Meet Our Team of Passionate Chefs and Community Leaders
We're proud to volunteer nearly every day for Food For Thought.
As we like to say, "Nous mettons la main à la pâte," or, "we like to put our hands right in the dough!"
Sylvain de Margerie
Founder, President and Chairman of the Board
Sylvain de Margerie is a business leader with a passion for people and food.
Winner of the CBC TrailBlazer and City Community Builder awards, Sylvain has been volunteering for more than 5 years to bring good food to the tables of good people. As a retired entrepreneur and government executive, he now applies his knowledge and experience to support the community.
Joe Thottungal
Director of Culinary Matters
Joe Thottungal is an award-winning chef with decades of experience in top restaurants.
When he's not volunteering for Food For Thought, you can usually find Chef Joe working in one of the two local restaurants he runs – Coconut Lagoon and Thali. He has received national recognition for his cooking skills, earning a silver medal at the Canadian culinary championship, among other awards.
Alongside his culinary medals, he has been recognized as Philanthropist of the Year and Community Builder from local organizations. Joe brings his creativity and leadership to Food For Thought and pairs his passion for food with a passion for helping the community.
Doris de Margerie
Co-Founder and Director
Doris de Margerie supports Food For Thought with decades of business leadership and an eagerness to help others.
Doris has over 25 years of experience in project management and business development roles at Nortel Networks, CGI, and Unisys. Having grown up in a disadvantaged environment, she has been committed to supporting others in the community for a long time. Doris has supported initiatives to improve nutrition in the Caldwell area for 3 years.
Bruno Lepine
Co-Founder and Secretary
Bruno Lepine supports Food For Thought with a balance of business involvement and community care.
Bruno has years of business leadership experience under his belt. He has sat on the board of the Canadian Scouting Association for more than 12 years, and has been a leader for 10. As an entrepreneur, Bruno led his own company as the CEO before shifting gears towards supporting Fortune 500 companies in a technical management role.
Food For Thought gives Bruno the opportunity to put his knowledge of business leadership towards the community.
Fabien Kalala Cimankinda
Director
Fabien Kalala Cimankinda brings care and dignity to Food For Thought as one of its directors.
Fabien learned the importance of supporting disadvantaged communities growing up in Ottawa's Caldwell neighbourhood. Now, he's well-known in the community as a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, athlete, and writer. He spends much of his time in Congo helping his homeland, while also spending time in Ottawa supporting his family and community.
You Can Join Our Team
Our board of directors counts on community members like you to help us serve thousands of meals. There are many easy ways to help – find out below how you can volunteer or donate.