Maja Messam

Maja Messam is a dedicated professional and leader, adept at collaborating with colleagues and clients to strategize, develop and deliver impactful talent solutions. Bilingual in English and French, Maja is also a strong communicator who is passionate about making recruiting practices more equitable and ensuring that diversity and inclusion policies are well informed, data driven, and practical.

Professional Focus

More than 5 years’ professional experience and business background in the not-for-profit sector with specialized expertise in ESG and advocacy
Involved in all aspects of senior-level search assignments, with an emphasis on research and strategy as well as candidate identification, assessment and engagement
Bilingual English and French

Business Expertise

Previously a Project Coordinator and Communications Expert at Boyden Canada, Ottawa
Head of Operations at the non-profit Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop (L'Atelier), Ottawa
Communications Manager at Send Your Support non-profit initiative Toronto
Program Coordinator at COSTI Immigrant Services, a non-profit serving immigrant communities, Toronto

Additional Expertise

Not-for-Profit
Social Impact

Education & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies, French Immersion Stream from University of Ottawa
French Immersion Certificate, York Region District School Board

Toronto

915-95 Wellington Street West
Toronto
Canada

Case Studies

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Building a High-Performance HR Function for a Multi-Site Laboratory Organization

Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.

Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership

With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.

Strategic Board Renewal for a High-Growth Cybersecurity Leader

Boyden partnered with a publicly traded cybersecurity firm to appoint a transformative director whose reputation and leadership experience amplify the company’s strategic ambitions and market position.

Thought Leadership

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Articles & Papers

In Search of the Elusive Bilingual Executives: Beyond a hope, a prayer, and a dream

Featuring Marie-Hélène Gaudreault, Leader in Boyden’s Social Impact Practice

Articles & Papers

A First External CEO Leads a First Generational Succession

A family enterprise approaching its first generational transition found leadership fragmented across sibling-led divisions. Growth was possible, but cohesion was not guaranteed. By introducing independent executive leadership, the family gained clarity, strengthened governance, and set a foundation for long-term continuity. Here’s how unified leadership replaced complexity.

Blog

No Passengers: How Shared Accountability Drives Organizational Momentum

Discover how shared accountability fuels high-performing cultures, with insights from Netflix and strategies to overcome common barriers like blame culture and misaligned incentives.