Meet Our Board Members
The Girls Matter Board is a dynamic group of leaders dedicated to empowering girls and young women. Each member brings unique expertise, passion, and vision to our mission, ensuring we make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Together, our board guides strategic decisions, fosters meaningful partnerships, and champions the cause of equality, education, and opportunity for all.
Learn more about the incredible individuals driving our mission forward below.
MELISSA DEALLY
CO-FOUNDER
Melissa’s journey spans continents and cultures, beginning in Australia and taking a pivotal turn in Tokyo, Japan, where she enjoyed an International School education. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, aftler completing a Commerce Degree including a transformative two-month camping safari through Africa in 1990.
Having witnessed firsthand the global disparities in educational access, particularly in Africa, Melissa’s passion for making a meaningful impact was ignited. As a mother of two girls and a dedicated Girl Guide leader, she found inspiration in the documentary “Girls Rising,” which unveiled the uphill battle nine girls faced in their fight for education. This poignant experience prompted Melissa to reassess the significance of her successful hotel career and set her on a path to contribute positively to the world.
In 2016, a life-changing conference by Allysian Sciences became the catalyst for Melissa’s “a-ha” moment. Instead of waiting to amass personal wealth, she realized the power of taking immediate, purposeful steps toward her dream of educating girls. Collaborating with friends Malcolm and Megin, who shared a similar vision, they co-founded Girls Matter in January 2017. Through this non-profit organization, Melissa’s impact started in Buyaya, Uganda.
The narrative continued to unfold in 2021 when Melissa connected with Jali Sisters in Kenya, an organization empowering women in the Nairobi slums to earn a livelihood. Girls Matter expanded its reach to support the education of daughters within this inspiring community. Melissa’s dream is to break the poverty cycle, 1 girl, 1 family, 1 village at a time, as we raise the GDP of countries, further increase access to education for girls.
BILLIE AADMI
BOARD MEMBER
Billie Aadmi is a first-generation Canadian and a dedicated single mother of two. Her parents immigrated from India in the 1970s in search of a better life for their family. Having visited India numerous times, Billie understands the critical importance of education for girls.
With two decades of experience as a police officer, Billie has witnessed the devastating effects of sexual violence on women. Her passion for giving back to her community and helping those in need has led her to humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity in Kenya and Choice Humanitarian in Nepal. Inspiring young women through her own stories of resilience and perseverance is a cause close to her heart.
As a single mother, Billie is even more committed to instilling the values of generosity and community service in her children. She is currently transitioning from her career in policing to a fulfilling role in brain training and results coaching, having founded Go Mindspire Inc. Through her training, she connected with Melissa and together co-launched Amplify Impact Academy, which certifies and trains coaches and practitioners. Additionally, they have partnered with Girls Matter, donating 10% of all earnings to support their mission.
Billie is honored to be part of this important initiative to educate girls and prevent teenage marriages, and she is dedicated to expanding this powerful mission as far as possible.
MEGIN ALVAREZ
CO-FOUNDER
Megin was born in Cavite in the Philippines and was raised in Canada. Megin has the best of both countries.
With a social science background she has been working with the Ministry for Children and Family Development and Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS) in British Columbia for the past eighteen years.
She’s involved in the foster care system in Canada and has developed numerous community programs in Cavite specializing in child advocacy and female human rights.
She is also the co-founder of Meaningful Volunteer, a non-profit organization. Megin and successfully oversaw the construction of two solar powered school in Uganda and Nepal.
MICHELLE ABRAHAM
Michelle Abraham is a Human Potential Activator, award-winning entrepreneur, and creator of The Four Forces—Love, Purpose, Vitality, and Infinite Possibilities. A podcasting pioneer who has helped launch more than 500 top-rated shows, Michelle now works at the intersection of human potential, relationships, authority, and AI. She is the creator of The Signal framework, helping experts and visionary leaders align who they are with what they are known for, build the relationships that expand their reach, and create a body of work that makes their authority visible and credible. Through Soul Aligned Freedom, High Vibe Leaders, and AmplifYou, Michelle guides people to know themselves, find their people, become known, and explore what’s possible—so they can turn their experience, ideas, and expertise into meaningful impact, opportunity, and a life they genuinely love.
Her philosophy? Love deeply. Live fully. Make it matter. Explore what’s possible.
KELLY WOODHOUSE
BOARD MEMBER
Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach who has spent over 16 years helping individuals and organizations turn adversity into strength.
A burn survivor since the age of two, with injuries covering 75% of her body, Kelly transformed a story of near death into a message of resilience, courage, and self-worth. Once labeled the “scar-faced girl,” she has since taken her message to stages around the world, including two TEDx talks, inspiring audiences to see their scars not as limitations, but as proof of their strength.
Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on television, and her Goalcast feature has reached over 10 million viewers globally. She was named one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020 by Global News.
Today, Kelly is known for helping others share their stories, build authority through publishing, and create impact through speaking. Her work is rooted in one powerful belief: your scars don’t get to steal your future.
Kelly serves on the board of Girls Matter because she has seen the need firsthand.
After traveling to Africa twice, she witnessed the level of poverty many girls face and the barriers that limit their access to education and opportunity. Through her work with burn survivors, she also understands how a lack of resources can deeply affect a person’s future.
Her role on the board is about turning that awareness into action, helping create opportunities for girls to rise, learn, and build a better future.
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HELEN MAJEMITE
BOARD MEMBER
JACKIE BOWEN
BOARD MEMBER
Jackie Bowen is a mortgage professional with over 23+ years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industries, currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to helping individuals and families create stability, build confidence, and access opportunities through homeownership.
Raised by a single mother alongside her sister, Jackie learned early on the meaning of resilience, compassion, and selflessness. Although they didn’t have a lot growing up, her mother ensured they always had what was needed and more importantly, instilled in them a strong sense of gratitude and the importance of giving back. That foundation continues to guide Jackie’s values today.
As a mother herself, Jackie has carried those lessons forward, raising her daughter to be humble and to give back to the community around her. Jackie has volunteered with the Cinderella Project, continues to support women’s shelters across the Greater Vancouver Area and works to stay closely connected to organizations that provide safety, dignity, and support to women in vulnerable situations.
In both her professional and personal life, Jackie believes that when women are supported and given access to resources, stability, and encouragement, the ripple effect is powerful. It strengthens families, uplifts communities, and creates lasting change for future generations.
Through her work and community involvement, she remains passionate about contributing to environments where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward with confidence. She is proud to be part of the Girls Matter movement and the impact it’s creating.
The solution is simple. Educate the girls.
However, it's not easy. It takes a lot of money.
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