In the dynamic landscape of Canada’s nonprofit sector, CharityVillage stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation, poised to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Under the leadership of Mary Barroll, its President, CharityVillage has not only thrived but also championed causes and initiatives that resonate across the sector. As they look towards the future, Mary reflects on their journey, aspirations, and the profound impact they aim to achieve.
A Dynamic Career Journey from Broadcast News to Legal Leadership
Driven by a commitment to public service and a desire for impactful change, Mary’s career trajectory, spanning journalism, law, and corporate leadership, exemplifies a natural progression driven by a diverse skill set and a passion for continuous growth. Many describe her path as unusual, transitioning from broadcast news to law and online business leadership. However, to her, it seemed a natural progression where “one set of skills were leveraged to develop new skills” that propelled her into new career opportunities.
Starting with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Mary knew a postgraduate degree was essential for a meaningful career. A mentor suggested she would excel in law, but journalism offered a way to engage with the world. She pursued a Diploma in Broadcast Arts & Journalism and began as a news anchor, quickly realizing her talent as a reporter. “As a journalist, I believed that helping Canadians better understand the events, laws, social movements, natural disasters, politics, and economic trends impacting their communities would help them make informed decisions as citizens,” she explains.
Joining the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as a current affairs reporter, Mary wrote and presented in-depth investigative pieces. Covering frontline news exposed her to significant societal challenges, and she relished the opportunity to explore complex stories in a more substantive and meaningful way. Mary then transitioned into a new role as a senior Crime and Legal Affairs reporter which exposed her to important civil litigation cases and criminal prosecutions, reigniting her interest in law. However, over time she realized her role was reactive, responding to events rather than creating change.
She believed a law degree would enhance her journalistic capabilities, and after being accepted into law school, CBC’s budget cuts nudged her towards this new path.
“Although I had the opportunity to stay on at CBC in radio when I was accepted at some law schools, it seemed as though while one door had closed, another had opened,” Mary reflects. “The decision to attend law school came after the closure of the CBC television station I worked at, but it had been a long time in the making. I had been preparing myself by sitting for the LSAT and obtaining references from the lawyers with whom I worked and whose stories I covered.”
After graduating from Queen’s Law and being called to the bar, Mary joined Bennett Jones, leveraging her media connections. She focused on intellectual property, corporate commercial law, and technology law, launching with a few colleagues the firm’s entertainment and media law group. Her first significant client was the independent television network that had given her her start as a news anchor.
Winning the national Jean Sauve Award introduced her to Alliance Atlantis Communications, where she served as Director of Legal and Business Affairs for Broadcasting. Mary worked with independent producers on television and emerging online media productions, utilizing her technology law expertise. Later, she launched her own practice of law, providing legal services to media producers and co-producing an award-winning documentary for Discovery Channel.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
A Journey of Public Service and Leadership
Law school and legal practice developed Mary’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, providing a framework to quickly interpret complex situations and nuanced information. Her sense of public service was rekindled when she joined CharityVillage as Vice President of Media Affairs and General Counsel in 2013. “Our ownership and leadership team strongly believes that for the past 30 years, CharityVillage has played a pivotal role in supporting the nonprofit sector and the extraordinary people who work in it,” Mary notes.
Since 1995, CharityVillage has been the HR partner for recruitment in the Canadian nonprofit sector, helping thousands of organizations find exceptional talent. Their purpose is to support Canada’s approximately 85,000 charities and 86,000 other nonprofit organizations. “By supporting the nonprofit sector, we believe that by extension we are supporting Canada,” Mary asserts, emphasizing the significant contributions of nonprofits and charities to Canadian society.
Leveraging her experience in media law and online business, she negotiated agreements, produced a series of videos celebrating Canadian volunteers, and increased CharityVillage’s profile through public speaking and panel discussions. “In my capacity as General Counsel, I helped negotiate the company’s agreements with web developers, service providers, and key stakeholders and partners,” Mary observes.
