ARENI KELLEPPAN
Executive Director
Areni Kelleppan started with the Abbotsford Community Foundation in late 2022, as the incoming Executive Director, a role she officially holds as of January 2023.
Born and raised in Vancouver, she spent many years in the business world while consistently investing in the communities she’s lived in through volunteerism. In 2010, she made the leap into non-profit leadership full time, bringing her business acumen to work for causes she cares most about.
Areni has worked throughout the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, the Edmonton Area, and Calgary. For over 2 decades, she has been a leader in a range of sectors including lumber and building materials, the environment, agriculture and food security, and most recently, gender-based violence and mental health. A family violence survivor and 2nd generation immigrant, she has spent a lifetime making sense of her own biases and shifting her understanding of what living in a just society actually means to her. She hopes to never stop learning even as she continues to offer her professional expertise, her lived wisdom, and her desire to empower others in contributing to a kinder, more equitable, and empathetic world in some way.
For her, the work of the Foundation encompasses her passion for strengthening the resiliency of community and engaging with a diversity of stakeholders to make that happen. Having recently re-located, she is excited to immerse herself in all things Abbotsford and share in the vibrancy of her new home.
To learn more about the Foundation, or to set up your own endowment fund and how you can make your giving wishes a reality, contact her at arenik@abbotsfordcf.org today!
TRICIA TAYLOR
Executive Assistant & Student Awards Coordinator
Tricia Taylor started in the role of Executive Assistant and Student Awards Coordinator with the Abbotsford Community Foundation in 2019. Her varied administrative experience with both non-profits and local businesses has provided Tricia opportunities to appreciate the organization’s invaluable work within our community.
Tricia’s deep appreciation of non-profit organizations stems from her first position after graduating from UFV, working at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford. This appreciation grew through her volunteer work with the UFV Alumni Association Board of Directors, particularly with the Awards and Rewards Committee, for over 5 years. Tricia was also a member of Scouts Canada for more than 20 years, including time both as a youth and as an adult volunteer in a variety of roles. She is now a leader with the 1st Fraser Valley Pioneers BPSA group.
Helping our community to thrive, continue to celebrate its diversity and provide opportunities for our youth is important to Tricia, both as an individual and as a parent of two active youth. The Abbotsford Community Foundation does all of that, thanks to the continued generosity of our donors.
For questions related to the Student Awards Program, contact Tricia at info@abbotsfordcf.org
SARA GOETZ
Administrative Assistant
Sara is the newest member of the Abbotsford Community Foundation administration office. As a recent graduate of Summit Pacific College majoring in Not-For-Profit Organizational Leadership, Sara is eager to jump into the Social Sector. With a passion to see the community brought together and lifted up through our generous donors, Sara is excited to take on the role of Administrative Assistant.
Sara has spent many years working in customer service to varying degrees. She has volunteered with a local youth group for some time, helping shape our next generation. Her involvement with local small businesses has helped her create a network within our community and home we call Abbotsford.
Sara is excited to work with the ACF in pursuing our Mission and Vision, while bringing her love for giving back to the community and non-profits together. Please contact Sara at admin@abbotsfordcf.org to find out how you can learn more.