The Team

Heather Haynes | Founder

Heather Haynes is an internationally known artist who has been painting professionally for 27 years. In 2005 her work was brought into galleries across Canada, The United States and The United Kingdom. She painted feverishly to keep up with the demand to supply these galleries for several years. In 2012 Heather opened her own gallery – Heather Haynes Gallery – in order to expand on the work she exhibits to the public.

In 2008 Heather took a trip to Uganda, Africa to perform humanitarian work in the effort to eradicate malaria. Ever since she set foot on the African soil, her heart was won over by the environment and the people.

She continued to travel to different countries in Africa, specifically Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.

She has found herself working with local leaders that want to help bring up their communities and reduce the impoverished situations faced by so many. Heather has inspired and influenced many North Americans to join in on the effort to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Due to Heather’s extensive travels in DR Congo and Tanzania, her artwork has been deeply influenced, featuring portraits of African women and children. Heather had wanted to portray the people she met in her art, and so developed a mixed media technique that has been very successful. The work is generally non political, but is more about portraying life in sometimes overwhelming odds – and coming through the other side, stronger for your efforts.

In 2013 Heather began an art project that shone a light on some of the worlds most vulnerable people. In 2016 she completed this 3 year journey by finishing her masterpiece, “Wall of Courage”, a depiction of 80 orphaned Congolese children. The piece measures 40 feet wide by 12 feet high. Wall of Courage tours, and is raising awareness around the atrocities and injustices that occur to this day, in parts of the world.

Kizungu Hubert, Director of Operations

Kizungu Hubert was born on Idjwi Island. After receiving a degree of Economics at Lubumbashi University he worked as a financial manager for a German NGO and then for a Swedish orphanage in Masisi.

Kizungu now manages all The Art of Courage projects and many of the World's Collide initiatives.

Lucienne Fazili Luanda, Coordinator

Lucienne was one of the original children at the Tchukudu Kids Home. She now coordinates projects on the ground in Goma and on Idjwi Island for the TAOC.

Board Members

Jacquie Costron, President

As a business coach and mentor, Jacquie focuses on empowering others. She provides personalized coaching, training and support in financial planning and business strategy. Her experience as Regional Director of IG Wealth Management spans three provinces and more than 26 years. Jacquie is a connector that passionately believes that through human connection and conversation we can make impactful and lasting change in our communities.

Jennifer Foster, Secretary

Jennifer is a Kingston lawyer practising in the areas of estate planning and administration, real estate, and corporate law at Ryder-Burbidge Hurley Foster. Jennifer began her career in Toronto with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and as legal counsel for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). A happy transition from the Big City–Jennifer enjoys the opportunity to work with local initiatives, such as this Art of Courage project.

Whitney Haynes, Board Member

Whitney moved from a consumer product developer and buyer in Toronto to starting her own jewelry design business. For over a decade she ran her successful brand, Whitney Haynes Designs.

She has since retired but continues to speak on corporate social responsibility for small business and mentor young entrepreneurs.

Richard Costron, Board Member

As a seasoned Executive Assistant, retirement has given me the opportunity to bring my skills in support for the community and the for-impact sector. I support TAOC by organizing the day to day financials.

My interests outside of this work include curling, traveling in our RV and watching sports - with a particular fondness for the CFL & the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Helen Peterson, Board Member

Throughout my career in education and in my private life I have always been involved in international development issues. As a teacher and Principal, I engaged staff and students in issues and initiatives supporting both local and global issues. I have travelled to Africa and Central America to support local initiatives that improve the lives of children in marginalized circumstances. I have also been involved in multiple student exchanges to bridge understanding between Inuit youth in Nunavut and students and families in Ontario.