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LADD FOUNDATION

We help kids build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset—for sport and for life.

Helping Youth Thrive—In Every Way

We want them to be curious, courageous, and kind. To chase their passions, make mistakes, and grow from them. To define success on their own terms, handle pressure with strength, and lead with compassion. Above all, we want them to know they are deeply loved—and that the power to shape their future starts in their own mind.

 

At the heart of the Ladd Foundation is a deep, personal commitment to supporting youth and giving back to the communities that shape us. Inspired by lived experience and driven by purpose, we believe every young person deserves access to the tools, resources, and support systems that allow them to thrive—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

One Mission. Many Voices. Real Impact.

Our mission is to empower youth by addressing the challenges that stand in their way. Whether it’s mental health and wellbeing, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, physical wellness, environmental concerns, or the fight against poverty, we show up where we’re needed most.

 

Our flagship initiative, 1616, is a bold step toward lasting, positive change for the next generation. With compassion at our core and community in our DNA, the Ladd Foundation is committed to building a stronger future—one young person, one act, and one community at a time.

Board of Directors

Peter Hassen

Connor Carrick

Mike Hamfelt

Laura Leffelaar

Harry Parmar

Peter Hassen

Peter Hassen

Pete Hassen is a seasoned sports marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in branding, fan engagement, corporate sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. Known for blending creativity with business acumen, Hassen has shaped impactful campaigns and brand strategies across the sports, entertainment, and media industries. As Co-Founder and CEO of NILENT Enterprise Solutions, he leads the development of a groundbreaking educational platform that equips student-athletes for success beyond the game, focusing on financial literacy, mental health, personal branding, and career development.

 

Before launching NILENT, Hassen played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Chicago Blackhawks’ brand, contributing to what Forbes called the “greatest turnaround in sports business history.” He led the team’s marketing and communications vision, developed award-winning campaigns like “One Goal,” and helped secure major partnerships with brands such as Anheuser-Busch and BMO Harris Bank. Hassen lives in Glencoe, Illinois, with his wife Kate and their son Clayton.
Connor Carrick

Connor Carrick

Connor Carrick is a 12 year NHL/AHL veteran. He is an open minded and open hearted craftsman trying to see how to best grow professionally while loving his experience as a person and family man. He is ever the Curious Competitor, evidenced with his Podcast’s name.
Mike Hamfelt

Mike Hamfelt

Mike Hamfelt is a purpose-driven entrepreneur with a proven track record of scaling his own business. He now works with organizations to align vision and strategy, helping them scale and achieve their long term goals. Mike brings his business and strategic planning expertise to the foundation with the goal of helping shape and execute a clear strategy that maximizes the foundation’s impact.

 

Outside of his professional work, Mike is a proud husband and father of three. He enjoys quality time with his family and stays active through hockey, golf and coaching his kids youth sports teams.
Laura Leffelaar

Laura Leffelaar

Laura Leffelaar is a Calgary-based leader and coach who applies decades of experience in the leadership, development, and educational space. She champions and challenges development as the Director of Foundations at the Meta Performance Institute and as an Executive Coach with Novus Global since 2017.

 

She uses her skills and passion in developing humans with an intuitive and nuanced agility that spans new coaches, professional athletes, Fortune 500 executives and Hollywood magic-makers. Her deep understanding of coaching work has led to her own 6-figure coaching practice, and her strength in connection and intuition has created a marked ability to lead and develop this capacity in others.

 

Laura lives in Calgary, AB, Canada. She and her husband Dan, are raising three incredible kids (14, 12, and 9) and love to spend time hiking and skiing in the Rocky Mountains.
Harry Parmar

Harry Parmar

Harry Parmar is a seasoned healthcare executive, venture investor, and community leader with a deep passion for mental health advocacy and youth development. As the Managing Partner of Blue Ocean Ventures Inc, Harry has spent his career driving strategic growth, scaling complex organizations, and successfully guiding multiple companies through public listings.

 

A prominent figure in the Canadian healthcare landscape, Harry served as the CEO of No Fear Counselling, where he grew the practice into a high-impact mental health provider before helping spearhead its landmark merger into Ch’íyáqtel Wellness—creating Canada’s largest First Nations-owned integrated mental health network. His extensive governance experience also includes serving as the Chair of the Burnaby Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, where he helps oversee major community healthcare redevelopments.

 

Harry’s alignment with the 1616 Foundation is rooted in a shared commitment to breaking down barriers to mental well-being. He is incredibly excited to bring his background in corporate strategy, governance, and mental health advocacy to the 1616 Board, supporting Andrew and Brandy Ladd’s mission to equip young players, coaches, and caregivers with the ultimate “buffalo mindset” and the psychological tools needed to thrive in all facets of life and competition.

No One Should Be Left Out of the Game

1616 delivers life-changing lessons at no cost, so every kid has a chance to grow. Your support keeps it that way.