Hi, I'm Gillian Cullen, a passionate nonprofit founder and consultant with over 15 years of experience in reproductive health equity. I believe in building impactful systems of care that prioritize equity and access for marginalized communities. Through my work, I've had the privilege of shaping policies and creating training programs that empower both individuals and organizations. As the founder of Birth Mark, I pioneered Canada’s first doula/reproductive care workforce and have collaborated with various partners in both government and healthcare sectors. I’m enthusiastic about leading meaningful change and continue to speak publicly on critical issues that affect reproductive justice and mental health equity in Canada.

Gillian Cullen

Hi, I'm Gillian Cullen, a passionate nonprofit founder and consultant with over 15 years of experience in reproductive health equity. I believe in building impactful systems of care that prioritize equity and access for marginalized communities. Through my work, I've had the privilege of shaping policies and creating training programs that empower both individuals and organizations. As the founder of Birth Mark, I pioneered Canada’s first doula/reproductive care workforce and have collaborated with various partners in both government and healthcare sectors. I’m enthusiastic about leading meaningful change and continue to speak publicly on critical issues that affect reproductive justice and mental health equity in Canada.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Gillian Cullen, a passionate nonprofit founder and consultant with over 15 years of experience in reproductive health equity. I believe in building impactful systems of care that prioritize equity and access for marginalized communities. Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of shaping policies and creating training programs that empower both individuals and organizations.

As the founder of Birth Mark, I pioneered Canada’s first doula/reproductive care workforce and have collaborated with various partners in both government and healthcare sectors. I’m enthusiastic about leading meaningful change and continue to speak publicly on critical issues that affect reproductive justice and mental health equity in Canada.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder & CEO | Consultant & Speaker at Birth Mark
January 1, 2018 - November 15, 2025
Founded and led a nationally recognized charity, pioneering Canada’s first full-time doula/reproductive care worker model while co-developing national training programs and building strategic partnerships.
Full-Spectrum Doula & Private Consultant at Jacq and Gill Doulas
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Provided personalized, high-discretion doula services to high-profile clients while creating boutique care systems and supporting brand identity and web presence.
General Manager at Victoria’s Secret
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Led team development and retail operations across two high-volume stores, achieving top sales in Canada and designing staff training programs.
Chair of Board- Birth Mark at Birth Mark
August 1, 2025 - November 13, 2025
Strategic Governance & Mission Oversight: Directed the Board of Directors in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary duties for a national charity dedicated to advancing reproductive justice and perinatal equity for marginalized communities (including racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and low-income families). Executive Leadership & Partnership: Served as the primary liaison and direct supervisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), cultivating a high-trust partnership, overseeing annual performance reviews, and ensuring clear alignment between executive operations and Board strategy. Board Effectiveness & Compliance: Presided over all Board and Committee meetings, implementing rigorous governance best practices and ensuring financial integrity, while leading initiatives for Board recruitment, orientation, and performance evaluation to enhance diversity and effectiveness. External Advocacy: Acted as the chief representative and spokesperson for the organization to external stakeholders, actively supporting and engaging in major development and fundraising campaigns.
Photography and Graphic Design at Pixels By Gillian
March 31, 2008 - Present
Editorial Achievement: Secured and executed high-profile editorial photography that resulted in multiple cover features for WedLuxe Magazine, with work published across numerous national and international print and digital media. Brand Development: Designed and delivered end-to-end logos and visual branding packages for a diverse portfolio of companies, successfully establishing distinct and compelling brand identities. Technical Execution: Directed and executed complex commercial and editorial photo shoots, managing all aspects of advanced lighting, high-end digital retouching, and comprehensive post-production workflows. Market Experience: Gained foundational expertise by assisting professional photographers in the competitive Toronto market, mastering on-set discipline, technical execution, and client management.

Education

Diploma at Institute of Design & Technology
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Photography and Graphic Design
Certificate at University of Toronto – School of Continuing Education
September 1, 2018 - June 1, 2019
Diploma at Institute of Design & Technology
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Certificate at University of Toronto – School of Continuing Education
January 11, 2030 - November 15, 2025

Qualifications

Certified Full-Spectrum Doula
January 11, 2030 - November 15, 2025
Ongoing: Equity, Anti-Oppression, and Trauma-Informed Leadership Training
January 11, 2030 - November 15, 2025

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Education, Retail, Other