STAFF
 

Julie Hall | Operations and Outreach Coordinator

outreach @ cafka.org

Julie Hall (they/she) is an artist and writer of settler descent concerned with perception and language. Julie grew up outside of Kjipuktuk/Halifax and, before attending art school, was a research scientist until their fascination with objectivity ran its course. They work collaboratively with their partner, Jacob Irish (he/they), developing a ten-year co-creative practice in sculpture, video, and audio. Julie seeks the unspoken through artmaking, probing the ideologies and structures so ingrained in their own life and settler-colonial Canadian society that they go unnoted. They thrive in uncertainty and are calm in chaos. Earning a BFA from NSCAD University in 2017 and an MFA from the University of Waterloo in 2022, Julie has exhibited work at the Anna Leonowens Gallery in Halifax, Centre Bang! in Chicoutimi-Saguenay, the Art Gallery of Guelph, Hamilton Artists Inc., and the                                                                                        University of Waterloo Art Gallery.

 

Sofia Habib| Marketing Coordinator

marketing @ cafka.org

Sofia Habib (she/her) is an actor, arts worker, and film festival director. She holds a BA in History of Art from the University of Toronto and a post-graduate certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management from Humber College. She has performed in short films and theatre productions around the GTA, and in November 2024 had her directorial debut at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival in Toronto. Now in its second year, Sofia founded Peaks Central Asian Film Festival: a short film festival showcasing Central Asian films from around the world. Sofia is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in contemporary art and media and actively integrates these values into her life and work.

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

 

Sharl 2 th_0.png

 Sharl G. Smith | President and Board Chair

 Artist / Architect

Originally from Jamaica, Sharl Smith lived in the U.S. for 17 years before moving to Canada in 2015. She received her Bachelor of  Architecture with honours from New York Institute of Technology, where she was also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of NYIT’s Campus Newspaper. She practiced at architectural firms in the U.S. for 6 years before moving to Canada in 2015. She now operates Sun Drops art studio in Waterloo where she creates beaded sculptures and jewelry.
 

 

Ginger Whitney | Fundraising Chair

Real Estate Broker

Ginger Whitney is a Real Estate Broker, Vice President and Managing Partner at WHITNEY & Company Realty in the Region of Waterloo. With 11 years of experience, 2 international designations and being a 5th generation WHITNEY realtor Ginger has established herself as a real estate entrepreneur. Ginger is focused on helping local companies grow their businesses and getting more involved with the community. Joining CAFKA’s Board provides an opportunity for Ginger to contribute her knowledge and expertise towards the ongoing development of the thriving local arts culture. Ginger has a keen interest in architecture, design, photography, contemporary art, music, dance, commerce and fitness. In her spare time Ginger enjoys outside activities that include - photography, walking her dogs, cross country skiing and downhill skiing.
 

 

Wen Li | Director

Artist / Engineer before 2012

Wen Li is a multi-media artist. She received her BFA from the University of Waterloo. Wen originally trained and worked as an engineer in China, and now merges her cultural heritage with Western art training in her art practice. Intrigued by unintentional and unpredictable forms, she incorporates these visual elements into her art through a process guided by chance. Having volunteered at several CAFKA events before joining the board, Wen is hoping to contribute to the local art scene at various levels. 
 
 
 

Victoria Kent | Director

Local Business Owner

Victoria Kent owns the Yeti Cafe, a community hub and grassroots venue in Downtown Kitchener founded in 2012. Victoria previously worked as a media librarian, DJ and scenic painter. This is her third term on the CAFKA board, with a focus on fundraising and events. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Shannon Stehr | Director

Artist

Shannon Stehr (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, curator and educator based in Kitchener. She holds a BFA from the University of Waterloo and a post-graduate certificate in Museum Management & Curatorship from Fleming College. Shannon is an active member of the Waterloo Potters Workshop, the maker behind Pot Liquor Ceramics, and works as the Programs Assistant & Ceramic Studio Technician at Homer Watson House & Gallery. Her work often reflects on her connections to outport Newfoundland and Treaty 7 Territory/Alberta, including the geology, flora, and cultural futures of these regions. Shannon also uses her printmaking and quilt-making               practices to foster cross-generational learning and healing.

 

Graham Whiting | Director

Architect / Artist

Graham is an architect, artist and father who has been living and working in Waterloo region for over 20 years. A former board member and chair, he is returning to CAFKA after a few years of exploring opportunities in project management, residential construction and most recently, public playground design and construction with Earthscape Play in Wallenstein, Ontario. With a keen interest in public art, performance and community activation, he is focused on logistics, installation, and events.