MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED 2026/2027 CAPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
On behalf of the CAPS National Board, I am pleased to announce that at the close of voting at our AGM on December 2nd, Azadeh Yaraghi, Tanya Steele, Rob Rudy, JoAnne Marlow, Sara Gilbert, and Keka DasGupta were elected to the 2026–2027 CAPS National Board of Directors.
CAPS BC
Azadeh Yaraghi
As President of the BC Chapter, I helped reignite engagement and double membership by focusing on community and value. Now, I want to bring that same energy to CAPS nationally.
Azadeh Yaraghi
Who Am I
I’m a brand strategist, marketing expert, speaker, #1 bestselling author, and performer with 17 years of experience helping businesses – from Fortune 1000s to solopreneurs – build brands that connect and convert. I’ve served on multiple boards as Marketing and/or Communications Chair. As former CAPS BC President, I led initiatives that doubled membership and reignited engagement post-COVID. With a blend of strategy and creativity, I love solving complex challenges by uncovering the real issue beneath the surface. Above all, I’m passionate about CAPS and committed to helping it thrive, evolve, and shine as THE leading voice for professional speakers in Canada.
Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?
I’m running for the CAPS National Board because I’ve seen the incredible impact CAPS has when members feel connected, supported, and inspired. As President of the BC Chapter, I helped reignite engagement and double membership by focusing on community and value. Now, I want to bring that same energy nationally, elevating our brand visibility, strengthening chapter collaboration, and finding fresh ways to attract and retain members. Most of all, I want to serve alongside the brilliant members who serve on the Board and give their time and heart to building an organization that reflects the generosity, vibrancy, and professionalism of its members.
As past Prez of the BC Chapter, I doubled membership in 2 years, reignited engagement post-COVID, and launched a signature event that continues to attract new members. I led the redesign of CAPS’ national website full branding process to clarify mission, vision, value proposition, messaging – deepening my understanding of what makes CAPS truly special. I’m the 1st Canadian team leader of the West Coast Alliance with NSA, building international relationships & dual memberships. I’m fun, curious, creative, a collaborator, and a self-starter. Perhaps good qualities to join a volunteer-based Board? Nathalie P-T asked me to join the BC Board, and I’m SUPER excited to serve under her leadership at the National level. I sometimes sing “Learn, Share, Grow, Belong” in the shower. Is that normal?
CAPS BC
Tanya Steele, CSP
I hope to contribute practical strategies that make membership more valuable, inclusive, and inspiring, and also help shape the association’s mission and expand its impact
Tanya Steele, CSP
Who Am I
Tanya is a dynamic professional trainer, safety advisor and co-host of the Safety Debris podcast who brings more than 30 years’ experience working in health and safety. She is passionate about helping business owners, leaders, and their teams make workplace safety not just compliant, but meaningful—so that “Safety Makes Sense™” every day. Tanya blends her expertise in Joint Health & Safety Committee training with a gift for turning meetings into engaging, actionable experiences—earning her the nickname “First Lady of Safety.” In addition to being a trainer, speaker, emcee and safety innovator, she loves to serve in her community both at work and at home.
Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?
I’m running for the Board to give back to a community that has given so much to me. CAPS has been foundational in my growth as a professional speaker, business owner, and leader—and I want to help ensure that same sense of belonging, mentorship, and excellence continues for others. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the heart of every strong organization is service. By serving on the Board, I hope to contribute practical strategies that make membership more valuable, inclusive, and inspiring. My focus will be on celebrating our members’ successes, and ensuring that every speaker—no matter their level—feels supported in their growth journey. I want to help CAPS continue to be the association that lifts people higher, connects them meaningfully, and amplifies their voice.
In addition to being a speaker, emcee and safety innovator, Tanya has held leadership roles including Regional Vice-President of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), President of North America Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week, and President of CAPS – British Columbia Chapter. Her proven governance experience and strategic insight—coupled with her high-energy, inclusive style—make her a strong contributor to the CAPS Board, helping shape the association’s mission and expand its impact.
CAPS Québec
Rob Rudy
My approach to leadership starts with listening; I’d help the Board blend strategy with personality—clarity, accountability, and the occasional good laugh—so decisions reflect our full community.
