With over 20 years of senior leadership experience, Karen has been a champion for advancing, educating and mentoring individuals within Canada’s screen-based media industry. In her current role as Director of Membership and Fan Engagement at the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (the Canadian Academy), Karen has built on her extensive relationships throughout the industry and has been instrumental in increasing the membership and year-round programming including the successful Academy Talks and Academy Screen series. She is also responsible for developing and leading the national Apprenticeship for Women Directors created to address gender parity issues within the industry. Apprentices—including four WIFT-T members—have been mentored on Canadian shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Designated Survivor, Murdoch Mysteries, and Mary Kills People.

Prior to joining the Academy in the fall of 2012, Karen served as Director, Canadian Initiatives at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where she was instrumental in developing external relationships, supporting the Canadian film industry and nurturing emerging talent through programs like Talent Lab and TIFF Rising Stars. Karen is actively involved with several industry institutions and premiere events: Canadian Film Festival, Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival, St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, and Whistler Film Festival; the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Indiescreen awards, and the Toronto Film Critics Association awards gala.

“We are so pleased to welcome Karen as our new Executive Director. With her many years of experience supporting programs that enhance and encourage the advancement of women in our industry, we are excited to see what’s next for our organization under her leadership. ”

— Jocelyn Hamilton, Chair, WIFT-T Board of Directors

“I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to join an organization committed to the development and advancement of women. I look forward to further working to increase those initiatives and meet the valued members of WIFT.”

— Karen Bruce