Dr. Marianne Larsen

As President, my key responsibilities include board and stakeholder communications; oversight of grant application and program evaluation processes; distribution of funds; planning and chairing all annual general and board meetings; financial management; and acting as a spokesperson for the JLF, an organization committed to enhancing the lives of those marginalized in our communities (both human and animal) through inclusive initiatives that foster learning and well-being.

I have been a volunteer with Academics without Borders, an organization that supports capacity building in Global South universities. AWB projects include a full range of university and college activities from expanding and improving existing institutions and programs to helping create new ones. The project  was involved in was creating an internationalization strategic plan in collaboration with Karatina University in Kenya.

The Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee (TVPIC) supports, encourages and enhances parent engagement at the Board level in order to improve student achievement and well-being.

The committee consists of parent members, community representatives and staff who meet on a monthly basis during the school year to increase parent engagement, support school councils, and organize district-wide events. I have served as a parent volunteer and trustee representative.

I am a qualified ESL teacher and have used my training as a mentor for English language learners in London. This program is offered through the London Public Library and matches up learners wishing to improve their English verbal skills with volunteers. The matched pairs have met remotely through the pandemic once a week for conversations.   My tutor partners have all been from South America so far. 

The vision of Climate Action London is to embolden all citizens, communities and institutions in London and Middlesex County to meet and exceed London's Climate Emergency Action Plan targets by 2030.  Most of my work with CAL is as a member of the coordinating team of Greening Sacred Spaces (London), an initiative to support faith communities who want to engage in greening activities to address the climate crisis.

Circles® is a community initiative coordinated by Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes that is comprised of caring and compassionate individuals who meet to share information, support, resources, meals, and friendship.  I was an Ally, a volunteer mentor who built intentional and genuine friendships with Leaders to help them build the resources and social capital to meet their own goals and get ahead.