dvancement at HSC is about much more than just dollars and cents. It is about the connections we make with constituents, how we share the story of our community in an authentic way, and the creation of a compelling case for support that is true to the values and ideals that the HSC community embraces.

The ability to cultivate meaningful relationships, and a passion for education, philanthropy and community development, are just a few of the strengths that make Zahra Valani, HSC’s new Director of College Advancement, an important addition to the HSC Leadership Team. Zahra will provide leadership and direction to advancement initiatives and programs, and will work to strengthen HSC’s relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers and the entire HSC community.

Zahra’s immediate vision for Advancement at HSC is two-fold: to enhance a true culture of philanthropy at HSC and increase the College’s endowment. She believes there is an exciting future ahead for the College’s fundraising and awareness efforts, and that HSC has the tools in place to make great things happen.

“HSC has outstanding facilities, strong philanthropic support from our constituents, and an inclusive and positive sense of community,” she says.

A graduate of Queen’s University’s Concurrent Education program, Zahra is passionate about education and has a background in both secondary and post-secondary fundraising. She is also no stranger to the challenges and rewards of working in an independentschool. Most recently she served as Executive Director of Advancement at Branksome Hall where she led a highly successful $15 million capital campaign to completion. Responsible for an advancement program that included major gifts, communications, alumnae

relations, annual giving and donor relations, Zahra invested in building a culture of philanthropy at Branksome that resulted in greater donor and alumni engagement. She understands and respects the unique framework of the independent school system, and the strong bonds of community forged at an institution like HSC.

In addition to a strong record in leadership and team-building, she is also experienced in donor recognition, database management, and in organizing and motivating volunteers. Her current volunteer efforts include Executive Vice-President, Operations, Queen’s University Alumni Association, Panel Chair for the Toronto United Way Allocations Committee and Education Committee Member,

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).In her new role, Zahra will work with HSC’s Leadership Team, the Board of Governors, HSC Trustees and the College’s Campaign Cabinet to raise the school’s profile. A strategic thinker, she also plans to review, evaluate and refresh many of the processes currently in place in the Advancement Department.

This work will all take place within the context of the College’s strategic plan. She believes the plan demonstrates the College’s strongest assets. “HSC provides students with an education that encompasses resilience and wellness, global and local connectedness and personalized learning to develop the whole child.”

Director of College AdvancementZahra Valani

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