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Rachel S. Forbes

Executive Director

Bachelor of Arts in Social Geography, Certificate in Urban Studies, Juris Doctor

Rachel (she/her) is a passionate leader who brings over two decades of nonprofit capacity building experience, strategic thought, diverse skills and heart to her role at LDS. 

Rachel completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University (SFU), earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Geography, a minor in Communications and a Certificate in Urban Studies. After working in community development at SFU, she went on to study law at the University of Victoria, where she focused her studies and her subsequent practice on environmental and social justice issues as well as Indigenous rights and reconciliation. 

Over the past 20 years, she has worked with dozens of nonprofits, charities and companies, including serving as executive director, program lead on national initiatives, staff lawyer, policy consultant, and also in a volunteer leadership capacity on many BC nonprofit boards. 

 She enjoys utilizing her breadth of experience in governance, fundraising, strategy, project management and communications to build capacity within LDS as it continues its strategic growth journey. Rachel is thrilled to be leading and building the energetic and committed professionals who make up the LDS team. As a parent of two young children and as someone who grew up knowing the education system closely, Rachel is passionate about ensuring every person has access to the comprehensive learning supports they need to build the resiliency, confidence and practical skills that will set them up for success throughout life. 

Professional Memberships: 

  • Law Society of British Columbia, non practicing member 

Recent Professional Development: 

  • Attended and presented at the 2022 Early Years Conference (UBC)
  • Foundations in Diversity and Inclusion (Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, 2021) 
  • Public speaking and media training, Dr Mark Winston, SFU Centre for Dialogue  
  • The Art of Effective Digital Workplaces: A Communication Style Workshop 

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