We understand that the strength of our organization comes from the people behind it. That’s why we are deeply committed to taking care of our staff and volunteers, ensuring a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone. We believe in working together as a cohesive team, where every member’s contribution is valued and recognized.
Co-Executive Director
Accountant
Magazine Editor (Volunteer)
Blog Coordinator (Volunteer)
Web Developer
Thrift Store Manager
Program Coordinator, Bridging Generations
Thrift & Fund Sales Associate
Thrift & Fund Sales Associate
Thrift & Fund Sales Associate
Thrift & Fund Sales Associate
Thrift & Fund Sales Associate
Executive Director
Andy is joining Low Entropy at a pivotal moment in her life, bringing not only extensive professional and lived experience, but also a strong sense of personal stability that allows her to fully support a team and an organization committed to meaningful impact and to the growth of its people and community.
Andy has over 18 years of experience developing and executing strategic plans, financial management, revenue generation, fundraising, marketing, sales, business development, and communications strategies, including over a decade in executive and people leadership roles across the nonprofit and private sectors. Throughout her career, she has led finance and administration functions with full responsibility for budgeting, financial controls, reporting, and compliance, ensuring strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.
She brings deep expertise in accounting and financial management, including overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, implementing internal control systems, strengthening financial reporting, and stabilizing cash flow. In her recent leadership roles, Andy has successfully grown organizational revenue, improved profit margins, and aligned financial strategies with operational and mission-driven goals.
Andy’s academic background is a reflection that Education helps to change lifes. She holds a Master of Education (MEd) from Thompson Rivers University, an Executive MBA (EMBA) and an MBA with a strong background in Accounting and Legal compliance. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business with background in Accounting from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, a Graduate Diploma in Project Management, a Graduate Diploma in Sales Direction, a specialization in Marketing from Kellogg School of Management (North Western University), and a specialization in Legal Tech and Innovation from The George Washington University, among others..
Andy is an Indigenous woman from Peru, born into the legacy of the Inka imperium. Her lived experience—including experiencing homelessness at a young age—has shaped her leadership, grounding it in resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to equity and community. Since coming to Canada, she has worked alongside Indigenous communities in both urban and remote settings, supporting initiatives that centre cultural safety, dignity, and self-determination.
Her leadership style is people-centered, strategic, and accountable. She focuses on building strong teams and successful professionals, creating systems that support transparency and performance, building long term relationships, and creating meaningful impacts and moments for people, while ensuring that financial and operational decisions are aligned with purpose and impact.
As Executive Director, Andy is committed to leading with integrity, strengthening financial sustainability, and advancing the organization’s mission in a way that is both responsible and transformative.
Ness is passionate about empowerment, leadership, and skill-building, with extensive experience in mentorship, creating impactful programs, and facilitating opportunities for individuals to gain confidence and self-worth. Deeply committed to fostering community and connection, she works to create spaces where people can thrive.
Accountant
Rick Liu is a Certified General Accountant (CPA, CGA) with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit and private sectors. Rick joined Low Entropy Foundation in June 2022. In his current role as Accountant, Rick provides budgeting and financial administration support for the organization, while managing the day to day financial requirements from both external and internal stakeholders.
Magazine Editor
After studying journalism at Western University, Simon worked as a reporter before turning his attention to law and non-profits. He has been lucky enough to blend these interests into a career involving non-profit program co-ordination, advocacy and volunteering.
Blog Coordinator
Mandy’s experience as a team lead, facilitator, and consultant, supports our organization to reach our goals of personal development and self-fulfillment. In her spare time, Mandy enjoys cooking elaborate dishes, meditating, scuba diving, and getting lost in new places in all corners of the world.
Web Developer
Paul is an enthusiastic web developer dedicated to shaping seamless digital experiences that foster connection and accessibility. With expertise spanning personal blogs, corporate sites, e-commerce platforms, and real estate websites, Paul crafts user-friendly designs that invite engagement and interaction.
His commitment to best SEO practices ensures that every project not only looks great but reaches the communities that need it most. Rooted in our mission of fostering growth and inclusivity, Paul’s work helps bring our vision to life—creating online spaces that inform, inspire, and empower.
Store manager of Thrift & Fund Burquitlam
With over a decade of experience as a successful manager, I’ve consistently delivered results and take pride in my skills in merchandising, organization, and cultivating a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment for both staff and volunteers.
