We help nonprofits achieve sustainable growth and high-impact results.
When you choose to work with Bison Research & Development, you gain access to a team of highly-qualified experts with advanced training and skills across a variety of fields.
With expertise in health, social services, economics, education, fundraising and organizational development, our team specializes in transforming complex challenges into clear strategies that build resilience and long-term impact.
We partner collaboratively with clients to effect positive change at the community and society levels. Our work is guided by core values that root our mission in broader, social change. Specifically, we value:
Equity
We believe that true progress depends on collective strength, respect, and justice. We actively work to amplify underrepresented voices, challenge systemic barriers, and ensure that every project reflects the diversity and richness of the communities it serves.
Integrity
Our strength lies in doing what is right, always. We ground our work in honesty, transparency, and accountability—and we rely on data and evidence to guide every decision. This commitment builds trust with our clients and ensures our recommendations are not just principled, but proven.
Impact
We bring a commitment to creating change that lasts. We design strategies that generate ripple effects—strengthening organizations, communities, and systems—so that the benefits of our work extend well beyond a single project and endure far into the future.
Our Founder
Bison Research and Development was founded by Jared Star, a health and social science researcher and nonprofit consultant with two decades of experience working within and alongside health, social services, and education-focused organizations to achieve meaningful change. Jared brings PhD-level expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research, combined with extensive training and consulting experience in governance, strategic planning, program evaluation, and fund development. His work has supported organizations across Canada and within the United States to build capacity, secure funding, and increase their cultural and social impact.
Jared is recognized for his ability to bridge rigorous research with practical, actionable solutions. Whether developing a capital campaign plan, leading a complex policy review, or facilitating community-based research with diverse stakeholder groups, his approach is relational, collaborative, and deeply committed to ensuring nonprofit organizations thrive.
OUR TEAM
Our team of professionals believe complex challenges can become clear strategies.
-
Director of Research and Policy
Chris Campbell (he/him) is a seasoned researcher and policy specialist with over a decade of experience advancing equity-focused education and policy initiatives. He is a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and a recipient of the prestigious SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship. His work bridges scholarship and practice, with a research focus on policy-based education reform and its impacts on 2SLGBTQ+ students, educators, and curriculum content.
Chris has led and contributed to a wide range of projects addressing systemic barriers in education, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, and equity-driven policy analysis. At Bison Research & Development, he serves as Senior Policy and Research Lead, bringing deep expertise in research methodologies, equity analysis, and values-based approaches to policy development and evaluation. He is also an experienced educator, teaching at the University of Manitoba, where he supports the next generation of scholars and practitioners.
Outside of work, Chris is a voracious reader and enjoys showing up for community events, including rallies and fundraisers for the 2STLGBQ+ community.
-
Project Manager: Communications and Knowledge Mobilization
Grace Holwell (she/they) is a strategic communications and knowledge mobilization specialist with advanced training in Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) and a strong background in social work. With several years of experience supporting non-profits and research organizations, Grace excels at transforming complex research into clear, actionable insights that drive community impact.
Currently completing a Master of Social Work at the University of Manitoba, Grace’s academic and professional focus includes HIV/STBBI, harm reduction, gender-based violence, Indigenous health, and 2SLGBTQIA+ health. Their combined expertise in communications and social work provides a unique perspective that balances evidence-based strategy with a deep understanding of people, systems, and relationships. At Bison Research & Development, Grace leads communications initiatives that amplify organizational voices, enhance stakeholder engagement, and ensure messaging is inclusive, impactful, and grounded in social justice.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys testing new baking recipes, spending time with loved ones, and sharing the couch with their black cat, Dodger.
-
Senior Research Analyst
Morgan grew up in northern Manitoba and is a queer, non-binary parent committed to advancing equity in health research. Their work focuses on the intersections of queer and trans health and cancer care, building on a master’s project on safe housing for older LGBT adults and contributions to Cancer’s Margins, a national study of queer and trans people’s experiences with breast and gene cancers. Morgan’s PhD research examines how trans and gender diverse people are represented in cancer health services research.
