StoryBridge Leadership & Governance
Our Structure
The StoryBridge Network is a federally incorporated nonprofit operating in Manitoba. A volunteer Board of Directors governs the organization and provides strategic and financial oversight on behalf of our Class A (Voting) members.
Class A (Voting) members are the core of our community organization, ensuring it remains firmly grounded and guided by representative community input.
The Board of Directors sets the strategic direction, provides governance, and oversees the organization's corporate responsibilities. An Executive Director manages day-to-day operations and program leadership, with support from volunteers, contractors, and community partners.
How We Are Funded
StoryBridge operates through a blended sustainability model that includes:
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Fee-for-service training and consulting
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Ticketed storytelling events and conferences
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Retail sales such as The Story From Here book series
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Donations, sponsorships, and grants
This model helps ensure our community programs remain accessible to those who need them most.
Volunteer With Us
A growing network of volunteer leaders supports StoryBridge programs by helping guide projects, events, and community initiatives. We use a tiered volunteer ecosystem framework supported by a distributed leadership model, ensuring our volunteers get access to meaningful leadership and community-building experiences.
Volunteer leadership roles may include:
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Board Membership
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Program Coordinators
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Community Engagement Facilitators
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Project and Committee Leads
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Event Organizers
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Communications and Outreach Leaders
Our volunteers receive thorough onboarding, ongoing training and opportunities for skill development, and benefit from an attractive reciprocity package.
Director Bios
Patlee Creary, PhD
Board Chair
A social entrepreneur and educator, Patlee holds a doctorate in Peace and Conflict Studies and is a certified higher education teacher. Her facilitation approach integrates storytelling practice, community development frameworks, adult learning theory, and trauma-aware engagement methods. Patlee has worked extensively with newcomers, youth, educators, and nonprofit organizations to create inclusive spaces where people can explore identity, share their stories, and build meaningful connections across cultures and generations.
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Brian Creary
Secretary & Records Officer
Originally from Jamaica, Brian served in the Jamaica Defence Force, where he helped establish the Caribbean Military Academy School of Aviation—the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. Since moving to Canada in 2010, he has continued his career in aviation as a flight instructor and training program manager. Brian's travels and community involvement have deepened his interest in how personal stories shape identity and connection. A devoted reader of first-person narratives, he is passionate about creating space for diverse voices and proudly supports StoryBridge’s mission to build belonging through storytelling.
Chantella Morgan-Peart
Board Member
Chantella brings more than twelve years of social work leadership with Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security, alongside experience as a Case Worker & Donor Care Representative at Siloam Mission, public school Board Member, Trainer/Supervisor for the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, CPHR Awards Gala Committee Member, and Student Ambassador. She holds a BA in Social Work and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management.
Jude Obidiagha
Board Member
Jude is an economist and public policy practitioner. He currently serves as a Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Manitoba with experience working across diverse policy, legislative, and strategic initiatives that strengthen public systems. Beyond his professional role, Jude leads community-driven projects focused on belonging, dignity, and connection, and serves on several nonprofit and public boards committed to social impact and community well-being.