In 2015, the ownership group of CharityVillage acquired TalentEgg, an online job board for young professionals. As President and CEO, Mary expanded its services, developing Canada’s first multimedia employer branding agency focusing exclusively on students and grads. She enhanced TalentEgg’s social media reach and created eLearning courses for soft skills, mental health, and diversity training. After nine years, she stepped back from TalentEgg to focus on her role as President and General Counsel at CharityVillage, continuing to drive the organization’s mission forward.
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” – Helen Keller
Leading Change in Nonprofits: Innovations and Impact at CharityVillage
Mary’s tenure as President and General Counsel at CharityVillage has been marked by innovative strategies aimed at empowering nonprofits and driving positive change. “In 2019, I was appointed to further help develop our offerings to the nonprofit sector,” she explains.
On the other hand, Dave Baran, as the CEO of CharityVillage, spearheads the operations and solutions-oriented business development strategy for the organization. He passionately applies his expertise to support the nonprofit and charitable sectors, leveraging his extensive background in online job boards to enhance the impact and efficiency of CharityVillage.
Recognizing the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary and Dave at CharityVillage swiftly responded to support nonprofits facing increased demand amidst fundraising limitations. “We believed that digital literacy would be critical for the survival of the sector,” she emphasizes. With the support of the leadership team, they expanded their eLearning courses to include training on remote work transitions and virtual fundraising strategies.
Launching a crowdfunding platform and online background-checking services further supported nonprofits in adapting to new operational norms. Responding to societal calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Mary and the leadership team launched initiatives to develop antiracism and diversity-focused eLearning courses. “We now offer one of the largest selections of DEI courses for nonprofit professionals in Canada,” she notes, reflecting CharityVillage’s commitment to supporting DEI practices in the sector.
During the pandemic, Mary advocated for and helped launch the CharityVillage Awards and Conference which she hosts, that celebrates nonprofit achievements nationally. “It has become a ‘don’t miss’ event for the sector,” she proudly states, underscoring its role in fostering collaboration and celebrating nonprofit excellence.
“These initiatives reflect CharityVillage’s commitment to supporting nonprofits with vital resources and connections,” Mary concludes. Her multifaceted career journey from journalism to nonprofit leadership continues to shape impactful initiatives that resonate across Canada’s nonprofit landscape.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow’.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
Embracing Continuous Learning: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership
Reflecting on her career, Mary emphasizes the value of continuous learning as foundational to her achievements and leadership philosophy.”I’m most proud of being a resilient and continuous learner,” she asserts. “Education, to me, is the bedrock of success.”
Mary’s approach to overcoming challenges involves active learning through formal education, internships, volunteer work, and skills training. “I never believed that following your dream was a passive process,” she explains. “It must be an active, deliberate, practical, determined process of learning and putting it into action. This practice of embracing curiosity and continuous learning has served me well throughout my career.”
It has enabled her to navigate challenges, recover from setbacks, and continuously transform herself with new skills and perspectives. “Resilience and adaptability are key,” Mary concludes, highlighting how her commitment to learning has shaped her leadership journey.
“I was taught the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.” – Marie Curie
Fostering Dialogue and Driving Change: The Impact of CharityVillage Connects
In 2021, Mary’s background in broadcast news inspired the launch of CharityVillage Connects, a podcast aimed at offering nuanced discussions and practical insights for nonprofit professionals. “I wanted a platform that invited diverse perspectives and explored critical issues,” she explains. “We bring sector thought leaders and experts to discuss topics like mental health, leadership diversity, and digital resilience. Our goal is to inform, inspire, and assist the sector with balanced, contextual discussions.”
Reflecting on her experience hosting “CharityVillage Connects,” Mary underscores its pivotal role in illuminating the challenges and impact of Canada’s nonprofit sector. “When I became President of CharityVillage, I recognized the lack of public awareness about the sector’s vital contributions,” she notes. “The pandemic highlighted the sector’s Herculean efforts and the need for reliable information beyond day-to-day survival.”
