Observed annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day is a time to honour the achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equity.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the NLFC is highlighting some of our incredible female-identifying Board Members!
Shannon Fraser
Meet Shannon (settler, she), Vice-President of the NLFC’s Board of Directors. Shannon has over 25 years of experience as a community volunteer and co-operative/credit union member in several provinces. She is a member of the Social Justice Co-op, Newfoundland & Labrador Credit Union and NewfoundSand Glass Recycling Co-op; she is a past vendor member at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market Co-op.
Shannon is also one of the co-founders of the International Professional Network (IPN); IPN is working towards co-operative incorporation in 2025.
Currently pursuing a PhD at Memorial University, her research combines political economy, political anthropology, and critical mental health studies. Shannon brings policy writing, systems advocacy and education experience to the co-operative ecosystem/board table. Her favourite co-operative principle is #6 Co-operation Among Co-operatives and her favourite co-operative value is social responsibility.
We asked Shannon, “What advice would you give women and gender-diverse folks who want to get involved in the co-op sector?”
Her answer –
“Find your people and create new co-operatives in which you are the centre of the community and its social and economic action. Imagine. Innovate. Influence systems. Think big; go big; be big.”
Thank you, Shannon, for your hard work, leadership, and dedication to the co-operative movement!
Rosalind Langer
Meet Rosalind (she/her), Property & Project Manager at the Co-operative Housing Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (CHANAL). She supports both current and emerging housing co-ops and has been an advocate for co-op housing throughout her 43 years of living in co-op housing. Over the years, Rosalind has held various roles, including serving on the City of St. John’s Seniors Affordable Housing Committee (2013–2016), and as Vice-President of Reclaim CDO (2022–present).
Since 2024, Rosalind has brought her invaluable expertise in co-op housing to the NLFC’s Board of Directors.
We asked Rosalind, “What inspired you to get involved in the co-op sector?”
Her answer –
“The need for long term affordable housing for myself, my husband, and our 3 children.”
With leaders like Ros, the future of co-op housing in Newfoundland and Labrador is bright. Thank you for your expertise and dedication!
Shanti Samaroo
Meet Shanti (she/her), Chief Financial Officer at Atlantic Edge Credit Union. With extensive experience in traditional finance and banking, she transitioned to the credit union sector after moving to Canada in 2013. Shanti holds three esteemed finance related designations: FCCA (Fellow of Association of Chartered Certified Accountant); CPA/CGA (Chartered Professional Accountants); and a Master’s of Science in Finance .
Since 2019, Shanti has contributed her financial expertise to the NLFC’s Board of Directors.
We asked Shanti, “What does being part of the co-op sector mean to you?”
Her answer –
“I feel very proud to be part of a global sector, which thrives in fostering an environment where each individual feels welcomed and cared for, where equality, equity and solidarity is celebrated not segregated. Let’s celebrate each other, and continue our stance in uplifting, empowering each other to continue achieving our Best!”
Thank you to Shanti for being part of the NLFC Board and for her passion in promoting the credit union and co-op sectors. We’re grateful for all she does!
