Catherine Robar

Director, Strategic Partnerships

Catherine leads the firm’s business development and growth strategy across Canada and internationally. She is responsible for building lasting relationships with regulators, public-interest organizations, and mission-driven partners, advancing MDR’s work in strategic communications, public engagement, organizational leadership and design, and AI strategy.

With nearly two decades of international leadership experience, Catherine has held senior roles in partnership development, strategy, and resource mobilization across the humanitarian and development sectors. Prior to joining MDR, she served with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ethiopia, where she led donor relations and fundraising for one of the organization’s largest and most complex country offices. Her leadership helped generate more than US$1.6 billion in funding to support humanitarian and development programs in the country. Previous to Ethiopia, Catherine served the UN in Uganda, Nigeria, Lesotho, and the Regional Bureau for Eastern and Southern Africa in South Africa.

Catherine’s work is grounded in a commitment to social impact, inclusion, and authentic relationship building. Known for her global insight and people-first leadership, she brings an unwavering focus on collaboration, measurable results, and community impact to every initiative she leads.

She holds degrees from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS and Roma Tre University in Italy. Catherine also holds executive certificates from Harvard University, Oxford University, University of Cape Town, and Toronto Metropolitan University.