Helping others has always been a passion of mine, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a role where I can make a meaningful impact. Being able to express genuine care and compassion as part of my work is something I truly value.
I’m excited about what’s ahead for Low Entropy and look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the Thrift & Fund store!
Thrift Store Assistant Manager
I’m so happy to be part of the Thrift & Fund Store family. Moving from Iran to Canada was a big change, but it gave me the chance to grow, learn, and connect with a new community.
I’m a naturally positive and energetic person. I love meeting new people, creating meaningful connections, and helping others feel welcome. Sustainability, creativity, and community service have always been close to my heart.
At Thrift & Fund, I create social media content, highlight our volunteers and events, and showcase the treasures in our store. My goal is to make our store feel not just like a place to shop, but a warm and inspiring space where everyone belongs.
Being part of Thrift & Fund is more than a job for me — it’s a chance to spread positivity, celebrate community, and show that second-hand can be first choice.
Program Coordinator, Bridging Generations
After joining Low Entropy Foundation through Thrift & Fund in 2024, Melissa stepped into program coordination with the encouragement of the Co-Executive Directors, who recognized her desire to foster meaningful connection within the community. As the Program Coordinator for Bridging Generations, she brings a diverse background in education, library services, advertising, and community engagement.
Having lived on multiple continents throughout her life, and guided by a deep curiosity about people and the human experience, Melissa has developed a strong appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and the universal human need for belonging and authentic connection — something she believes can serve as a salve for the soul. Through Bridging Generations, she hopes to create a space where youth and seniors can genuinely connect, create, share their stories, and recognize the value within their own lived experiences.
Melissa is especially inspired by the words of Charles Dickens: “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another,” a sentiment that reflects the heart of Bridging Generations and the importance of caring for one another across generations.
Thrift & Fund Sales Associate
I have been a part of The Low Entropy Foundation since 2021, and cannot imagine ever leaving. I have worn many hats during my time here as a volunteer, fund developer, board member, staff member at their thrift store and so forth. Low Entropy has provided scaffolding for my personal growth through helping me improve my weaknesses in a supportive environment and apply my strengths. With the help of this foundation, I have grown to be a confident leader, a dedicated student and a loving friend. I am excited to continue being a part of Low Entropy and watch it thrive!
As a former volunteer who had the opportunity to work here, I would say that I lucked out!
I’m so glad to be working at Thrift & Fund. I consider my coworkers to be my second family!
Thank you for the opportunity to meet such great people, I’m forever thankful.
A dream of mine was to work at a place that genuinely cares about their community, gives back to the community and I’m glad to say that it’s been more than fulfilled.
I have been working for The Low Entropy Foundation for the last two years, it’s been a great experience where I’ve gotten to grow and practice lots of different, new skills. I was hired as a sales associate, but in that role I’ve gotten the opportunity to be a mentor, as well as assisting in programs and training.
I’ve gotten to meet and help so many people through the thrift store and learn how much that means to me. It’s given me confidence and valuable experience, and make so many strong bonds with fellow people on my team. I’m so grateful to be working for the Thrift & Fund team and The Low Entropy Foundation.
Luis Ortega is a dedicated Sales Associate with a strong focus on customer service and creating positive shopping experiences. Currently based in Canada, he brings a friendly, reliable approach to every interaction. Outside of work, Luis enjoys learning new languages and continuously improving his communication skills, always striving to grow in a focused and intentional way.
I have been part of The Low Entropy Foundation since 2024. I’ve spent the past couple of years building skills such as confidence and leadership through creativity and trying new things. While I primarily am a staff member at the thrift store, I do help out with events and programs as well.
Being part of Thrift & Fund has allowed me to help the community directly, while working alongside a wonderful team of creative people. I am so happy to be part of the Thrift & Fund team, as well as The Low Entropy Foundation as a whole.
Volunteer Coordinator
Starting as a volunteer back in early 2024, I never would have thought I would become my own boss. Stepping into the Volunteer Coordinator role with zero experience was certainly a big step for me, but I am very happy I made it.
Through my work as the Volunteer Coordinator, I have found a new passion and have already made plans to study and improve my volunteer management skills so I can continue to be a positive asset for the organization and the thrift store.
I am looking forward to continuing to work with our amazing thrift store volunteers, as well as the amazing leadership team at Low Entropy and Thrift and Fund.