Maxime Michel

Maxime Michel is a values-driven feminist leader with deep experience in Canada’s international cooperation sector. Over the past 15 years, she has held senior leadership roles spanning programs, strategy, operations, finance, HR, governance, and fundraising—with a strong focus on gender justice and enabling locally led change.

Maxime spent more than a decade at CARE Canada, leading the global programming portfolio and serving on the Senior Leadership Team. In 2021–2022, she was Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Cooperation Canada, steering the organization through a period of transition and advancing sector-wide coordination. She has previously held roles at Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, the Humanitarian Coalition, and the Government of Canada (CIDA and DFAIT), contributing to humanitarian and development efforts in complex global contexts.

She brings extensive expertise in institutional and philanthropic funding, including with Global Affairs Canada, the Mastercard Foundation, UN agencies, and private foundations. Known for building high-performing, trust-based teams and inclusive workplace cultures, Maxime is recognized for translating values into action and leading with clarity and care.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Community Foundations of Canada, where she co-chairs the Finance and Audit Committee. Maxime holds a degree in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa.