Kari McLay, M.S.W. is a clinical Social Worker, community engagement and fund development professional, business owner, and social entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience across the public, nonprofit, healthcare, and private sectors. Kari’s Social Work career began by supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addictions, and includes a long-standing career in hospital Social Work, family therapy, and parenting education. Throughout her career, Kari has spent her time acting as a lifelong bridge builder, bringing sectors together to solve complex social issues.
Proud of her Metis / Cree heritage, Kari currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement and Fund Development at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC). In this role, she helps secure vital resources and build partnerships for a wide array of urban Indigenous wraparound services, spanning daycare, child and youth programs, counseling, career education, elder support services, a multidisciplinary health clinic, and a 55-bed men’s shelter.
Kari leverages her background as a business owner to oversee the VNFC’s Cowichan Sweater: Knit with Purpose social enterprise. Through this initiative, she bridges the gap between Indigenous craftsmanship and commercial business, creating sustainable economic opportunities while celebrating authentic Indigenous art. Whether championing foundational housing or cultural integrity, Kari remains dedicated to creating practical, dignified solutions that allow individuals and communities to thrive.
