Our Team
Executive Director: Johanne Perron
Johanne Perron has been the Executive Director of the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity since 2001. She is interested in social justice, in particular women’s equality. She has a B.A. in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University and a Masters degree in Environmental Studies from the Université de Moncton. In her paid and volunteer work, she has been involved with various organizations such as the Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick, Canada World Youth, Oxfam, the Common Front for Social Justice and the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation.
Assistant Director: Rachel Richard
Rachel Richard received a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Political Sciences from l’Université de Moncton and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from King’s College University. She coordinated the Coalition's Community Action project to amplify women’s voice for pay equity in the private sector between June 2017 and December 2019, and is now responsible for the Coalition’s public affairs and communications. In addition to her occupation at the Coalition, she currently volunteers on the Board of Directors for both the Common Front for Social Justice and the Frye Festival.
Training and Communications Coordinator: Mackenzie Dunnett
Mackenzie Dunnett holds an Honours degree in Feminist and Gender Studies from Mount Allison University (2025). Passionate about Feminist theory and committed to supporting vulnerable communities, she wrote her undergraduate thesis on the controversey surrounding Policy 713 in New Brunswick and the rise of right-wing extremism in Canada. In her work, Mackenzie contributed as a Research Assistant for the Birth Justice Research Initiative (BJRI) and served as both a Social Media Intern and a Teaching Assistant for Mount Allison's Gender Studies department. As a queer feminist, she brings a strong intersectional lens and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice to everything she does.
Research Analyst: Pan Yao
PAN Yao holds a Bachelor’s degree in French Studies from China and a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Ottawa. Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), her master’s research explored gender-based income inequality among Canada’s top earners. During her previous internship, she contributed to policy studies on persons with disabilities. As a woman from a minority background, PAN Yao brings a unique perspective and dedication to advancing equity. In her current role, she is focusing on pay equity within NGOs.
Community Development Coordinator: Cecilia Pérez Plancarte
Cecilia Pérez Plancarte received a bachelor’s in biology from the Universidad de las Américas Puebla, in Mexico, and a master’s in environmental studies from the Université de Moncton. As part of her research, she collaborated with women and non-binary activists from New Brunswick, gaining valuable insights into the joys and challenges experienced by those involved in social movements, including non-profit organizations. In her paid and volunteer work, she has been involved with various organizations such as the Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick, Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeepers. These experiences have greatly inspired her, and she is excited to apply this knowledge and her passion for social justice in her work at the Coalition.
Administrative Assistant: Effie Quinn
Effie Quinn, our "Jill" of all trades, obtained her Master's degree in Philosophy from Carleton University (2019), where she completed a research project on the human right to consent and its importance in sex education. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Art History, and has a special interest in queer representation in popular media. Outside of work, you might find her engaging in feminist debates at a local bar, walking around the city, or enjoying a cozy game night with friends.