PROFILE

BRENDA AVILES

Grants Manager

ABOUT

Brenda Aviles is a strategic program leader with a passion for helping advance community-led, climate resilience, food security, affordable housing, and Indigenous-focused initiatives across Canada. With extensive experience in the non-profit and charitable sectors, she specializes in building respectful, trust-based partnerships with various communities and leading complex, federally funded programs that drive meaningful, long-term impact.

She has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, including national projects funded by Public Health Canada, and oversaw the successful implementation of community-driven infrastructure such as geodesic greenhouses across multiple provinces. Brenda is recognized for her ability to co-create culturally grounded programs in collaboration with Indigenous leadership, ensuring alignment with community priorities and values.

Brenda held several leadership positions at Wigwamen Incorporated, Ontario’s largest Indigenous-led housing provider. As Assistant General Manager, she oversaw operations for multiple support service programs and led a diverse team serving Indigenous tenants across Toronto and Ottawa. Brenda played a key role in securing over $3 million in funding through successful grant writing and fostering strategic partnerships with government bodies and Indigenous organizations.

Earlier in her career, Brenda managed housing and homelessness programs, coordinated culturally responsive community initiatives, and supported youth empowerment programming through organizations such as EmpowHERto. Across all her roles, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to embedding equity, Indigenous knowledge systems, and collaborative decision-making into program design and organizational practice.

Brenda holds a Graduate Certificate in International Development Studies from Centennial College, along with advanced training in international cooperation and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. She is fluent in English, with advanced Spanish, and continues to build her expertise in resource mobilization and program implementation.

Driven by a passion for social impact and community empowerment, Brenda brings a thoughtful, inclusive, and results-oriented approach to leadership, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities across Canada.

Get in touch

Brenda is open to conversations about community development, grant opportunities, and discussions to collaborate on projects that create positive community impact.

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