Alongside their doctoral studies, Morgan serves as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Fellow at Health Data Research Network and as a Graduate Research Assistant on Canadian Cancer Society–funded studies (MEGAN-CANand REACHE). Their expertise lies in qualitative and mixed-methods research, with publications spanning cancer care inequities, data equity, and the experiences of young adults with cancer.
Morgan also brings strong community leadership, serving as Vice Chair of a community health centre board and as trainee lead for the CIHR Sex and Gender Trainee Network. Outside of research, they enjoy woodworking and time with their child and dog.
-
Research Analyst
Shehla Zafar (she/her) is a master's student at the University of Manitoba, studying Community Health Sciences. She specializes in mixed-methods, community-based research. Her areas of interest include chronic disease, maternal health, and equity in the healthcare system, particularly in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. Her master's research retrospectively examines the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for Metis Manitobans using quantitative and qualitative analyses from health record data and focus groups/interviews. Through this work, she is expanding her knowledge on Indigenous research methodologies, data stewardship, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. In completing her Manitoba Training Program for Health Services Research studentship, she honed her ability to translate research into policy and project development. She aims to continue bridging the gap between research and government by fostering strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders in the community including academics, community members, government, and healthcare experts. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering as a Canadian Ski Patroller and baking.
-
Research Analyst
Fransise (Fran) is a Research Analyst and a Bachelor of Science student with a minor in Psychology. With a growing background in research and analysis, she is focused on translating data into insights that can guide understanding and decision-making. Looking ahead, Fran hopes to continue developing a career in research and expand her expertise through meaningful work.
-
Consultant - Fund Development and Strategic Communications
Gillian is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with expertise in strategic planning, donor stewardship, major gifts, and planned giving. Since 2012, she has activated more than $10 million in donations for small to mid-sized nonprofits. Gillian is currently engaged in consulting work with nonprofits, as well as churches, on fundraising and communications. Her professional experience includes Director of Fund Development and Communications for the YWCA Halifax, Engagement Leader for Cathedral Church of All Saints, Director of Stewardship and Development for the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, and more.
-
Consultant - Leadership & Systems Development
Mike brings more than 30 years of experience in community health and social services to his role as Consultant with Bison Research & Development. As Executive Director of Nine Circles Community Health Centre, he has been at the forefront of HIV, sexual health and health equity systems work in Manitoba, co-leading provincial initiatives such as the Manitoba HIV/STBBI Collective Impact Network and the Manitoba HIV Program.
Mike’s practice is grounded in collaboration, integrity, and community engagement. He specializes in leadership and team coaching, strategic and operational planning, healthy workplace development, policy design and implementation, and stakeholder facilitation. His approach reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation, cultural safety, and dismantling colonial structures within health and social systems/organizations.
As a trusted leader and facilitator, Mike helps organizations strengthen their governance, align strategy with values, and create environments where people and programs thrive.
-
Consultant – Clinical & Counselling Program Development
With over 15 years of experience in Manitoba’s non-profit and community health sectors, Sarah brings a deep understanding of the systems, people, and pressures that shape front-line service delivery. A registered therapist and experienced clinical supervisor, she specializes in developing and strengthening counselling and mental-health programs that are trauma-informed, inclusive, and sustainable.
Sarah’s approach is rooted in feminist, harm-reduction, and healing-centred frameworks. She partners with organizations to enhance clinical practice, improve program design, and support the well-being of staff and clients alike. As both a therapist and former non-profit leader, Sarah understands the realities of delivering care within complex systems — from navigating burnout and vicarious trauma to creating safe, affirming spaces for diverse communities.
She offers consulting and supervision services for counselling teams, managers, and organizations seeking to build capacity, align practice with values, and strengthen the impact of their mental-health and social-service programs.
WHO WE WORK WITH