We believe that who builds the tool matters just as much as how it’s built.
Fatima Kamal
Head of Product Development
Fatima Kamal has over seven years of experience driving end-to-end product development across highly regulated, data-driven industries. Currently leading product initiatives at VESTA, she manages user-centric design, and cross-functional execution to build technology that empowers communities and supports survivor-centric outcomes.
Previously, Fatima held in progressive product development roles where she led global teams across multiple regions to launch analytical software solutions used in diverse industries. Her work spanned requirements discovery, agile execution, release readiness, and regulatory compliance. Fatima holds a Master of Public Health from Queen’s University and a Certificate in Product Management from York University.
An advocate for women’s empowerment, she is passionate about building technology that protects, uplifts, and creates lasting social impact. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cycling, and spending time with family and friends.
Lucrezia Spagnolo
Founder and CEO
Lucrezia Spagnolo is the founder and CEO of VESTA. A former Fortune 500 executive, she transitioned from corporate leadership to social innovation, committed to building technology grounded in dignity, justice, and the lived realities of survivors rather than the limitations of traditional systems.
Guided by a trauma-informed and survivor-first philosophy, Lucrezia leads VESTA in co-creating ethical digital tools alongside community partners, advocates, and frontline providers. Under her leadership, VESTA has expanded across Canada in collaboration with grassroots organizations, service agencies, police services, and academic institutions, redefining digital safety through empathy, privacy, and care.
Lucrezia has contributed to peer-reviewed research on privacy-preserving technology and survivor-centered design, with work presented at the USENIX Security Symposium and the IEEE Conference on Secure Software Engineering. She previously served as an Executive in Residence at the Ashoka Foundation and the Toronto Public Library, where she mentored women entrepreneurs and supported inclusive, community-rooted innovation.
Across every space she leads, Lucrezia champions a future where technology strengthens survivor power, communities drive innovation, and safety is created intentionally with care and equity at the center.
Angie Velarde (MA, CMS, CAE)
Chief Engagement Officer
Angie is a visionary and empathetic leader whose work bridges strategy, equity, and community impact. With more than a decade of experience in outreach, marketing, and public engagement, she has led transformative initiatives across education, food justice, newcomer services, and gender-based violence prevention. Her leadership is guided by the belief that lasting impact begins with listening, collaboration, and shared accountability.
At VESTA, Angie co-leads Resilience in Action, an initiative expanding access to trauma-informed digital tools for immigrant and refugee women experiencing gender-based violence. She works closely with community agencies, frontline workers, and policy partners to ensure every survivor’s interaction with VESTA is safe, relevant, and empowering. Her approach reflects a deep understanding that technology must be a bridge to healing and that trust grows through compassion, care, and cultural humility.
Before joining VESTA, Angie held senior roles leading growth, engagement, and partnership portfolios across Canada’s non-profit and association sectors. Her ability to connect strategic vision with people-centered execution has consistently strengthened organizations and amplified community voices.
Angie leads with both head and heart. She is recognized as a connector, storyteller, and catalyst for change who sees potential in people and possibilities in every challenge. Guided by empathy and purpose, she continues to create spaces where collaboration fuels resilience and communities thrive.
Katie Zechner
Graphic & Web Designer
Katie is a multidisciplinary designer and marketing professional who brings empathy, creativity, and intentionality to every aspect of her work. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Integrated Media from OCAD University and formal training in vocal performance at NYU, she blends artistic expression with thoughtful strategy to create inclusive and engaging digital experiences.
Katie’s background spans digital painting, hand-drawn portraiture, branding, WordPress web design, video editing, and social media management. She has held design and marketing roles across a range of industries, including healthcare and wellness, before joining VESTA as a Web and Graphic Designer.
At VESTA, Katie’s work is closely tied to the organization’s mission to significantly improve the lives of survivors of sexual violence. Her designs help shape digital tools and educational resources that prioritize safety, dignity, and empowerment. She is deeply committed to using design as a tool for systemic change, and to creating spaces that center the voices and experiences of survivors.
Katie believes that thoughtful, compassionate design can tell powerful stories and foster deeper connection. She is proud to contribute to VESTA’s vision of a world free from sexual violence through education, empowerment, and innovation.
Our Team Ethos
The VESTA team includes technologists, designers, strategists, survivors, and community advocates. Every member is committed to trauma-informed care, equity, and meaningful impact.
We bring different skills, but we share one vision.
A world where every survivor is heard, supported, and protected.
