This session features Mira Oreck, Executive Director of the Houssian Foundation and a former senior political leader in British Columbia. Mira brings deep experience from inside government, including her role as Director of Stakeholder Relations in the BC Premier’s Office, where she worked closely on advancing progressive policy initiatives. She will reflect on her non-linear path into politics, lessons from launching and sustaining climate policy, and how women leaders can use both formal and informal power to create change—even in challenging political moments.
There will be lots of time for questions and discussion.
This call is open to any women and gender-diverse local elected leaders across Canada.
Learn more about our CC’s Women’s Caucus here.
About Mira Oreck:
Mira Oreck is a respected leader in Canadian philanthropy, known for her passion, candor, and commitment to building belonging and access. Born and raised in Vancouver, she has spent her career bridging the worlds of philanthropy, politics, and community—creating space for diverse voices to shape policy and drive change.
Six years ago, Mira took on the challenge of building a foundation from the ground up when she became the founding executive director of the BC-based Houssian Foundation. She leads a team in mobilizing philanthropic capital through grant-making and impact investing towards gender justice, social and environmental change. Her work has helped redefine how Canadian foundations engage with communities, shifting funding decisions toward trust-based, participatory models.
A lifelong advocate for equity and gender justice, Mira has also held leadership roles in government and the non-profit sector, including as Director of Stakeholder Relations in the BC Premier’s Office and BC Director of the Canadian Jewish Congress. She has served on community, arts and political boards and currently serves on the boards of the Canadian Climate Institute and Or Shalom Synagogue.
Mira lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and their two children.
