Cheryl Hickey, Entertainment Tonight Canada Host and Plan International Canada Ambassador
Originally from Shallow Lake, Ontario, Cheryl joined ET Canada in 2005, and has since become one of Canada’s most trusted entertainment news reporters. She has interviewed some of Hollywood’s most prominent and powerful celebrities in her career, receiving national recognition for her work, including being nominated for a Canadian Screen Award. A journalist, advocate, wife and working mom, in 2017 Cheryl added entrepreneur to her list of roles, with the launch of her lifestyle brand Cheryl Hickey Family. For years, Cheryl has been a dedicated Plan International Canada Celebrated Ambassador, generously devoting her time and talent to help grow Plan International Canada’s impact and mission.
Phoebe Kasoga, Country Director, Plan International Malawi
Phoebe Kasoga is an International development expert working as the Country Director of Plan International Malawi. She has over 20 years of professional experience working in the global south advancing the rights of girls and children in the most vulnerable communities. She has worked with communities, local governments, the private sector, girls, boys, and young people to drive long-term change at various levels.
Stu Solomon, Senior Advisor, Economic Empowerment & Resilience
Stu leads Plan International Canada’s economic empowerment programming projects. He has worked on integrating young people’s needs into economic development, livelihoods, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and development programs for over 15 years. Along with designing and implementing development assistance programs, advocacy and capacity building initiatives for communities, government officials, parliamentarians and civil society organizations through his various assignments.
Saadya Hamdani, Director, Gender Equality
Saadya Hamdani leads the Gender Equality Unit at Plan International Canada. For over 20 years, she has promoted gender equality and the rights of women and girls through international development and humanitarian assistance across South and South East Asia, as well as South and West Africa. Her thematic focus includes gender-based violence, child early and forced marriage, economic empowerment of women and girls, sexual and reproductive health and rights, among others.