Board of Directors
Beth Moore
Board Chair
She/Her
Beth Moore is a retired lawyer who practised law in Toronto for more than 42 years, providing legal services to many charities, churches and other not-for-profit organizations. As a longtime member and volunteer of Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, she served on the committee that started Toby's Place in 2017 and Dorothy's Place in 2018. When the church could no longer continue to manage these programs she provided leadership for the creation of Rainbow Community Places and has continued to lead RCP as Board Chair through its first three years.
Having witnessed over many decades the struggles faced by United Church ministers, legal professionals and other 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to achieve acceptance and freedom from discrimination, Beth is deeply committed to supporting RCP's weekly drop-in programs, which offer places of welcome, acceptance and belonging for so many 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.
Jen Petruniak
She/Her
Corporate Secretary
Jen’s background as an ecologist provides her with a systems-thinking lens that she applies to corporate governance and operational efficiency. With over 15 years of leadership in professional services, she has served as Executive Director and Board Director. Jen combines corporate governance expertise with a dedication to equity, actively serving as a visible queer leader to foster workplaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive.
Jen’s decision to join the Board of Rainbow Community Places was in recognition of the role 2SLGBTQIA+ people and spaces has played in her life. Through The 519’s Queer Prenatal classes, she found community for her and her family, meaning her kids have grown up with a peer group of other kids who are part of same-sex families. At this stage of her life, she is committed to providing these spaces and experiences for others.
Pat Shepard
She/Her
Treasurer
With a professional background in accounting and finance, for many years I have dedicated my skills to various non-profit organizations, most recently as Treasurer at Rainbow Community Places. Since earning my CPA designation in the 1980’s I have focused on ensuring the fiscal integrity and long-term security of the organizations I serve.
I am deeply committed to the mission of Rainbow Community Places to provide a secure, intergenerational environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and elders. Contributing to such a vital community sanctuary is an honour. I am proud to support our shared vision of safety and inclusion.
Rachel Taras
She/Her
Programs Lead
Through my studies in Psychology and Gender and Women's Studies, I’ve learned how important inclusion, belonging, and community are, especially for marginalized groups. These experiences have given me a deeper understanding of the barriers people face and strengthened my passion for creating welcoming and supportive spaces.
I joined Rainbow Community Places because I wanted to connect with people who are looking for a sense of belonging and help create safe, affirming spaces for youth and seniors. I’m committed to encouraging authenticity, personal growth, and meaningful connections within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, while also learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives of others.
Nabeela Damji
She/Her
Public Relations & Networking
Nabeela brings a decade of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, and community engagement across the nonprofit, advocacy, and media sectors. She has developed communications strategies, cultivated partnerships, supported fundraising initiatives, and used storytelling to increase awareness around important social issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Athabasca University, graduating with Distinction, where her studies strengthened her interest in social inequality, representation, and advocacy.
As Networking Lead for Rainbow Community Places, Nabeela is passionate about building relationships that connect people, organizations, and communities. She joined the RCP Board because she values the role affirming spaces play in fostering belonging and reducing isolation, and is excited to help expand partnerships, increase awareness of RCP's programs, and support the organization's long-term growth and impact.
The Board of Directors provides strategic direction and the governance structure for Rainbow Community Place.
The Board is comprised of volunteers with a range of skills and experience.
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