Effie Vaicoussis leads Nature Canada’s major gifts and donor engagement strategy, working to build lasting relationships with individuals and partners who are passionate about protecting nature and wildlife. She oversees initiatives such as Women for Nature, designs and leads donor recognition efforts and engagement events, and collaborates across teams to align philanthropic support with the organization’s conservation goals. She also contributes to internal leadership through active involvement in equity, inclusion, and staff engagement initiatives, helping to foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture.

With a background in fundraising, legacy giving, and program management, Effie is known for a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to philanthropy and a commitment to building a more sustainable and inclusive future for nature and wildlife.

Born and raised in Ottawa, feels deeply connected to the region’s natural spaces. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, wildlife watching, spending time at the beach, reading, and crafts.