an Honours B.A. (Health Sciences, Public Health Education & Promotion) from the University of Western Ontario and an M.A. (Organizational Leadership) from Royal Roads University.  

Ipellie brings the critical Indigenous perspective to the Mentor Canada Board. He brings extensive involvement in initiatives that advance Indigenous employment, education, inclusion and economic development.   

As co-founder of the National Indigenous Student Circle (NISC), Ipellie co-led a national network of Indigenous students interested in working for the federal government. He also joined the Aboriginal Centre of Expertise (FSWEP) which focuses on increasing Indigenous representation in public service.   

Ipellie’s engaging manner has shaped his success as an Indigenous business professional and Communications Officer with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). His dream is to amplify the voices of all Indigenous youth by boosting access to mentoring programs and mentors, just as Mentor Canada once did for him. 

Ipellie has a B.A. (Commerce) from the University of Ottawa and a Diploma in Business & Marketing from Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology.