Our 2024-2025 Board of Directors
Jeanne McRight
Chair and Founding President
Jeanne is the founder of Blooming Boulevards and has served as Board Chair since 2019. As a professional visual artist, photographer, and educator, she taught visual arts for 21 years at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, was a founding director of Artspace, and acted as a program advisor for the Ontario College of Art and Design and Sheridan College. Jeanne served as a Mississauga Master Gardener for five years, holds a horticulture diploma from the University of Guelph, and focuses on biodiversity conservation, specializing in native plant propagation, habitat restoration, and naturalized landscaping. A recipient of multiple conservation and environmental awareness awards, she initiated an amendment to Mississauga’s Encroachment By-Law, permitting residents to create boulevard gardens. Gardening is Jeanne’s joy and passion; more than that, she is a deeply committed advocate for environmentally sustainable horticulture practices.
Mary Jean Kucerak
Treasurer
Mary Jean has served on the Board since she was elected in 2020 and is currently serving as Board Treasurer.
She has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 40 years and is currently the Chief Operating Officer for a national professional association. She is an avid gardener and over the years she has sought out and included many native species in her own garden. Mary Jean is currently a director on the Cloverleaf Garden Club Board. Over the years she has held many volunteer positions including inaugural Chair of the Native Plant Propagation Program (NP3) at the Riverwood Conservancy, a volunteer for the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, President of the Applewood Garden Club, a founding Director of the Mississauga Garden Festival and a 12-year member of the Mississauga Master Gardeners.
Murray Moore
Acting Secretary
Murray has served on our Board since 2020 and is in his second term. In addition to volunteering with Blooming Boulevards, Murray has directed his interest in supporting green initiatives through involvement with the Riverwood Conservancy's Native Plant Propagation Program (NP3), where he was a volunteer. He also is a member of Carolinian Canada, the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS), and Seeds of Diversity. Murray has experience as a board member and is currently President of the national CSFFA (Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association). The number of native plants in his and his wife's front and back yards increases every year.
Victor Anyanwu
Director
Victor is a new Director on our Board, elected in November, 20024. He is a seasoned marketing professional with over 16 years at Nestlé, where his knack for innovative storytelling and strategic marketing has driven remarkable brand success. With a strong academic foundation in microbiology, Victor merges his scientific insight with his marketing expertise to craft compelling, data-driven narratives. His career is marked by a series of impactful campaigns and brand initiatives that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. Passionate about societal impact and environmental preservation, Victor is dedicated to advancing initiatives that enrich communities and protect nature. As a new member of Blooming Boulevard's Board of Directors, he brings a blend of creativity and strategic vision to champion sustainable practices and foster environmental stewardship.
Pooja Arora
Director
Pooja is a new Director on our Board, elected in November, 2024. She is a Strategic Communications and Public Relations professional with over 15 years of experience in corporate communications, stakeholder engagement and media relations. She has successfully worked across various sectors, including non-profit, technology and education, to enhance the visibility of organizations and their missions. Pooja is deeply committed to environmental initiatives and community mobilization. She has played a key role in the "Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative," a joint freshwater conservation project between HCL and the World Economic Forum, where she contributed for three years as part of a long-term effort extending through 2027. Additionally, Pooja has supported public relations efforts for The Habitats Trust, advocating for environmental sustainability.
Wayne Cardinalli
Director
Wayne has served on our Board since 2019 and is a full-time ceramics artist. He has a B.S. in Art Education and an M.F.A. in Ceramics. He has served on various boards, including Artspace, the Ontario Crafts Council, and is the past president of Fusion, formerly The Ontario Clay and Glass Association. Wayne has taught ceramics part-time in various Ontario colleges and institutions and conducted over 100 workshops and lectures across Ontario and Quebec. Though his work has focused on visual art, he is morally drawn to become a positive force in restoring and preserving the environment.
Angela De Palma
Director
Angela is a new Director on our Board, elected in November 2024.. She has enthusiastically served the education sector at the local, provincial and international levels. Her work with schools has included instructional coaching, special education, and second language learning. Angela contributed to the accessibility, digitalization and modernization of Ontario's standardized assessments while at the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), serving as Literacy Education Officer and Equity Education Officer. She developed an interest in not-for-profit governance during her time with the Ontario College of Teachers, including a term as Council Chair. Angela's parents inspired her interest in gardening, and she continues to expand her knowledge and experience through ongoing learning and practice with native plant species.
Karen Ho James
Director
Karen is a CPA, CA with over 20 years of experience in forensic accounting. She is a new Director on our Board, elected in November 2024. However, Karen is not new to Blooming Boulevards, having been a volunteer since 2021, participating in various activities including seed collecting, plant propagation, plant sales and outreach sessions. Karen’s introduction to native plants began over 12 years ago when she was simply looking for low-maintenance plants for her garden. As she learnt about the benefits of native plants to wildlife and the environment, she developed a deep passion for gardening. Seeing her garden turn into a thriving hub for birds, pollinators, frogs and more has brought much joy and purpose. She’s excited to learn more and help to share her knowledge with others.