Toronto, ON, November 21, 2024 – Plan International Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors. Rania Llewellyn, Ziyana Kotadia and William Onuwa bring extensive expertise in finance, gender equality, governance and social advocacy to help drive Plan International Canada’s mission to advance children’s rights and equality for girls around the world.

Rania Llewellyn

Rania Llewellyn is a trailblazer in the Canadian banking sector and the former president and CEO of Laurentian Bank of Canada. Appointed in 2020, she was the first woman to lead a major chartered bank in the country. With nearly 30 years of banking experience, Llewellyn has transformed organizations through her strategic vision, commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and expertise in building high-performing teams to drive growth and accountability.

Ziyana Kotadia

Ziyana Kotadia, an anti-violence advocate and researcher, brings extensive experience in gender justice and social policy to her role as Plan International Canada’s second-ever youth Board member. As the strategic communications specialist at Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, Kotadia turns research into actionable policy and practice. Her dedication to advancing gender equality is reflected in her numerous leadership roles and recognition as one of Alberta’s 2024 Top 30 Under 30 and a 2023 Rising Star National Finalist with the Women Empowerment Awards.

William Onuwa

William Onuwa, RBC’s executive vice president and chief audit executive, brings more than two decades of experience in global financial expertise and governance. Overseeing RBC’s internal audit, credit review and complaint appeal functions, Onuwa roots his leadership in accountability and integrity. With prior executive roles in risk management, he has a strong track record of enhancing organizational resilience and governance. As a member of RBC’s Diversity Leadership Council, he is also a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion in the financial sector.

“We’re honoured to welcome these exceptional leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Lindsay Glassco, president and CEO of Plan International Canada. “Their dynamic perspectives and profound commitment to social impact will be instrumental in accomplishing our mission of creating a more equal and peaceful world for children, especially girls.”

Plan International Canada’s Board chair, the Hon. Rona Ambrose, added, “With Rania, Ziyana and William joining, we’re gaining incredible insights and expertise to advance children’s rights and girls’ equality. We are also deeply grateful to departing Board members Paula Sahyoun – our first-ever youth Board member – and Leagh Turner, whose contributions have been vital in shaping Plan International Canada’s impact over the past three years.”

Plan International Canada values the expertise and dedicated service of our volunteer Board members, who enhance the organization’s capacity to address complex challenges that children face around the world and ensure that the organization meets the highest standards of governance, accountability and transparency.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

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