Our 2025-2026 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 University 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
Acting Treasurer
Mary Jean was appointed by the Board as Treasurer in 2019 and was elected by members at our 2020 AGM. She retired from the board in October 2025 and is currently serving as a volunteer in the role of Acting Treasurer.
Murray Moore
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 has served on our Board since November, 2024. 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. He brings a blend of creativity and strategic vision to champion sustainable practices and foster environmental stewardship.
Pooja Arora
Director
Pooja has served on our Board since 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.
Shashank Barbhai
Director
Shashank began his service with our Board in November, 2025. He is a seasoned professional Project Manager with extensive global experience leading complex projects across multiple industries. His leadership within the charity sector, where he has played a key role in driving community development, education, and welfare programs, reflects a strong commitment to building inclusive and compassionate communities. An advocate of sustainability and environmental stewardship, Shashank channels his curiosity and creativity into experimenting with growing plants from the seeds of everyday-use fruits and vegetables, and developing a native plant garden in his front yard to support local pollinators and contribute to biodiversity conservation. Guided by a sense of responsibility to give back, he is deeply motivated to apply his professional experience, strategic insight, and passion for innovation toward creating a more livable, sustainable, and resilient society for future generations.
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.
Boska Paunovic
Director
Boska began her service with our Board in November 2025. She holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and had a short career as an engineer before changing careers to Information Technology, focusing on Data Analytics. In addition to her volunteer work with Blooming Boulevards, she volunteers in Mississauga Community Gardens and permaculture farms. An avid gardener for years, Boska grows heirloom vegetables and flowers, applying practices that support a healthy soil microbiome and beneficial insects. She is interested in pursuing Master Gardener certification and seeks to expand her knowledge about plant life and build sustainable ecosystems.
Klara Pronerova
Director
Klara began her service with the board in November 2025. Her passion for nature began in early childhood and has grown through her own experience in gardening and boulevard stewardship. Klara is a full-time Registered Psychotherapist, and a believer in the positive impact of hands-on involvement with nature on mental health. Passionate about diversity, sustainability, and resilience for both the environment and people, Klara is dedicated to advocating for native habitats and educating about the benefits of connecting with nature.