Rita Said reflects on her recent appointment as our new Board Treasurer, during a crucial period of transition and planning-for-growth. She sat down with our staff’s financial Controller, Tessa Chan, to discuss what drew her to the organization and what opportunities that lie on the horizon.
Tessa (TC): Before joining the Board as Treasurer, you sat on our Finance & Audit Committee for several years before. What initially drew you to The Bentway?
Rita (RS): Since moving to Toronto, The Bentway is now local to me, and it has become so clear that communal spaces like this are key to our city. They bring people together and connect us. Even though we live in a large city, I believe we are all in some way searching for our ‘village’, our community that can understand us and where we feel supported by one another.
TC: And why us, why now?
RS: When I first met with the team, I was impressed with the organization’s long-term plans and what they had accomplished thus far. The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the city and the spaces that define it was exactly what I was looking for. And my professional expertise in finance and risk management meant I had a lot to bring to the table.
TC: Tell us how that experience shapes what you bring to The Bentway.
RS: The experience I have in Commercial Banking provided me with a deep understanding of creditworthiness and capital structures, enabling sound oversight of The Bentway’s budgets and funding strategies. It also helped build practical knowledge of lending and financing, which can help The Board assess growth initiatives responsibly.
From a risk management perspective, I bring a forward-looking perspective, while anticipating emerging risks (economic, regulatory, environmental, etc.) that could impact long-term sustainability. It’s really about balancing opportunity and risk, which ultimately helps The Bentway make informed strategic decisions without over-exposing the organization.
TC: Speaking of risk, it’s no secret that the non-profit landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. How do you think we’re approaching the year ahead?
RS: It’s certainly a time of economic uncertainty across all sectors, and the organizations that will thrive through that uncertainty are the ones that come prepared. The Bentway’s Board, the Finance Committee, and the staff are working closely to identify, mitigate, and navigate risks. There’s a wonderful collective commitment to the organization’s mission, and to wisely steering the ship ahead.
TC: Let’s look ahead. What are some Bentway opportunities we can look forward to this year?
RS: On a very practical, financial front, we’re continuing to diversify our revenue streams – including enhanced focus on earned revenue (like event rentals and low-cost ticketing models), which is in itself an opportunity to strengthen financial resiliency.
We’re designing a second hub site, The Bentway Islands, which is a chance to grow our impact and footprint.
And lastly the role we’ll play in FIFA World Cup 2026 next summer is particularly exciting. Last year we were named as co-host site for Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival. It’s an opportunity will truly allow The Bentway to shine, providing exposure to tens of thousands of new visitors (and tens of millions cheering on from their TV screens at home). It’s game on!
