Board of Directors

President

Star Fiorotto

I have a deep history in harm reduction and anti-oppressive practices and am currently studying Human Rights and Global Justice at Trent University. I hold an honours diploma from the University of Lisbon/European Drug Union Agency, focusing on the EU’s Policies on Illicit Drugs and Mental Health.

I facilitate groups of Peer experts, known as KT6 (Keepin’ The 6 Crews), where we address harm reduction, houselessness, mental health, and system navigation. My work is justice-oriented, Peer-led, and rooted in harm reduction, fostering transformative, collaborative, and inclusive approaches in educational, scientific, and medical spaces.

I’ve worked in low-barrier shelters and as a Direct Care Facilitator in the first provincial out-of-home care program, providing mentorship and support to female and female-identifying youth aged 12-18 who have experienced sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. My passion lies in advocating for change, amplifying the voices of those whose rights are being violated, and empowering those who are disenfranchised or disempowered.

In 2022, as the Executive Director of SUH, I successfully obtained Health Canada approval for an SCS/UPHNS. My experience on several Boards of Directors has also given me insight into the operations of non-profits and the political landscape of grants and funding. These skills fuel my goal of furthering the work of Frontline Baddies and creating impactful change in the communities we serve.

Frontline Worker Board Chair

Kathleen Potter

My name is Kathleen (Kat) Potter, and I am an immigrant settler to Canada from the United States, with predominantly Irish heritage. I am applying for the role of Frontline Worker Representative on the Frontline Baddies Board.

I’ve been a social worker (RSW) in healthcare since 2014, starting at Surrey Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care before transitioning to the Downtown Eastside (DTES) in 2022. There, I spent 18 months working in a primary care clinic and on the Addiction Medicine team at St. Paul’s Hospital. I recently completed the Interdisciplinary Clinical Addiction Fellowship through the BC Centre on Substance Use and am now the Team Lead for the new Road to Recovery Transitional Care Unit.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the devastating impact of the increasingly toxic drug supply on our community—on those who use substances, their loved ones, and the Frontline Baddies who support them. I am honoured to give back to the community of Frontline Baddies who have been my support through the most challenging and rewarding moments of this beautiful, difficult work we do.

Mental Health Board Chair

Jamie Holyk

I started working in the nonprofit field when I was 20 years old, gaining experience with transition houses, outreach programs, and more in Kitimat, BC, through Tamitik Status of Women (TSW). I worked with TSW for about five years before transitioning to a different field. Shortly after leaving, the Executive Director approached me to join the Board of Directors, and I’ve been an active board member since 2019.

Over the past five years, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and experience in nonprofit governance, and I continue to learn and grow in this role. One of the highlights of my time on the board was completing a $20 million project in April, funded by BC Housing and the District of Kitimat, which will make a meaningful impact on the community. I could talk endlessly about this achievement and the lessons learned along the way!

Two years ago, I moved to Vancouver and worked at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre for over a year, where I built beautiful connections with the community. Joining this board would allow me to continue making a difference for the communities I live in and for the amazing people who dedicate their lives to helping others. This work is my passion and what truly feeds my soul in this world.