A climate‑change and sustainability professional. Wife. Mom of two. Board member, committee chair, passionate volunteer, and a steady source of leadership in our community.
In her conversation with Communications Committee member Jen Armel, Gillian opens up about her path to KBI, the Jewish value that guides her daily life, and shares the surprising hobby that just might lift a few eyebrows!
What brought you to our congregation (KBI)?
For my family, KBI was an easy choice as its values align with our Jewish values. Before we had kids, my husband and I used to drive to Montreal for holidays, a two‑hour trip that felt easy back then. Once we became parents, we wanted our children to grow up with a Jewish home right here in Ottawa. We also felt incredibly welcomed early on by Rabbi Kenter and his wife, Staci. They invited us into their home and came over to ours, long before we were even thinking about joining. That warmth made KBI feel like the right place for us.
Is there a Mitzvah or Jewish value that resonates most with you?
Tikkun Olam. It’s not just a value I connect with, it’s part of my everyday life. My entire career has been in environmental sustainability, and I volunteer for various environmental groups as well. I see Tikkun Olam through the lens of environmental restoration and stewardship. Protecting nature and repairing the world is woven into everything I do.
How do you blend your Jewish and Malaysian Chinese traditions at home, and what does that look like for your family culture?
In our home, Jewish and Chinese traditions flow together naturally. Our daughter’s naming ceremony was combined with the traditional Chinese 100 Day ceremony, which welcomes and celebrates a new baby. We celebrate Sukkot alongside the Mid-Autumn Festival (aka the Moon Festival) – both celebrating the harvest. Food is a big part of our lives – both challah and laksa are common in our home. We also love the cultural tradition of Chinese food on Christmas! Being both Jewish and Malaysian Chinese aren’t two separate identities for us – it’s who we are as one whole family culture.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve been powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting for several years. It’s something I love – staying strong, building muscle and taking care of my long‑term health.
What book is on your nightstand?
Right now, I’m reading Black Cherokee by Antonio Michael Downing. It’s a coming‑of‑age story about identity, ancestry and belonging. I’m really enjoying it.
What’s something on your bucket list?
I would love to visit the Galapagos Islands. The nature and the connection to Darwin fascinates me. Whenever I travel to new natural environments and see new species, I come home energized and inspired. The Galapagos feels like the ultimate version of that.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with a new member?
Don’t be shy. Get involved. The best way to get to know people is to show up: come to events, volunteer, join committees, try something new. Getting involved has helped me connect with people across the community. People at KBI are welcoming and if you show up, you’ll find your place.