The Firefly Foundation

I am responsible for the day to day operations and management the Foundation.

What do we do??

Firefly is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing and extending the health of the brain.  We fund breakthrough research initiatives and programs to develop the talents of aspiring young neuroscientists.  One such program is Firefly’s Bright Lights in the Lab.  
 
To date over 1,000 students have participated in this unique summer camp experience.  Campers have travelled from Canada, the U.S. and China to learn about neuroscience, and deepen their lab experience by developing their own experiments, assisted by science teachers and university researchers.  This opportunity is unique, giving students with a passion for science, a special opportunity to see what their future might hold.  Firefly is especially proud of their scholarship program that offers students who are interested in science, but do not have the financial means, the chance to attend.  
 
You can learn more about my work and see what students are saying about the experience at www.fireflyfoundation.org.  You can also contact me to find out more about how your can participate as a student, a scientist, or a sponsor.

Your brain...it's a good cause.

helping brains last a lifetime

University of Toronto Schools

Reporting to the Principal, and working with the Associate Director of Innovation, I assisted with program and community partnership development,  as well as optimizing the marketing and communications strategies for the Spring/Summer Innovation Programs, 

I have been involved with UTS, through our community partnership at the Firefly Foundation for Bright Lights in the Lab, since 2012 and joined the UTS Team as a part time consultant to work with all of the Innovation programs.

Managing Associate, Innovation Programs

tattoo direct + digital/DAC Group

When DAC Group launched tattoo in 2000 I became one of the founding partners.  I brought my experience in digital media to provide our Clients with online capabilities.  While overseeing the digital practice I was also responsible for the financial and operational management of the agency.

Vice President/Partner

DAC Group

I joined DAC Group in 1997 to start an electronic yellow pages division.  A quick assessment of the eYP product led me to make the case for offering a broader suite of online services to better address the needs of our Clients.

I worked with seven branch offices across Canada and the U.S.  The Client list was a gold mine but, until I earned the trust of the managers in each of those offices, sales were impossible.  When I proved internally that I would only sell online advertising that came with measurable results and that the ROI would match the same high standards they delivered in the core business the flood gates of opportunity opened.

I met the sales targets for each office annually, but of equal importance I provided a defensive positioning against client erosion from ad agencies and online agencies that were all pitching aggressively for Client budgets.

I split my time and remained actively involved in the management of DAC Digital for 4 years after being promoted to VP/Partner at tattoo direct + digital to maintain both inter-office and Client relationships.

General Manager/Digital

Planet Genesis/Genesis Media

My years at Genesis Media were a time of evolution.  As office manager I was responsible for implementing new software related to media buying.  When we needed to upgrade our systems I trained to become a Novell Network Administrator and implemented our first LAN.

My enthusiasm led to my working closely with the new business team and I was responsible for the design and production of multimedia presentations for agency pitches.

It was this combination of skills that allowed me to make the leap from back office to the Client side of the business when I became Director of Client Services for Planet Genesis when we made our initial foray online and became the first agency in Canada to start an online media department.

Director of Client Service

Prior Experience 

Ten years of evolving experience in office administration working for engineers, architects, and government agencies.

Administrative Specialist

I thrive in an environment that seeks innovative ways to improve how business runs internally and for our Clients and Community Partners.   I have spent my career evolving my skills in both general/program management and business development.   I form strong partnerships but never lose sight of the organization as a whole.  

Taplio

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Sharon Zillmer

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Taplio

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Sharon Zillmer

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