Since its inception, CharityVillage Connects has seen its audience grow significantly and has been recognized for its depth and relevance. With 24 monthly episodes to date, the podcast serves as a resource hub, providing insights and tools to nonprofit professionals. Mary acknowledges that positive feedback from listeners and the growing number of nonprofit organizations and professionals who share the episodes underscores its impact in educating about the nonprofit sector.
“Drawing on my journalistic experience, we feature thought leaders and experts to delve into topics like diversity, equity, mental health, and digital resilience,” she emphasizes. “Each episode aims to provide credible insights and practical solutions in a format akin to a radio documentary.” Mary expresses gratitude to the guests who contribute their expertise, empowering nonprofits.
CharityVillage Connects remains dedicated to fostering dialogue, navigating challenges, and driving meaningful change across communities and beyond.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Overcoming Career Challenges with Perseverance and Adaptability
Throughout her career, Mary has encountered inevitable challenges, from layoffs to corporate restructuring and economic downturns. “I was prepared and determined to pick myself up, summon my courage to focus on the future rather than dwell in the past, and put in the hard work to re-educate and transform myself,” she reflects.
Drawing on her resilience honed as a competitive figure skater, Mary emphasizes the importance of perseverance and pushing forward despite adversity. “In the end, if you did that, you could hold your head high even if you lost the competition, because you didn’t give up and you gave it your all,” she adds.
Reflecting on effective leadership in today’s dynamic business environment, Mary underscores resilience, adaptability, courage, innovation, and empathy as essential attributes. “Change is occurring at such breakneck speed today that leaders need to develop the underlying characteristics that allow them to recover quickly from setbacks,” she notes. Emphasizing the need for adaptive problem-solving and the courage to innovate, Mary believes that empathy plays a crucial role in understanding others’ perspectives and fostering a responsive leadership style.
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Navigating Male-Dominated Industries with Persistence and Strategic Relationships
In navigating her career through traditionally male-dominated industries, Mary emphasizes the importance of hard work and strategic relationship-building. “You will inevitably encounter men who will become mentors and supporters as well as those who will become detractors and competitors,” she notes.
Drawing on her experience, Mary advises aspiring women leaders to discern between positive and negative relationships, both with male and female colleagues. “Don’t assume that because you share the same gender, you will be embraced and celebrated by other females,” she advises. “In every context, you will have to prove yourself and continue to have to do so throughout your career.”
Reflecting on her early career challenges in television news, Mary recalls her determined approach to securing her first job. “I applied to every English-speaking television station in Canada by snail mail,” she recounts. Despite facing initial rejection, Mary persisted, eventually securing a pivotal meeting with a reluctant news director who later became her advocate. “He said, ‘You’re green, but you’ve got some potential. But what you really have is moxie,'” Mary recalls. This encounter taught her the value of persistence and cultivating respectful relationships in achieving career goals.
Throughout her career, Mary benefited from supportive relationships with both men and women, which proved instrumental in her professional growth. “All of the positive relationships you foster in your work life can survive beyond the job in which you developed them and may be pivotal to your success as you navigate your career journey in the future,” she reflects. Mary advises aspiring women leaders to cherish and nurture their networks and reputations, as these relationships can profoundly impact career trajectories in challenging and competitive industries.
“The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.” – Alexander Von Humboldt
Balancing Life and Leadership at CharityVillage
Mary reflects on her evolving approach to balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, emphasizing a shift towards greater mindfulness and fulfillment. “Early in my career, I don’t think I managed to balance my professional life with my personal life very well at all,” she admits. “I’ve always been a fairly driven, A-type personality. I think I’ve become wiser as the years have passed.”
