February 7, 2022
Ms. Sigrid Ellefsen, chair of Toujours ensemble’s Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Melissa Bellerose as the organization’s Executive Director. Ms. Bellerose started her duties on January 31.
For over 15 years, Melissa Bellerose has dedicated her career to helping community organizations shine. As vice-president of communications and public affairs at the Old Brewery Mission (OBM) from 2013 to 2022, she played a key role in advancing the cause of homelessness in Quebec. She holds a BA in Communications and Public Affairs from Concordia University.
Melissa has held various leadership roles in marketing, communications, and philanthropic development at organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, Federation CJA, and the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC). While in university, she co-founded an art studio with a mission of fostering creativity and community by bringing people from all walks of life together with local artists. She also facilitated workshops on community capacity building, which aims to empower community members to take charge of their development and create a common vision for their future.
Born in Montreal, Melissa is fluently bilingual and lives in Verdun with her family. She loves Verdun’s proximity to the St. Lawrence River, its bike paths, parks and green spaces, but most of all, the people who make up the neighbourhood. She appreciates the strong sense of belonging Verdunites have for their community.
“It is with great pride that we welcome Melissa to the Toujours ensemble family. I am convinced that her diversified work experience as well as her great knowledge of Verdun will be invaluable assets in embodying the vision and mission of our organization. Welcome Melissa! », Sigrid Ellefsen, Chair of the Board.
“I am thrilled to be joining the incredible Toujours ensemble team as the organization’s new executive director. After spending more than 15 years in a variety of roles in Montreal’s non-profit sector, I am grateful for the opportunity to join this impactful organization located in the heart of Verdun, the community I’m proud to call home. I look forward to learning and growing in this role, as we strive to empower kids from all walks of life to reach their full potential and thrive.”, Melissa Bellerose.
To connect with Melissa : melissa.bellerose@toujoursensemble.org / 514 761-7867 ext. 018