Forty Under 40

Tanya Woods, CEO, The Kind Village Inc.

June 26, 2018

Editor's Note

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce choose 40 of the region’s top young entrepreneurs and business executives and recognize them for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.

In these profiles, OBJ highlights some of this year’s recipients – their impressive accomplishments, what drives them and how they like to spend their downtime away from the business world.

See the full list of recipient profiles here and be sure to check out OBJ’s coverage of the 2018 gala here.

Birthplace: Ottawa

Company: We build civic technology and social impact solutions for communities locally and globally.

Education: Master of laws, American University, Washington College of Law (2009)

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Charitable involvement: I am proud to sit on the Youth Service Bureau Foundation Board and to be a founder of three non-profit organizations serving the community. Through Kind Village, I work with all local charities and non-profits whose mission is to meet the needs of our community members, whether they are addressing poverty, hunger, education, health, equality, environment, animal welfare or justice and human rights issues.

Biggest biz achievement: Launching the world’s first in-kind giving platform for communities around the world.

Biggest biz obstacle: Launching the world’s first in-kind giving platform for communities around the world with no investment or money and staying the course with a great team of equally dedicated professionals to actually get it done.

Biggest influence: My team, mentors and family – because I work hard to never let them down. We win together.

Biggest lessons learned: Hustle in your sleep, build relationships and dream bigger than you are comfortable with.

First job: Subway sandwich artist

Advice I’d give the younger me: Be fearless about everything good – you don’t need anyone’s approval on what your version of success looks like.

What’s left to do: So much! Keep being a better human every day and empower others to also be better humans, community members and leaders. It’s a short, long life.

Favourite pastimes: Surfing and meditation. I do neither well but love both.

Favourite movie: No favourites. I love film.

Favourite song: No faves. I love music of all types.

Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Redblacks

Favourite local summer event: CityFolk

Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram

Twitter handle: @BeingTMW