May 23, 2025 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am UTC+0
Canada Coffee Hour is a member-led program designed to foster community and connections among Canadian members from coast to coast. Through engaging discussions and learning opportunities, these monthly virtual gatherings aim to inspire, challenge perspectives, and strengthen our shared commitment to philanthropy. Each session will have a speaker and discussion on chosen topics. Join us to connect, exchange ideas, and be part of a growing network of engaged members across Canada!
This week, our session will have speakers Jennifer Bernard (President & CEO, SickKids Foundation), and Stephen W. Scherer (Chief of Research, SickKids).
Dr. Stephen Scherer is the Chief of Research at SickKids Research Institute and a Senior Scientist in Genetics & Genome Biology. He is also the Director of The Centre for Applied Genomics (TCAG) and the University of Toronto McLaughlin Centre. Dr. Scherer’s groundbreaking research in genome sciences has significantly advanced our understanding of genetic diseases, particularly autism spectrum disorders. His work on large-scale copy number variations (CNVs) has been pivotal in the diagnosis and treatment of various human disorders. Most recently, Dr. Scherer led the world’s largest autism whole genome sequencing study, which identified 134 genes linked to autism spectrum disorder. This study, involving over 11,000 individuals, provides new insights into the genetic architecture of autism and highlights the role of rare genetic variants.
Jennifer Bernard is the President and CEO of SickKids Foundation, a role she assumed in April 2023. With over 25 years of leadership experience in provincial and national organizations, Jennifer has successfully led teams that have raised more than $450 million. Prior to joining SickKids Foundation, she served as President and CEO of Women’s College Hospital Foundation, where she significantly increased revenue and diversified the fundraising base. Jennifer is widely recognized for her leadership and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, having been honored as one of the 100 most Powerful Women in Canada and receiving the Inclusion Vanguard award.