The Leadership Table: Investing in Leaders to Create Brighter Futures for Children & Youth

Strong organizations are shaped by strong leadership. When we strengthen leaders, children and their families ultimately are the ones who benefit. We launched The Leadership Table in 2025 and SVP’s community of nonprofit leaders shared how valuable it was to have space to reflect, connect, and grow. Building on that  momentum, we convened leaders once again, deepening our focus on leadership development and continuing to invest in the people behind the impact for children and youth.

On March 30th, we welcomed 18 Executive Directors and leaders from across our network for SVP’s 2026 Leadership Table. This year’s session, facilitated by Tasha Henderson and supported by Dana Osiowy, Executive Director of New Westminster Family Place, centered on advancing their leadership practice through a strength-based and values-driven approach, creating space for leaders to engage more intentionally with how they lead in the context of real and ongoing demands.

The session created space for leaders to pause and examine how they see themselves, how they make decisions and how to build connections. By the end of the morning, leaders left with greater clarity in their values, their leadership approach and how to carry that into their day-to-day work. 

100% of those who answered our post event survey would recommend this type of session to another nonprofit leader.

“Leadership is complex, and it deserves dedicated space and attention,” shared Selma van Halder, SVP’s Director of Community Capacity. “The Leadership Table this year created an environment where leaders can reconnect to their values, learn from one another, and strengthen how they show up in their roles, which ultimately benefits the children and families they serve.”

The emphasis on recognizing and leading from strengths was central to the session and we are so grateful to have Dana Osiowy, Executive Director of New Westminster Family Place (NWFP), an expert in this field within our community. In 2023, NWFP with additional support from SVP, launched its “Bringing Family Place to the Streets” strength-based model—and is now extending that approach through training and partnerships with Victoria Family Place, New West Parks & Rec, and local libraries.

Through our collaboration with Dana, SVP Staff Team recognized this work extends beyond programs and into leadership itself, helping leaders recognize their own strengths in ways that improve their organizations and outcomes. 

“This was actually exactly what I needed and likely a highlight of this week!” – SVP Leadership Table participate

When leaders are supported to lead with intention and confidence, their organizations are better positioned to navigate complexity, support their teams, and deliver consistent, high-quality programs. This leads to more stable and responsive support for children, youth, and families.

The Leadership Table is one example of how SVP Vancouver invests not only in programs, but in the leadership that makes those programs possible. As we mark 25 years of working alongside nonprofits across B.C., this approach continues to reflect what we have learned over time: that lasting impact for children and youth is built by strengthening the people and organizations at the heart of the work.

Interested in learning more about The Leadership Table? Connect with Selma or Helen.