Growing up on Fogo Island, Zita developed a deep belief in the inherent value of place and profound respect for the human ways of knowing that emerge from respectful relationships with nature, culture, and community. She held senior financial roles in the high-tech industry, notably with JDS Fitel, subsequently JDS Uniphase, where she contributed to building the company into one of the most successful high-tech innovators in history. Zita returned home to Fogo Island in the early 2000’s and, along with her brothers Anthony and Alan, founded Shorefast. In 2016, Zita was awarded the Order of Canada. She volunteers her time and energies to the active direction and management of Shorefast and our projects on Fogo Island 

Olivia Best works in Events & Engagement with Shorefast on Fogo Island, often working out of the Community + Business Hub, helping to create a ‘third space’ on the island and promoting community gatherings. She supports the development of the Hub as part of the Shorefast Institute’s work and also contributes to Shorefast’s Environmental Initiatives Program on Fogo Island. A recent graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Archaeology, Olivia is passionate about connecting with community members to explore ways to strengthen and support the island. Originally from Fogo Island, she is excited to be back working with her home community. When she’s not working, Olivia enjoys crocheting and relaxing with a good movie.

Susan Cull is Executive Vice President of Shorefast and Executive Chair of the Fogo Island Economic Development Partnership. She earned her master’s degree in project management from York University and spent eight years in project development and management with the Newfoundland and Labrador Economics and Statistics Agency. Since returning to her home on Fogo Island with her family in 2014, Cull has held several roles with Shorefast, including Vice President of Operations and Operations Manager. In her current capacity, she is a key leader for the social enterprise, which aims to build economic and cultural resilience on Fogo Island. Cull is deeply committed to community development and is involved with local organizations across multiple sectors, including economic, social, recreation, and education.

Adi Datta draws on his background in public policy, global affairs and capital markets to advance place-based and community-centred economic initiatives. He holds a Master of Public Administration (Distinction) from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Master of Global Affairs from the University of Toronto’s Munk School. Previously, Adi held various roles with Barclays, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and EY, gaining experience in risk management, government advisory, and ESG consulting. His lived experience across India, Nigeria, Singapore, UK, and Canada gives him a nuanced understanding of how place shapes economic development and community vitality.

Tasha Freidus is a social entrepreneur and educator with over two decades of experience designing and leading ventures at the intersection of business and social impact. She is responsible for the strategy and launch of the Shorefast Institute with a focus on consulting, training, and network building. Previously, Tasha was the co-founder of NeedsList (acquired, 2024), a technology company that modernized humanitarian response by connecting local suppliers to crisis-affected communities. Tasha currently teaches social entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs where she serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence.

With a background in research and science communication, Gabbie joined Shorefast focusing on geographic information systems, developing an online tool to communicate information about the coastal ecosystems of Fogo Island. In 2024, she relocated to Fogo Island to lead Shorefast’s Environmental Program. With a focus on finding innovative approaches to caring for the coastal ecosystem, Gabbie manages multi-faceted initiatives, including the Seaweed Pilot Project, island-wide community science Initiatives, and on-island youth programming.

Gabbie holds a Bachelor’s from Iowa State University and a Masters of Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is committed to fostering stronger connections between academia, government, and community.

Sisa is a strategist and builder who draws on a decade of experience across product design, tech development, and the creative industries, to create solutions for communities at the Shorefast Institute. Known for her collaborative creative problem-solving workshops, she helps organizations move with confidence from problem → prototype → product → the people who make it matter.  As co-founder of the Pop App Shop, where tech entrepreneurship is made more accessible for women outside traditional development spaces, she has delivered talks & training to thousands of entrepreneurs across international accelerators and innovation programs, while her work has earned recognition across design, tech, and social impact communities.

Simon Massey is an economist and demographer with over 15 years experience working across the government and not-for-profit sectors in Australia. Simon has delivered transformative economic and place strategies for government and built award-winning scenario planning tools. He has expertise in both the big picture thinking of developing strategies and the nuts and bolts of implementing programs. Simon complements these skills with a strong governance, data analytics and research background. He is driven to make a positive difference for people and places.

Simon and his family relocated to Canada in 2024. Simon is the Data and Economic Development Lead for the Shorefast Institute with a focus on consulting, training and data. Simon is also on the board of Economic Development Australia and received the prestigious Churchill Fellowship for his leadership in social infrastructure planning.

Gwen grew up on Salt Spring Island, BC, where she founded the Foundation of Youth, a youth advisory committee of the Salt Spring Island Foundation. While earning her Bachelor of Commerce at Queen’s University, she received the Kehoe Fellowship, enabling her to intern with Shorefast on Fogo Island. After graduation, she obtained her CPA designation and worked in public accounting at a Big Four firm before returning to Shorefast.

Gwen currently leads all Shorefast’s Economic Nutrition work.

Drawing on over a decade with Shorefast, Amy works cross-functionally to advance impact and development across the organization. Throughout her tenure, Amy has contributed to the establishment and growth of Shorefast’s community businesses and place-based initiatives, with experience spanning programming, communications, marketing, engagement, heritage preservation, economic development, and creative projects. She holds an Honours BA from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Arts from McGill University. 

Though born and raised in Ottawa, Amy descends from a long line of Newfoundlanders. She relocated to Fogo Island in 2017 and enjoys reading and rug hooking in her spare time.