Valérie Paquette takes the helm of the Luc Maurice Foundation
Le Groupe Maurice is proud to announce the appointment of Valérie Paquette as the new Managing Director of the Luc Maurice Foundation! She takes over from Matias Duque and plans to carry the mission forward with just as much passion and commitment. For the occasion, we sat down with Valerie to learn more about her journey, what inspires her and how she envisions the future of the Foundation.
Valérie Paquette, can you share a bit about your career path?
I’ve been involved in philanthropy for around ten years now. Before that, I spent five years in the community sector, mainly focusing on education and the environment. I also pursued studies in cultural outreach and research, and I have a master’s degree in communications.
I really enjoyed my experience in the community sector, but over time, I felt the need to take on new challenges. So, I enrolled in the philanthropy certificate program at the Université de Montréal and quickly landed my first position at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
From there, I went on to work with the Fondation de Polytechnique and then the Hospital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Foundation. During my three years there, I notably helped significantly increase philanthropic revenue in support of its mission.
Sounds like philanthropy runs deep for you!
It’s definitely in my blood! When I was growing up, my mom was a Cub Scout leader and later a Scout leader in Lacolle, so I was raised with strong values of helping others, solidarity and generosity.
Scouting left a big impression on me, and it felt only natural to keep going in that direction—first through volunteering, then community work and now philanthropy. Going the extra mile to support others just comes naturally to me.
What was it about the Luc Maurice Foundation’s mission that really spoke to you and made you want to join?
What really appealed to me was the chance to keep working in philanthropy, but in a whole new context. After spending several years at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, I was craving new challenges and looking to grow professionally in a new setting.
When I saw the position for Managing Director of the Luc Maurice Foundation, I was immediately intrigued. It’s a private foundation, with a different set of challenges than those I was used to. Instead of focusing mainly on fundraising, it aims to make a real, lasting impact in health and better aging. That approach really resonates with me—just like Luc Maurice’s vision!
In what way did his vision inspire you?
For me, it’s really important that there’s alignment between the values someone—or an organization—stands for and what they actually do. I like knowing that people walk the talk, and that’s exactly what I saw in Luc Maurice.
The first time I met him was at the head office of Le Groupe Maurice. He came across as warm and charismatic, but above all, totally in sync with his values. He’s an approachable, down-to-earth person, who clearly knows what he’s talking about. I think I needed that kind of grounding to continue growing in philanthropy.
In your first weeks on the job, what impressed or touched you the most?
Apart from Luc Maurice, I believe it was the staff at the head office. Since my office is located there, everyone welcomed me as one of their own, which made me feel comfortable from the very start.
It’s important to know that I was initially only meant to serve as interim, until a new director of the Foundation was found. When I started, Claude Savard, Vice President of IT, told me, “You’ll see, in just a few days, you won’t want to leave.” I laughed at first, but after two weeks, I realized what he meant. I then called HR to tell them I was interested in taking the position permanently!
You’re taking the helm of a foundation that’s already well established in the community. Do you have a sense of the direction you’d like to take it?
To begin with, I’d like to highlight the outstanding work that’s been accomplished to date. The Foundation has firmly anchored itself in the community and has sparked initiatives that truly matter. My aim is to keep that momentum going—by expanding on certain projects and amplifying the Foundation’s vision more widely.
For example, the intergenerational program École Réflexe Aîné, which aims to break down ageism in schools, speaks to me in a special way because I deeply believe in the power of education to change mindsets.
Likewise, the donation matching program—which doubles the contributions made by employees and residents—is incredibly motivating. It’s so driven that I’m thinking about how we might extend its impact.
Many residences are already quite engaged on the philanthropic front, and I’d like those efforts to have an even greater effect beyond our traditional platforms. To me, it could be a meaningful way to deepen their engagement. Of course, I’ve only just started in this role, so the idea is still in the works; but it’s something I’m definitely keeping in mind! (laughs)
How do you personally view philanthropy and social engagement?
I think it’s important to make a clear distinction between community work and philanthropy. Community organizations work directly in the field, developing programs to meet the needs of the public, especially the most vulnerable. Philanthropy complements this by gathering and channeling resources to help make those initiatives possible.
What I love most about the Luc Maurice Foundation is its twofold mission. It goes beyond supporting organizations; it takes concrete action. Initiatives like the Seniors’ Walk or the Christmas meals are proof of that. It’s incredibly inspiring to me, because it shows that we can support causes, rally people and also lead by example.
The Foundation maintains close ties with partners and organizations in various sectors. How important are these collaborations to you, and how do you hope to strengthen them under your leadership?
Collaboration is key to successful philanthropy. In the near future, I’ll be meeting with the main organizations the Foundation supports to learn more about their background, their mission and the projects they’re working on. The more I know, the better I’ll be able to side with them moving forward.
We’re never alone in what we do. Working as a team always takes us further. To me, Le Groupe Maurice and all our partners are part of that same team, and together, I’m certain we can continue building on the amazing work that’s been done over the past seven years.
Indeed! Thank you, Valérie, for answering our questions with such openness and heart. Your journey, your passions and your vision are already bringing fresh energy to the Luc Maurice Foundation. We wish you the very best as you continue this wonderful adventure.