Recognizing the importance of integrating personal joys into her routine, Mary has prioritized activities that bring her fulfillment. “I schedule them into my day and vacation time to make sure I don’t cheat myself from experiencing them,” she explains. Travel, particularly adventures that connect her with nature and wildlife, serves as a source of renewal. “Nature and wildlife fill me with awe and a sense of wonder,” she shares, highlighting their role in rejuvenating her energy and spirit.
After overcoming a significant injury, Mary has embraced a proactive approach to health and fitness. “I’ve adopted a plant-based diet, work out with a trainer twice a week, and follow a weight training and cardio program,” she reveals. This lifestyle adjustment has yielded tangible health benefits, reinforcing her commitment to long-term well-being and vitality.
At CharityVillage, Mary and the leadership team champion a supportive work environment that values work-life balance as integral to team productivity and morale. “The leadership at CharityVillage believes that work-life balance makes a more productive and enthusiastic team,” she affirms. Remote work options, support for flexible schedules, and a commitment to employee well-being are core elements of their organizational culture.
“We offer personal as well as paid sick days, a generous benefits package, and opportunities for professional development,” Mary notes. Annual gatherings like the “CharityVillage Reunion” further strengthen team cohesion, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere across the organization.
“Empathy may be the single most important quality that must be nurtured to give peace a fighting chance.” – Arundhati Roy.
Driving Change in Canada’s Nonprofit Sector
Mary’s multifaceted career journey, blending journalism, law, and business expertise, converges in her role as President of CharityVillage. “My role offers me an opportunity to meld together the somewhat disparate skill sets I’ve acquired over a varied career,” she reflects. “To help the sector continue to build resilience, embrace innovation, and make meaningful change in Canada.”
Central to Mary’s current aspirations is raising awareness about the nonprofit sector’s vital role in Canadian society. “My personal goals include working to raise the awareness of the importance of the nonprofit sector among Canadians,” she emphasizes. Leveraging CharityVillage’s extensive reach and her skills in advocacy and storytelling, Mary aims to highlight the sector’s untold success stories. “I believe that the nonprofit sector is the most inspiring but untold story in Canada,” she asserts.
Addressing challenges like declining donations and talent shortages, Mary underscores the need for greater visibility and recognition of nonprofits’ contributions. Looking ahead, she aspires to a legacy grounded in advocacy and public service. “My goal is to work with other like-minded stakeholders to find ways to shine the light on the sector,” she affirms. By fostering dialogue and amplifying the sector’s impact, Mary strives to secure a more robust future for Canadian nonprofits and their invaluable contributions to society.
“How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
Charting Future Growth for CharityVillage
As CharityVillage approaches its 30th anniversary, Mary reflects on its enduring legacy. “Next year will be CharityVillage’s 30th birthday. We credit our longevity with our commitment to give back to the nonprofit sector,” she notes.
Emphasizing their virtual workplace model and dedication to supporting nonprofits, Mary outlines their diverse service offerings. “While sustaining our business through cost-effective services such as job postings, online background checks, and eLearning my aspirations for CharityVillage include further diversifying our revenues, expanding eLearning, and forging strategic partnerships,” she adds.
Mary aims to elevate CharityVillage’s profile and influence within the nonprofit sector. “My personal aspiration is to raise the profile of CharityVillage and reinforce its role as a pillar of the sector,” she asserts. Through initiatives like the CharityVillage Conference, Awards, and the CharityVillage Connects podcast, Mary seeks to foster dialogue and innovation. “I’m proud of my contribution to this important dialogue that supports and celebrates the sector and the vital work nonprofits do every day,” she concludes.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison
Conclusion
As CharityVillage prepares to mark its three decades of service, Mary Barroll’s vision for the future is clear and ambitious. Through strategic partnerships, expanded services, and a steadfast commitment to advocacy, CharityVillage aims to further elevate its role as a catalyst for positive change in the nonprofit realm. With initiatives like the CharityVillage Conference and the influential CharityVillage Connects podcast, Mary continues to steer CharityVillage towards a future where nonprofits thrive, innovate, and make a lasting difference in Canadian communities.
