Testimonials
Don't take our word for it...
Discover what our satisfied customers have to say about their experiences with us.
Dr. Sean Geobey
Associate Professor, School of Environment Enterprise and Development (SEED)
Director, Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation (WICI)
“I had the pleasure of partnering with Diane for 5 years while she was at Leadership Waterloo Region and have continued working with her ever since. Diane is a dedicated and passionate community leader and weaver, and I’ve long been impressed by the care she takes with cultivating her networks in the community. Diane approaches her with work with vision and compassion, and I’ve seen her work incredibly creatively to make opportunities for people across our region”.
Beth Daniel
Board Member, Ethiopian Association K-W and Surrounding Area
"Our Board engaged Diane from Heart of the Region to provide training and long-term strategic planning. Diane’s generative leadership style and willingness to serve in areas of need make her a valuable asset. She excels at working with groups from diverse backgrounds, leveraging her extensive experience and knowledge in community leadership within the Waterloo Region...."
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Asma Al-wahsh
Founder & Executive Director
Canadian Arab Women’s Association
"When I first met Diane, I admired her leadership skills and her passion for supporting others. I connected with Diane in 2020 to join Leadership Waterloo Region to enhance my skills in leading the Canadian Arab Women’s Association.
Diane, with her extensive experience and skills working with diverse grassroots organizations in the Waterloo Region, enhances many organizations and their leadership team to be a better leader..."
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Read the full testimonial here.
Fidelia Ukueje
President, NIROW Nigerians in the Waterloo Region
"It is with great pleasure that I offer this testimonial for Diane Wiles, who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and impact as a facilitator for NIROW's youth camp and the Leading Together series for African Leaders.
Her meticulous planning and engaging demeanor created an environment conducive to learning and growth. Through her guidance, she instilled confidence and empowerment in the camp attendees, equipping them with essential leadership and communication skills.
Additionally, Diane's leadership series showcased her expertise and cheerful approach, leaving a lasting impression on all participants. Her dedication to fostering meaningful development in both young individuals and seasoned professionals was evident throughout her work.
Diane's contributions were transformative, making her an invaluable asset to any program or initiative focused on leadership and community development."
Kay Valley
Founder, HomeBAnx
"When we were at the critical fundraising stage for our new business, we quickly recognized the gaps in our knowledge regarding engaging with funders and crafting an effective 'Ask.' In our search for expertise, we turned to Diane, and she truly delivered. Her guidance was instrumental in reshaping our approach, providing us with the clarity and confidence we needed to move forward. Diane's support was not just about advice; it was about empowering us with the tools and understanding necessary to succeed. Thanks to her, we're now on a stronger path toward achieving our funding goals."
Uzma Bhutto
Coordinator, Women Building Women Program, Coalition of Muslim Women
"Diane has been an invaluable asset to our community, generously dedicating her time and resources to empower women and the community through leadership, governance and entrepreneurship training sessions that we at the Coalition of Muslim Women have organized. As CEO of Leadership Waterloo Region, Diane has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering inclusive environments where individuals can thrive, and we were honoured to take our signature event “Tea and Tales with Muslim Women” to the group of students for their learning. That showcases her commitment to diversity and cross-cultural understanding.
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We are deeply grateful for Diane's support and partnership in our accomplishments. We wholeheartedly endorse Diane for her outstanding contributions to our community and wish her all the best in her new work journey."
Julie Sawatzky
Founder and Chair
519 Community Collective
"I am writing to express my wholehearted recommendation for Diane’s board governance training services. Diane has been a pivotal figure in the remarkable growth and professional development of our organization’s board of directors and team.
Securing a grant to enhance our board’s capabilities was a milestone for us at 519 Community Collective a grassroots nonprofit that has swiftly grown to become a crucial support system for families, singles, and seniors throughout the Waterloo region. Diane’s invaluable expertise has propelled us significantly closer to achieving our goal of obtaining charitable status, a complex process requiring meticulous organization and deep understanding of governance.
Diane’s teaching methodology is exceptionally inclusive, catering adeptly to various learning styles, be they visual or verbal. Her sessions are structured to encourage openness and dialogue, making every team member feel comfortable and engaged. This approach has demystified the intricacies of nonprofit governance, transforming what initially seemed a daunting task into an achievable objective.
Furthermore, Diane’s ability to connect on both a group and individual level has been profoundly motivating. Her personal dedication to understanding and addressing specific areas of development for each member has not only boosted our confidence but also enriched our skills in meaningful ways.
For anyone seeking comprehensive and accessible board governance training, I cannot recommend Diane highly enough. Her impact on us has been transformative, making her an invaluable asset to any team.
Thank you, Diane, for everything. We are immensely grateful for your guidance and genuinely excited about the future you’re helping us shape. Our entire team holds you in the highest regard – truly, to the moon and back."
Scott Williams
Executive Director, SPECTRUM
“I had the pleasure of being in Diane Wiles' final Leadership Waterloo Region course and learned so much from Diane -- not just in terms of the content of the sessions, but also from the example she sets working in the community. Diane is a skilled trainer and facilitator and is well-connected to a network she can consult with. She truly is the Heart of the Region!”
Kirsten Wright
Managing Director, Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation (WICI)
"I've had the pleasure of experiencing Diane's leadership training sessions multiple times, and each time I'm impressed by her expertise and dedication. Her modules are not only well-crafted but also highly engaging, making learning a dynamic and enjoyable experience. Diane's unique ability to connect with participants and foster collaborative environments truly sets her apart.”
Let Us Help You Make A Change
Here are some ways you can work with us:
One-on-One
Meet with one of our team members one-on-one for a mentoring session or to grow a specific skill.
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We are happy to meet in person, over the phone or online via Zoom.
Small Workshops
We can work with you to scope out a workshop for smaller groups for any of the service areas we cover!
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It doesn't matter if you have team of 2 or 20 (or more!) we're here to support you.
Large Workshops & Conferences
Hosting a coference and need a speaker? We're here to help. Our facilitators have experience speaking at conferences across the country. Contact us today to learn more!