(she/her/elle)
Executive Director
403-953-0278
carolinacortes@uvic.ca
canassist@uvic.ca
Carolina González Cortés is a purpose-driven leader with over 16 years of executive experience in the nonprofit sector across Canada, the U.S., and Latin America. As Executive Director of CanAssist, she brings vision, and a deep commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and equity. She’s focused on scaling impact, strengthening partnerships, and sparking innovation that improves the everyday lives of people with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Carolina has focused on creating impact through inclusive program design, social innovation, leadership development, and experiential education. She has worked with remarkably diverse populations, from local communities in Latin America to First Nations to multinational astronaut teams, adapting her approach to meet people where they are and amplify their strengths. She has held senior roles in global organizations and has worked at the intersection of operations and policy, guiding multicultural teams and building cross-sector partnerships to advance systems change.
Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Carolina is known for connecting ideas, people, and communities. She holds advanced degrees in Leadership and Behavioural Science for Management, and her leadership style is rooted in values of systems thinking, purposeful innovation, and equity-driven action.
When she’s not championing change, you’ll likely find Carolina sea kayaking or exploring the backcountry, staying close to the wild spaces that first sparked her passion for leadership and lifelong learning.
I gratefully acknowledge that I live on the traditional, unceded lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples—today known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. I’m grateful for the privilege of being welcomed here and mindful of the responsibility to honour their lasting connection to this land. I commit to learning, unlearning, and taking action to advance truth and reconciliation. In my work and leadership, I strive to build relationships grounded in respect and reciprocity.
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