Board Members
Board of Directors 2026
Manas Agarwal, Director
Manas Agarwal is an Ontario lawyer and Senior Legal Counsel with a specialization in artificial intelligence, technology, and commercial contracting. He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Toronto, where he focused on technology and common law, and has built his career supporting major financial and global organizations, including Marsh McLennan, TD Bank, RBC, Deloitte, and BMO. His work blends legal expertise with emerging technology and advancing practical adoption of AI tools in workflows.
Outside of his professional work, Manas is an active member of the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto and is committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. He is excited to contribute to NPCC’s mission of fostering creativity, community, and inclusive programming.
Jenneen Marie Beattie, Chair
Jenneen Marie Beattie holds a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management from Humber College. She received her BFA from OCADU with a major in Criticism and Curatorial Practices. She participated in an independent studio placement at the Winchester School of Art, UK. She was an Artscape Daniels Launchpad fellowship participant from 2019-2022. Her work in textile-based media investigates the connections between memory and fabrics. The work attempts to capture and preserve memories, it addresses notions of souvenir-ship, conservation, and keepsakes. Additionally, the work contains an embedded message around repurposing materials, sustainability, and supporting local markets.
She has managed public art projects for the City of Toronto, Cultural Hotspot, Doors Open, StreetARToronto, MOCA Toronto, Toronto Biennial, Toronto Zoo, Nuit Blanche, Cavalcade of Lights, Mural Routes, and Yonge-Dundas Square. In 2020, she joined the Executive Committee as the Secretary of the Board at Neilson Park Creative Centre. Then in 2023, she moved into a new role as Vice President. Currently, she is looking forward to taking on her new role as Chair of the NPCC Board in 2024.
Kia Fatemi, Director
Kia Fatemi is a corporate veteran with 24 years of experience in telecom and consumer packaged goods, with a focus in sales and supply chain. His career spans across several companies such as Bell, Kellogg’s, Labatt and Cuisinart and Molson Coors. Kia is a certified Scrum Master, Product Owner and has a certificate in e-commerce & online business management. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Toronto where he majored in Fine Art History and Communications and a certificate in Digital Communications from Sheridan College.
Over the years, Kia has been involved in numerous charitable organizations including the Toronto Food Bank, Bell Let’s Talk and Motionball. He has worked directly at these events by fundraising and raising awareness.
Kia was born in Tehran, Iran, but grew up in Etobicoke. He attended Mill Valley Junior School, Bloordale Middle School and went to Silverthorne for his high school years. He has a deep connection to the community and is incredibly proud to be part of the board.
Richard Legaspi, Treasurer
Richard Legaspi is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has over 20 years of experience in Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance for global organization such as TD Bank, Scotiabank, HSBC, CIBC and Ernst & Young. He is a Chartered Accountant in Canada, UK and the Philippines and is a Certified Internal Auditor. He holds a Global Executive MBA from SDA Bocconi, an MBA from Rotman / University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from De La Salle University.
Richard has a passion for helping others. He was a part-time lecturer at De La Salle University helping college students achieve their potential in accounting and a volunteer for Skills for Change, helping immigrants settle in Canada through coaching and mentoring.
Richard has a passion for arts and paints and draws as a hobby. Previously, he won interschool arts competitions at a young age while in grade school.
Wendy McCallum, Vice Chair
Wendy McCallum is an Accredited Family Mediator and Financial Planner within the not-for-profit sector, who is dedicated to helping families navigate family challenges. She holds a double major in International Relations and Fine Arts from York University. Her past experience includes a 15-year career in the entertainment industry, where she worked behind the scenes on notable projects such as *Degrassi*, *Inspector Gadget*, *Peanuts: Snoopy in Space*, *Strawberry Shortcake*, and *Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs*. Her experience gives her a unique perspective, shaped by her passion for community, arts and creativity. Wendy is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration in the arts and believes in using her experience to make a positive impact. She prioritizes excellence and focuses on building strong relationships.
Zeshan Saghir, Director
Zeshan Saghir brings over 12 years of expertise as an accomplished auditor, with extensive experience leading teams across capital markets, compliance, quality assurance, and organizational culture. He holds an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. Zeshan has contributed his leadership to various boards in the past, demonstrating his dedication to governance and community impact. He is passionate about fostering high-performing teams and implementing innovative solutions to address complex risks.
Brenda Shewchuk, Past President
Brenda Shewchuk has had a long career focused on project management, business processes improvements, communications, and delivering outputs on time and on budget. She is an innovative and results driven leader with successes building cross-functional teams and motivating and directing employees. Brenda is a graduate of the Rotman School of Business, Executive Human Resource Program and holds a BSc Psychology, from Waterloo, and MSc Information Resource Management from Syracuse University and a Diploma in Adult Education from Sir Francis Exavier University.
Jerry Smith, Director
Jerry Smith, BA UofT, Theatre and Philosophy; HSA Teaching Certificate; ACSD Central School of Speech and Drama; M.Ed. University College Cardiff; MBA Arts and Media Management York U. Active as a trainer, consultant, educator and leader, Jerry established the professional theatre training program at Humber College, and founded the college’s post diploma certificate programs in Arts Administration/Cultural Management. Jerry’s experience includes a wide range of leadership roles on Boards of Directors: President/Chairman of the Boards of Arts Consultants Canada, Theatre Ontario, South Etobicoke Cultural Plan, Lakeshore Arts, Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra, Assembly Hall; selected as a Volunteer of the Year as well as Cultural Champion, Toronto.
Nyrie Telemi, Director
Nyrie Telemi is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 10 years of experience in finance. She has a MBA from Carleton University, a Certified Fraud Examiner certification, and taught data analytics at Centennial College on a contract basis.
Nyrie is currently the Director of Finance at Facility Association, and worked in the insurance industry for most of her career. She has also been volunteering with various organizations for the last 15+ years, including the North York General Hospital, Parkinson Canada, Women on Web, and the Armenian Relief Society. Nyrie loves to travel, play soccer, and spend time with her family. She strongly believes in giving back to our communities and has devoted a large portion of her free time to volunteer work.
Virginia Yu, Director
Virginia brings more than 19 years of experience in corporate governance, compliance, and internal audit at TD Bank Group. She holds an MBA and professional designations CPA, CMA, PMP, and CFE.
Her strategic leadership combines board governance, fundraising, and mentorship through Ascend Canada (Pan-Asian leadership and students) and Skills for Change (immigrant support, mentor and speaker), alongside volunteering in youth cultural education through Chinese Collective Arts Association.
Passionate about helping children with special needs through art, with lifelong expertise in pastry arts, photography, and interior design. Virginia blends corporate expertise with creative passion to advance diversity and inclusion.
