More Than a Makeover: How Rebranding Reignited Our Community and Campaign

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The conference will be held in French and English (without simultaneous translation).

A thoughtful conversation with:

• Stephanie Riddell, President, Montreal General Hospital Foundation
• Sylvie Riendeau, VP, Marketing & Communications, Montreal General Hospital Foundation
• Jean-Christophe Bédos, Member of the Board of Directors, Montreal General Hospital Foundation

Moderated by: Ester Driham, President & CEO, Envision Philanthropy

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation on the transformative power of rebranding. Discover how the Montreal General Hospital Foundation reignited its mission, energized its community, and propelled its fundraising campaign through a bold and strategic brand refresh.

Whether you’re part of a large institution or a small nonprofit, this session will leave you with fresh ideas and actionable insights to elevate your fundraising efforts.

This session will explore how rebranding can:

• Spark new partnerships
• Strengthen donor trust
• Drive campaign success

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the journey — from challenges faced to lessons learned — and how aligning brand with purpose can become a powerful catalyst for engagement and growth.

The conversation will be moderated by Ester Driham, President & CEO of Envision Philanthropy, who brings over 25 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership. Ester has successfully raised more than $100 million cumulatively throughout her career and brings a wealth of insight into strategic communications and philanthropic growth.

SPEAKERS :

Stéphanie Riddell
President & CEO
Montreal General Hospital Foundation (MGHF)

As President & CEO of the Montreal General Hospital Foundation (MGHF), Stephanie Riddell leads a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming healthcare.

A firm believer in the power of collaboration, Ms. Riddell has cultivated strong relationships with the philanthropic community and medical leaders, driving some of the Foundation’s most successful major campaigns.

Her dynamic leadership is shaping the future of healthcare philanthropy, guiding the MGHF’s renewed mission to support transformative initiatives with lasting impact across Québec and beyond.

Ms. Riddell joined the MGHF in 2017 following a meaningful philanthropic career at her alma mater, McGill University. Promoted to President & CEO in 2023 after serving as Vice-President, Development, she brings a deep understanding of fundraising — ensuring the Foundation’s work continues to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Sylvie Riendeau
Vice-présidente, Marketing et communications
Fondation de l’Hôpital général de Montréal

Vice-President of Communications and Marketing at the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, Sylvie Riendeau is recognized as a catalyst for change. She has led the Foundation’s brand transformation, spearheaded major campaigns, and revitalized annual fundraising programs, fostering stronger community engagement. Holding an MBA in Management Consulting, and with over 20 years of experience across diverse sectors, she leverages her creativity and impactful leadership to drive strategic transformation and organizational growth.

 

Jean-Christophe Bédos

With over 35 years of experience in the luxury industry, Jean-Christophe Bédos has held leadership roles at prestigious jewelry and watchmaking houses, including Cartier and Boucheron in Paris, before settling in Montréal in 2012. From 2012 to 2025, he served as President and CEO of Birks, where he repositioned the brand around fine jewelry and established a distinctly Canadian identity inspired by nature and authenticity. Deeply involved with the Montreal General Hospital Foundation for more than a decade, including three years as Chair of the Board, he played a pivotal role in the rebranding process, bringing his strategic expertise and vision to support the Foundation’s growth and visibility.

MODERATOR :

Ester Driham
President & CEO
Envision Philanthropy

Envision Philanthropy is a boutique consultancy serving the nonprofit sector with a distinctive, hands-on approach to professional fundraising, executive search, and leader-to-leader onboarding and coaching. Headquartered in Toronto Canada, Envision Philanthropy works with mission-driven organizations across Canada and the globe.

Founded and led by Ester Driham, a recognized expert in leadership development and major gift fundraising strategy, Envision Philanthropy partners with nonprofits to attract exceptional talent, cultivate transformational philanthropic support, and strengthen leadership capacity. Ester brings over 25 years of experience driving transformative philanthropy and building mission-driven organizations. Throughout her career, she has successfully raised more than $100 million for a range of charitable causes.

Ester offers deep expertise in leadership development, high-performing team-building, and talent recruitment for non-profits and their boards. Ester is a specialist in Major and Principal Gifts strategy, and in the planning and execution of large-scale capital campaigns—particularly within the education and non-profit sectors. Her leader-to-leader coaching approach has empowered CEOs, Executive Directors, and board members to elevate their frontline fundraising skills, build stronger donor relationships, and secure major philanthropic investments.

To learn more, visit https://envisionphilanthropy.com/

To schedule a complementary online intro meeting please contact Ester Driham, President & CEO at ester.driham@envisionphilanthropy.com
Tel: +1 647 643 319

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