Kristy’s journey has been one of discovery, resilience, and community dedication. She didn’t set out to have a career in philanthropy, but it found her and has shaped who she is today.
While attending Capilano College to earn her Diploma in Business, Kristy took a position at a hospital foundation as a data entry clerk, and she would soon discover that it would provide her with more than a part-time job.
“Data entry may not sound exciting, but I was inspired,” Kristy says. “When someone would call to donate in memory of someone they’ve lost, I was blown away by their generosity in difficult times.” Kristy saw beyond the statistics to the stories. “It was more than data entry”, she explains. “It was seeing all the donors and understanding their motivation for wanting to give back.”
These stories helped her to understand the true value of philanthropy. She heard and saw stories of compassion and commitment to community.
After graduating, Kristy pursued a marketing and sales role, which her Capilano education supported. But, she quickly realized it wasn’t as fulfilling as the philanthropy work she had done before.
“I wasn’t as inspired and engaged as I had hoped I would be, especially after my experience in non-profit”, Kristy reflected. When an opportunity presented itself back in the hospital foundation Kristy jumped on the chance to return and never looked back. Over the next nine years, Kristy’s career progressed as she held roles and experienced all aspects of fundraising rising to the position of Director, Donor Relations.
During this time Kristy turned to Flexible Learning at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to sharpen her fundraising skills through the Non-Profit Management Associate Certificate program. She hit her stride, navigating schoolwork, raising a family, and excelling in her career.
Finding success through adversity
Her journey was not without challenges. At 18 months old, Kristy’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and a few years later her son was diagnosed too. These diagnoses were during the years she was pursuing her BCIT courses. Although balancing all of this was very difficult, Kristy was able to eventually graduate with Honors. She channelled her energy and turned it into a driving force for her work and family. “The flexibility of the program I was taking while working and parenting allowed me to not feel so guilty when I had to take time away from my kids and it enabled me to juggle it all. I got great satisfaction doing my course work and the opportunity to network with my BCIT classmates.”
Of course, going to work, attending events, and eventually becoming a single parent, Kristy did have some “mom guilt”. But she changed her perspective — she was working and studying so her children could have even greater opportunities and was also leading by example which in turn inspired her kids. Both her children are avid volunteers not only at her events but for other non-profits they are passionate about. And, they both attend university pursuing education toward the careers they have chosen. Kristy, adds with a smile on her face, how proud she is that her daughter is even following in her footsteps taking the same BCIT program that she did with a goal to also work in Philanthropy.
Kristy’s passion for giving back and supporting her community extends beyond her career. In her spare time, Kristy volunteers at community events, teaches fundraising courses and sits on two non-profit boards staying engaged and connected to the communities she serves. She remains dedicated to creating change and giving back like the donors who inspired her.
Relationship building and mentorship
According to Kristy, relationship building is at the heart of successful fundraising. In fact, this philosophy not only shapes her fundraising strategies but also her hiring and mentorship practices. “I’ve been told my hiring process is unconventional,” she explains. “I’ve brought on team members from completely unrelated sectors simply because their charismatic personalities stood out to me. I could see their potential to connect with others, which is so important in our work.
A champion for education, Kristy has encouraged her employees to enrol in BCIT’s Non-Profit Management Associate program. She believes BCIT helped lay the groundwork for her success and can do the same for her team members. “I can teach staff about fundraising and share my experiences, but I always reference the education I received from BCIT as it was critical in my own success” she says.
Putting her heart into her work
Throughout her life, Kristy has overcome numerous challenges, and from these challenges, she has developed excellence in relationship building which has distinguished her from others. Kristy is a relationship-building champion who authentically connects with a variety of different stakeholders and creates meaningful experiences.
Today, Kristy is President & CEO of Burnaby Hospital Foundation. Under her leadership, the Foundation has reached new heights. Kristy led a capital campaign with a $30 million fundraising goal which was reached in half the projected time because she and her team consider everyone in the community to be a valued contributor and partner in making an impact.
“All too often people think a dollar is not much, but it’s meaningful.” Kristy remarks, “People are trying to do better with whatever resources they have and whatever they contribute is valued. It is important to recognize that they’re making a difference in the lives of others in the community.”
Kristy’s leadership has set a new standard at Burnaby Hospital Foundation. She is driven by her dedication to her family, her community, and her team. She shares her perspective on the importance of her work: “Hospitals are the heart of a community. Your life starts there, your life ends there — they are there for many chapters of your life”
For Kristy, whose journey to Burnaby Hospital Foundation may have been unexpected, it is now her passion and purpose. It has shaped her into a visionary leader whose work is inspiring change and strengthening the community.
BCIT is proud to recognize Kristy James with a 2024 BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award at the awards gala on November 14, 2024.