Rob Rudy
Who Am I
I’m Rob Rudy from Montreal, where I live with my wife, Kathy, and our two daughters—one completing her PhD in psychology in Calgary and the other now in New York, working as both a lawyer and accountant. For over 25 years, I’ve led teams and organizations through growth and change. My passion is helping people align around a clear purpose and make strategy happen in real life. I now run a leadership and strategy advisory practice that takes me across Canada, working with companies to build stronger leaders and more connected teams. As President of CAPS Québec, I’ve focused on creating a chapter that’s energetic, inclusive, and fun. I take my work seriously, but not myself—and that balance shapes how I lead and connect with others.
Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?
I’m running because I believe deeply in what CAPS stands for—community, generosity, and shared growth. Everywhere I travel in Canada, I make a point of visiting chapters. I see the same spirit: people who freely share ideas, cheer each other on, and show up when it matters. On the National Board, I want to strengthen those connections—linking chapters, pairing newer and seasoned members, and spreading great ideas across the country. My approach to leadership starts with listening; every coffee and hallway chat adds perspective. I’d help the Board blend strategy with personality—clarity, accountability, and the occasional good laugh—so decisions reflect our full community. Ultimately, I’m running to keep CAPS feeling like home.
I’ve spent my career leading teams and organizations through growth and change, helping people align around a clear purpose and deliver real results. My work—and my speaking—has always centred on empowering people to lead better and communicate clearly. As President of CAPS Québec, I’ve focused on rebuilding connection and engagement, hosting events that are meaningful, practical, and fun. My leadership style is collaborative and grounded: listen first, communicate clearly, follow through. I make a point of visiting chapters across Canada, learning from their creativity. Each one reminds me how strong CAPS can be when we share openly. I’d bring that same spirit to the National Board—balancing strategy with heart, governance humour, and helping CAPS stay focused and people-driven.
CAPS BC
JoAnne Marlow
After a productive year on the Board (Membership Team), I aim to complete what I started. CAPS has profoundly impacted my life, and I want to give back and make a difference.
JoAnne Marlow
Who Am I
I am a kind, enthusiastic, and fun-loving thought leader with nearly ten years of experience in CAPS. During my four-year tenure as BC Chapter president, I prevented the chapter from folding by motivating our members to triple our membership and establish lasting financial stability. I was appointed this year to the National Board membership team to help improve communication and develop an onboarding system for chapter membership leads. I am currently working on a system to recruit new members. As a visionary leader, my perseverance drives me to achieve my goals, no matter what. I am dedicated to my purpose, especially within CAPS, to leave a legacy that helps members reach their goals, utilize our benefits, and expand a sustainable level for CAPS..
Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?
After a productive year on the Board (Membership Team), I aim to complete what I started: a comprehensive toolbox of information and responsibilities for Membership Chapter Leaders, a valuable list of leadership resources for Membership, protocols to help our members attract and identify new qualifiers, an onboarding system for new members, and clarification of our Membership Strategic Plan. Being a Board member, the meaning of LEARN• SHARE• GROW• and BELONG has come to life. I participate. I feel heard. I have been told I am a “woman of action.” It has been a privilege working with the Board to learn and discuss effective marketing strategies for different personas. CAPS has profoundly impacted my life, and I want to give back and make a difference.
I have a clear purpose in life. As a servant leader, I bring energy, tenacity, critical thinking, and dedication to the growth of CAPS. This year, I have quickly learned the role of a Board Member. As an active member of the membership team, I developed a comprehensive resource system (Toolbox) for Chapter Membership Leads, outlining their roles and communication strategies. I am working with other Board members to establish a structured process for recruiting new members. My strengths include effective communication, motivating others to see the value of CAPS, and building relationships across all generations. Outside of CAPS, I have extensive experience leading new programs and initiatives for business and education. My heart is in this role.
- Financial Stability: To financially sustain CAPS, we aim to grow our membership by at least 100 members by the 2026 conference and maintain a tight budget.
- Increase Membership: Encourage all members (and Chapters) to become familiar with the CAPS benefits and new membership options to boost engagement and support recruiting.
