Meet Malika

Malika Burelle has a passion for arts and philanthropy. She is an artist, curator, arts administrator and advocate, as well as a seasoned fundraiser with over 10 years experience. She currently serves as the Manager of Major Gifts at Canada’s National Arts Centre and will soon take on a new role as Manager of Philanthropy & Stakeholder Relations. Additionally, Malika is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for SAW, a nonprofit artist-run performing arts centre and contemporary art gallery in Ottawa. She excels in building meaningful relationships and strongly believes in the power of community, using her creativity and strategic thinking to lead teams toward success.

Malika is also a mother to a vibrant toddler and hails from the island of Grenada, proudly embracing her Caribbean heritage. Her inspiration is drawn from her philanthropic work, collaborative relationships and artistic community, as well as her lived experience as a Black woman, deeply rooted in her family and culture. 

How do you intend to use the funds?

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity these funds provide, as they will be essential in supporting my continued learning of the French language. By becoming more proficient in French, I hope to move closer to achieving bilingualism, which is crucial for advancing my career. Not only is bilingualism a key requirement for working within bilingual institutions, but it also enables me to better advocate for Francophone artists and engage with the vibrant Francophone community here in Ottawa. These funds will significantly contribute to reaching that goal and broadening my professional and personal aspirations.