Meet the Point Cardinal Team :
Seasoned Experts

Marie Houzeau has over 30 years of experience in organizational development, human resources management, diversity and inclusion, and philanthropic leadership.

‍

Since 2005, she has served as Executive Director of GRIS-Montréal, Quebec's largest community organization dedicated to promoting understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

‍

Marie has shared her expertise across Canada—from New Brunswick to British Columbia—as well as internationally in Europe and Africa. She has delivered numerous keynote presentations at human rights forums and at union, scientific, and professional conferences.

‍

Marie also serves as a consultant for Quebec's National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ). In this role, she has trained thousands of professionals in healthcare, social services, community organizations, and education to better adapt their practices to the needs of LGBTQ+ communities and to better understand the unique vulnerabilities these populations may face.

‍

Throughout her career, Marie has developed extensive expertise in organizational development, leadership, and executive advisory services. She has worked with a broad range of organizations across multiple sectors, both in Canada and internationally. She has delivered hundreds of training programs on topics including participatory leadership, team effectiveness, facilitation, and workplace diversity. She has also designed and facilitated strategic planning processes for non-profit organizations, public institutions, and private-sector organizations at the highest levels of leadership.

‍

In 2016, Marie was honoured for her commitment to building a more inclusive society by receiving both the Medal of the National Assembly of Québec and the Women of Distinction Award in the Social Engagement category, presented by the YWCA Foundation.

‍

In 2019, she received the Human Resources Recognition Award in the Non-Profit category from the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés du Québec (CRHA). In 2023, she was named a Knight of the Ordre de Montréal in recognition of her exceptional professional achievements and her outstanding service to the Montreal community. In 2025, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), one of the institution's highest honours, recognizing individuals whose contributions have had an exceptional and lasting impact in their fields.