ABOUT
Our People
Founding Members
Parvati Foundation was first created when award-winning musician, author and speaker Pārvatī learned of plans to conduct seismic testing in Canada’s Arctic waters. She rallied others who were experts in their fields and initiated the incorporation of a not-for-profit to preserve Nature and educate the public about the importance of doing so.
Parvati
Pārvatī is a visionary leader, a philanthropist, a chart-topping musical artist, producer, composer, and record label owner with a passion to serve a world in need. Her global reach encompasses Top-40 radio airplay in 15 countries; performances at major venues such as Madison Square Garden and Earl’s Court; major media including CBC, Cashbox, and Entertainment Tonight; and praise from entertainment industry titans like Seymour Stein, Tom Silverman, Harvey Goldsmith, Chris Porter, and Cirque du Soleil executives. As a tour de force with a background in architecture and creative direction, she develops and performs in immersive, innovative, and fantastical productions that inspire audiences worldwide to live with greater meaning and care for self, others, and the world. Combining artistic mastery with deep understanding of the human condition, she co-founded the Active Integration and Holistic Education program at the University of Toronto; founded two multinational charities, Parvati Foundation (for a healthy planet) and Gift the World (for healthy people); and initiated the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS) international Treaty through the United Nations, all to aid in resolving global challenges such as climate change, war, poverty and hunger. Pārvatī served as the CEO of Parvati Foundation until 2022. She is the CEO of Gift the World.
Rishi Deva
Rishi, CEO of the international media company Kupid’s Play, is an award-winning music business executive who harmonises arts, technology, events for ecological and humanitarian gain. Receiving his first Gold Record for artist management at age 25 and mentored by several Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, he has worked with Grammy-winning and platinum-selling artists including Prince, the Grateful Dead, and Avril Lavigne. He has curated strategic, win-win partnerships for Bank of Montreal, CBC, Warner, BMW, and Gilbeys, and has executive produced events featuring superstars and thought leaders from Boy George to The Prince’s Trust. Rishi is a sought-after keynote speaker at prestigious events including the World Economic Forum and Swiss Impact Association, and has served as head of marketing at the international charities Parvati Foundation and Gift the World. Rishi brings expert guidance and advocacy to mobilise international partners, harness the power of modern media, improve the lives of billions, and catalyse global change to protect life.
Darcy Belanger
Darcy Belanger, an exceptionally talented business executive with a background in communications and television production, was Parvati Foundation’s Director of Strategic Initiatives until his death aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019 on his way to the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi to advance the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary.
“Darcy’s legacy is what MAPS is about: the courage that recognizes our inherent interconnection and the action that arises out of compassion for all. May we live with profound courage in his honor.” – Parvati
Directors
UK
David Stevens
David Stevens’s career in investment banking spanned over 20 years working for major international institutions in London, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney, and holding several senior risk management roles. During that time, he developed deep expertise in financial oversight and running large teams equipped to deliver high end results at scale. More recently, he has added professional experience in the marketing and property sectors to his skill set through co-ownership of London based consulting firm Conductor. He specializes in delivering pragmatic solutions that balance strong intellectual principles with the realities of their environments. David finds MAPS irresistible and wholly unique in its combination of a crystal-clear purpose, grandeur of ambition, and intricacy of strategy and planning.
Adam Nathan
Adam Nathan is an artist, producer, DJ, director, art director, Founder and Creative Director of award-winning design studio Jellyfunk. Over his 20-year history in the creative industries, he co-founded, owned, and operated a record shop, did A&R for a label group, served multiple years as a judge for the Juno Awards, collaborated with brands such as MTV, Space Channel, The Comedy Network, Virgin Mobile, Tangerine, TD Bank, Mercedes, Bell Media, The Killers, many international record labels, and various hospitality brands. With his deep love for humanity and Nature, the project dearest to his heart is MAPS. His wish is for all beings on Earth to live a peaceful and abundant life, free from fear, greed, or poverty, to be the greatest expression of themselves, and celebrate all life.
Canada
Karen Ho
Karen Ho obtained her medical degree and completed residency training in neurology at Queen’s University School of Medicine in Canada where she was recognized for service to neurology resident education. She is in private practice, while still taking an active role in teaching and mentorship with medical residents. She brings her strong intellectual insight, deep understanding of the human condition and dedication to serve the health of humanity to her role with Parvati Foundation. A past member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, she draws upon experience in advocacy for patient wellbeing to advocating for the health of our planet.
Pranada McBurnie
Pranada McBurnie is a communicator with deep experience in government issues management. Originally trained in voice performance and French, she holds a BA, an Artist Diploma, and an advanced Diplôme de langue. Bringing her musician’s ear, capacity for recall, and performance poise to the communications world, she received the highest honour for public servants in Canada’s largest province. Once a sub-4-hour recreational marathoner, she now considers the urgent need for MAPS to be the race of a lifetime.
US
Uttama Anderson
Uttama Anderson’s unique skill set combines over 25 years of business development with a compassionate presence as an art therapist. Before going to graduate school at 50, her entrepreneurial and leadership skills were honed in a diverse career including Youth Program Director at YMCA, sales for the largest office furniture manufacturer in the world, and two startups while raising her daughters. A professional member of Canada’s art therapy and psychotherapy associations, she facilitates self-discovery for individuals, corporate teams, and medical and social services organizations. She has led groups to create art pieces for fundraisers and public spaces in Toronto, including Branksome Hall and the Toronto Children’s Museum. Heart-centered and with a lifelong love for Nature, she is a natural connector.
Terra Kowalyk
Terra has been a Registered Psychotherapist for the past 10 years. She holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology from McGill University as well as a double major in Psychology and Kinesiology from York University. With keen interest in the mind-body connection, she has also completed a 5-year experiential training program at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto. She resides and practices in Toronto with a focus on addressing codependency and addictive processes.
