Mary Ellen Schaafsma

Biography

I am the founder and principal of Purpose Pathways Consulting. I founded Purpose Pathways to empower leaders to change the world through their business.

There are few things I enjoy more than helping a business find its Purpose and bring it to life – so that the business becomes an engine for good in our world.

Over the last eight years I helped pioneer the development of the Social Purpose business movement in Canada and co-developed resources, policy recommendations, and business services to help further Purpose in business and the emerging field of social purpose.

Co-created and grew the Social Purpose Institute at United Way BC, and was its director from its nascence in 2016 to Spring 2022.

Worked directly with 30 businesses to help them progress on their Purpose journey; an additional 14 companies successfully completed the Purpose programs I co-created.

Collaborated to build and strengthen the Purpose ecosystem and Purpose Economy in Canada and am committed to continuing to find and connect new partners and allies on Purpose.