Los Angeles is a city of sunshine-lovers. But for a special group of ex-pats, it’s also home to a community bound by something deeper than palm trees and perfect weather—an enduring love for Canada. Meet the board members of Canadians Abroad, the dynamic group of professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who have turned their home away from home into a thriving hub for Canadians in Southern California. From real estate pros to marketing mavens, these individuals are not only leading successful careers, but also keeping the Canadian spirit alive in L.A.
Erin Buckley Burnett: The Community Builder
If there’s a Canadian heartbeat in Los Angeles, Erin Buckley is helping keep it strong. Hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Erin now calls Santa Monica home, where she presides over the Board of Directors at Canadians Abroad. Her journey from advising Ontario’s provincial government to running a strategic communications and events consultancy proves she’s no stranger to making an impact.
Erin lists “wearing t-shirts in February, seeing dolphins in the ocean and avocados!” among her favorite things about living in California. What does she miss most about Canada? "My family, fall leaves, and catching a Blue Jays game in the summer!" But thanks to Canadians Abroad, she’s built a new family right here in L.A. And yes, she’s still keeping tabs on the Jays.
David Ivkovic: The Real Estate Connector
From Ottawa to Los Angeles, David Ivkovic knows a thing or two about making big moves—literally. After launching his real estate career in Toronto, he relocated to L.A. in 2010 and soon became the go-to expert for fellow Canadians looking to settle in Southern California. Now Chairman of Canadians Abroad, David has helped countless ex-pats navigate the California real estate scene.
What does he miss most? "Family and Tim Bits." What does he love most about California? "The opportunities, the weather, and our incredible Canadian community."
Zoe Kevork: The Immigration Powerhouse
For those looking to bridge the gap between Canada and the U.S., Zoe Kevork is the name to know. A distinguished immigration attorney, Zoe has built a career helping talent and businesses navigate cross-border opportunities.
She’s a long-time advocate for Canadian creatives, from Webby-winning editors to Oscar-winning talent. About living in Canada, what Zoe misses most are leaves in the fall, team Canada on telly, public transit and coffee crisps. “We’re better together," she says about why she joined Canadians Abroad. And with Zoe in your corner, you’re in excellent company.
Trina Hendry: The Hospitality Storyteller
Trina Hendry knows a thing or two about making people feel at home—whether it’s through hospitality branding or creating a sense of community for Canadians abroad. Originally from Guelph, Ontario, Trina has spent two decades shaping the travel and tourism industry, working with iconic hotels and restaurants. Now based in L.A., she continues to craft compelling stories for luxury brands, while volunteering with dog rescues and exploring California’s natural beauty.
Trina says she mainly misses her close family and friends in Canada, and lately, there are more aspects of her homeland that she appreciates. “A feeling of safety, universal healthcare, prioritization of the greater community over one’s self, freedom, democracy, ties to Europe” are all things that she values about her native country. Trina enjoys “the weather, natural beauty, and local seasonal food” in Los Angeles, plus “the diversity and the creativity of its residents. People who live here dream big and courageously follow their passions. That's super inspiring to me”. Trina says she joined Canadians Abroad “to help other Canadians feel a sense of community in this massive city," and we can all appreciate her contribution to our community!
Mukta Cholette: The Marketing Ninja
Montreal native Mukta Cholette brings a touch of creativity (and a black belt’s discipline) to everything she does. As the founder of Creative Marketing Ninja, she merges art and strategy to deliver unique digital marketing solutions for clients.
What does she love about L.A.? "The sun and the heat!" What does she miss about Montreal? "Walkable neighborhoods where you know everyone at the local cafés." Mukta notes that her strong local community in Montreal inspired her to seek out like minded friends and to build her own community when she relocated to California. “The first thing I did when I moved here 17 years ago was to find communities I could relate to. I found both the Canadian crew and the Québec gang”. Luckily, she’s found a new community through Canadians Abroad.
Kelly Graham-Scherer: The Entertainment Insider
From Ontario’s film unions to Hollywood’s biggest production studios, Kelly Graham-Scherer has seen the best of both worlds. As VP of Business Development at The MBS Group, she helps power global film and television productions.
What does she miss most about Canada? "Healthcare and the sense of a smaller community." And while California’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture have won her over, she’s ensuring Canadians in L.A. stay closely connected. On joining Canadians Abroad, Kelly says “I love the fact that Canadians in Los Angeles are such a tight knit community, and I wanted to help that continue to be the case”.
Tim Chan: The Media Maverick
Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard—if there’s a major lifestyle story breaking, chances are Tim Chan has a hand in it. As a VP at Penske Media Corp., Tim oversees coverage for some of the biggest entertainment publications in the world.
Originally from Toronto, he co-founded the LGBTQ-owned beverage brand So Gay Rosé and is passionate about supporting fellow Canadians in media and business. Though Tim mentions missing the diversity of cultures in his native Toronto, he values the “laid back vibes” he has found in Los Angeles. "To network with fellow Canadians and maintain ties to the homeland"—that’s why he joined Canadians Abroad.
Pete Kasprzak: The Artistic Visionary
From restoring Warhols to lighting up L.A. galleries, Pete Kasprzak brings the creative flair of Toronto to the streets of Los Angeles. A self-taught artist known for his energetic cityscapes and bold visual storytelling, Pete has built a career that’s as dynamic as the cities that inspire him. His work has been featured in everything from blockbuster films to major retailers like Walmart and HomeSense, and hangs in permanent collections for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
Born in Toronto and now based in L.A., Pete has exhibited in San Francisco, New York, Dubai, Japan, and beyond. He’s collaborated with major names like DJ Erick Morillo, NBA All-Star Matt Bonner, and Oscar-nominated Jacki Weaver, and his pieces have been commissioned by everyone from Manny Pacquiao to Mötley Crüe.
About Canada, Pete misses poutine and his preferred warm double-double from Tim Hortons, but he’s since embraced the nonstop energy of Los Angeles, where “there’s always something happening.” He joined Canadians Abroad to stay connected to the Canadian spirit and meet like-minded creatives in the city.
📍 Follow Pete on Instagram @petekasprzakart or view his work at seewhatinspires.me
Canadians Abroad isn’t just about nostalgia for maple syrup and Hockey Night in Canada—it’s a thriving, supportive network for those who’ve made the leap from the Great White North to the Golden State. Whether they’re helping newcomers find their footing, or keeping the Canadian spirit alive, these board members prove that no matter where life takes you, the culture of Canada will always be alive and well, no matter where they put down roots.
Want to connect with fellow Canadians in L.A.? Join Canadians Abroad today!