OPPORTUNITIES
- Strong Leadership: (SHARE): Maintain strengths of the Board (Planning and taking action
- Increase Membership Numbers: (GROW) The new membership level is expected to attract a significant influx of new members
- Retain Memberships: (BELONG): Create opportunities to engage with members throughout the year, not just at renewal.
- LEARN: Upgrading the Leaders’ Resources; complete the Strategic Plan to collaborate on actions.
CAPS Québec
Sara Gilbert
I believe deeply in the power of our collective voice. Every speaker carries a message that can change someone’s trajectory, and CAPS has the potential to amplify that impact on a national scale.
Sara Gilbert
Who Am I
I’m Sara Gilbert, Keynote Speaker, Business strategist & Mindset Coach known for The Language Effect, a science-based approach to communication and (self)leadership that explores how words shape perception, trust, and influence. Throughout my career, I’ve combined human dynamics, linguistics, and strategy to help entrepreneurs and organizations elevate both their leadership and their message. I’ve been privileged to speak across Canada and beyond, empowering audiences to communicate with more intentionality, presence, and influence. Volunteering has always been part of who I am. From youth initiatives to mentoring entrepreneurs, contribution has guided every stage of my journey. Today, I also volunteer as a Wish Discoverer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?
I’m running because I believe deeply in the power of our collective voice. Every speaker carries a message that can change someone’s trajectory, and CAPS has the potential to amplify that impact on a national scale. Having experienced the value of our community firsthand, I want to contribute to strengthening its visibility, relevance, and reach. My goal is to help more speakers share their message, grow their business, and contribute to a better world through their work. We’re in an era where visibility and trust are everything. I want to bring my strategic and psycholinguistic expertise to help CAPS members position themselves, and our association, as leaders in communication, credibility, and influence.
My qualifications come from both experience and conviction. I’ve had the privilege of presenting at several CAPS chapters and at the National Convention, where I tailored sessions specifically for speakers blending linguistic precision, mindset mastery, and business strategy to enhance both their craft and career. Beyond speaking, I’ve spent over 15 years in business strategy and leadership development, guiding professionals to align their vision with execution. I’ve also served in numerous volunteer and leadership roles over the years, including my current work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. What I bring to the Board is a mix of strategic acumen, communication insight, and a strong belief in community.
CAPS TORONTO
Keka DasGupta
I believe strongly in the CAPS values and promise of learning, sharing, growing and belonging, and I want to give back to the organization that has given so much to my own speaking business.
Keka DasGupta
Who Am I
What do Nike, Disney, IKEA, American Express, Mercedes-Benz, and even Santa have in common? They’ve all trusted Keka DasGupta to shape their brand strategies. (About Santa, it’s true, Keka serves as his official speechwriter and co-PR board director for Toronto’s Original Santa Claus Parade.) A marketing expert with 50+ awards, including the “Oscars of the PR industry” (twice), Keka now takes to stages to help people unlock unstoppable confidence and lead like powerhouse brands. She has been featured on: TED.com, Harvard Business School, Breakfast Television, CBC, Fast Company, and The Globe and Mail. Keka has been with CAPS Toronto for 7 years, serving on the CLT for 4 of those years. She's also the vice-chair for CERIC, a non-profit dedicated to career development for the public good.
Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?
I believe strongly in the CAPS values and promise of learning, sharing, growing and belonging, and I want to give back to the organization that has given so much to my own speaking business. I feel like there is a lot of great momentum building for CAPS as an organization, with amazing people at the helm, and I want to contribute to strengthening our national offering even more. And if I get to do it while working with passionate, hard-working people - that is even better!
I've served on the CAPS Toronto Chapter Leadership Team for 4 years - especially just as the pandemic hit, where we had to re-write the way we did everything in our businesses! Beyond that, I have a lot of board and volunteer experience working with non-profit organizations across a wide spectrum, from the Canadian Cancer Society, to diverse initiatives across the South Asian community, to the Toronto Catholic District School Board's charitable arm - The Angel Foundation for Learning. As a marketing professional, I've also played a critical role in developing strategic partnerships, managing high-level negotiations, and bringing new creative opportunities to the organizations I've served.