Our Team

Christina Varga has a background in journalism as a writer and project editor for The Globe and Mail, among other publications.

 

With previous experience as a Girl Guides leader, and having had responsibility for the Globe and Mail’s Canadian University Report magazine for nearly 10 years, Christina understands how critical the so-called soft skills of leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset are for young people, especially girls. 

Lawrence Loh is an avid physician leader and storyteller best known as the Medical Officer of Health who led Canada’s hardest hit region through the COVID-19 pandemic, but he is most proud of being a girl dad.

 

When he’s not working his day job and volunteering with Girl. Strong., he works with his wife to raise and empower his two daughters.

 

Based in Toronto, Lawrence completed his MD at Western University, an MPH from Johns Hopkins, and a graduate certificate in creative writing from Humber College.

 

His interests lie in addressing population health inequities and disparities, tackling
leadership barriers for equity deserving groups, and writing narrative prose and
screenplay that inspire and challenge stereotypes, especially those faced by East Asian women and girls.

Alessandra Saccal is an award-winning business communicator with more than 25 years of experience leading corporate communications and public relations initiatives across both corporate and agency environments. A trusted advisor to executive teams and senior leaders, she brings deep expertise in crisis and reputation management, change management, employee engagement, and integrated communications. She has successfully developed campaigns and programs that build meaningful community connections through strategic public relations, cause marketing campaigns, and corporate giving initiates.

 

A passionate advocate for empowering girls and young women, Alessandra is honoured to serve on the Board of Directors of Girl. Strong. as Communications Director and Secretary for the 2026-2028 term. She believes that building confidence, self-esteem and providing a dedicated support network for girls can transform lives and build opportunities for future success.

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Committed to continuous learning, Alessandra is currently pursuing a Master of Communications Management at McMaster University, with expected graduation in 2028. Beyond her professional life she is a creative writer who enjoys authoring poetry, short stories, and novels. She is also the proud mother of two children and a devoted dog lover.