Patrick Mason
Patrick is the founder and Chair of the Board of Xseed Impact. He brings over 15 years of experience in impacting investing and managing social enterprises in developing countries.
Patrick’s unique career has touched every level of the impact investing ecosystem. He managed microfinance institutions in Africa, Latin America and Asia where he brought inclusive financial services to micro-entrepreneurs, farmers and small business owners, particularly women. He managed the Asia portfolio of Incofin, a major impact investing firm. Most recently, he oversaw the Government of Canada’s blended finance and climate finance programs for international development.
Patrick is a graduate of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies where he earned a Masters in International Cooperation Studies and Carleton University where he obtained a Bachelor of International Business.
Rhonda Douglas
Rhonda is a leader in global development and women’s empowerment, with over two decades of experience working on impactful projects worldwide.
For the past 18 years she has held leadership roles at WIEGO (Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing), where she has contributed to organizational growth through fundraising, strategic planning, project management and impact assessment. Her prior leadership roles include Co-Director of Resource Development at Amnesty International Canada and International Marketing Director at CARE International. As a consultant, Rhonda has also worked with several North American NGOs, as well as with IDRC-supported research networks in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, on their resource mobilization and capacity-building needs.
Rhonda holds a Master’s degree in Management for the Voluntary Sector from McGill University. Passionate about sustainable development and gender equality, Rhonda brings significant experience in resource mobilization and organizational development to the Xseed Impact board.
Sue Szabo
With a 30-year career in international development, Sue Szabo has dedicated her life to fostering greater equality and inclusion worldwide. She has held leadership roles in policy, programming and research across both public and not-for-profit sectors. Sue’s work has taken her to over 50 countries, where she has gained hands-on experience in areas such as women’s enterprises, climate change, innovative development finance, health and governance.
Sue served as Global Affairs Canada’s Director General for Innovative and Climate Finance, leading the $5.3 billion climate finance commitment and representing Canada on the Green Climate Fund Board. Previously, Sue led the Inclusive Economies program at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), managing a global team and overseeing $60 million in annual grants. She also advised Canada’s Minister of Finance on international development policy during her tenure at Finance Canada.
Sue holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Cambridge, where her research focused on microenterprises in developing countries.
Sally Yacoub
Sally is a gender and financial inclusion expert with over 20 years of experience promoting social impact across global development programs. She has worked extensively with organizations such as GIZ, SANAD Fund, Alinea, and the MicroInsurance Center at Milliman, advising on gender-sensitive financial products and strategies to empower women entrepreneurs across the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
With expertise in policy development, gender analysis and capacity building, Sally has contributed to impactful projects for organizations like FINCA Canada, Médecins Sans Frontières and the European Microfinance Platform. Her work includes developing gender strategies, conducting gender assessments and delivering training on gender equality and financial inclusion. Her expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been recognized through advisory roles with organizations like Cordaid, Deloitte, Women’s World Banking, the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility and the Global Gender-Smart Fund (GGSF). Sally has held leadership roles with GIZ, the Swiss Embassy in Egypt and USAID Egypt.
Sally holds a Master’s degree in International Education Management from the Ludwigsburg University of Education and Helwan University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ain Shams University. As a board director, she brings a wealth of strategic and advisory experience to ensure gender considerations are central to Xseed Impact’s goals and decision-making.
Duncan Watt
Duncan brings four decades of experience in financial and institutional management to the board of Xseed Impact. He served as Carleton University’s Vice-President of Finance and Administration, managing the university’s finances, development and expansion over 20 years. Duncan previously worked as Associate Vice-President (Finance and Administration) at the University of Regina, and the Director of Facility Planning for Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Manpower. He has also served as an officer in the Canadian Forces.
Over his career, Duncan has served on many boards of directors, including the boards of Hydro Ottawa, the Canadian Association of University Business Officers, and is the current President of the 33 CER Foundation.
Duncan Watt received a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the Royal Military College of Canada and obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa.
James Stevenson
James is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in criminal and employment law. Currently serving as Counsel and Investigator at Quintet Consulting Corporation, he specializes in workplace investigations, ensuring fair and thorough assessments that uphold organizational integrity.
In addition to his legal practice, James is a dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability. As chair of the board of directors for the Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES), he actively contributes to the mission of fostering effective environmental actions in Ottawa.
James’s legal career has included time as a Crown Counsel in the Domestic Violence Unit of the Ministry of the Attorney General of BC and private practice in the areas of criminal and employment law. James earned his Doctor of Law (JD) at York University, a Master of Science at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science at Queen’s University.
With a strong track record of leadership and advocacy, James brings invaluable insights to the board, aiming to leverage his legal acumen and passion for sustainability to drive impactful initiatives.
Xseed Impact 