Dara Parker

Dara Parker is the vice-president, Grants and Community Initiatives, at the Vancouver Foundation, where she leads a team of 20 and is responsible for deploying $50 million annually in grants.

Previously, Dara served as the executive director of Social Venture Partners, the Vancouver affiliate of an international network of engaged philanthropists who invest time, money and professional expertise in building capacity for local non-profits. Prior to that, Dara served as the executive director of QMUNITY, BC’s Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit Resource Centre, focused on equity and inclusion.

Trained as an urban planner with a background in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, Dara brings over 20 years’ experience working in non-profits and local government. For three years, Dara consulted with UN-Habitat on their inaugural Youth Advisory Board, helping mainstream youth participation throughout the organization.

Dara sits on the board of New Relationship Trust Foundation, The Philanthropy Workshop, and is also the co-founder of Lezervations, a non-profit that facilitates social and business networking events for queer and trans women. 

She lives with her partner in Syilx Okanagan territory and spends her downtime chasing her French bulldogs, Mr. Bumper and Sir Waffles.