Windmill Microlending names Sharon Castelino as Chief Executive Officer

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- Windmill Microlending, a national charity that empowers skilled immigrants and refugees with affordable loans and support to restart their careers in Canada, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Sharon Castelino as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 16, 2026. Outgoing CEO Claudia Hepburn, who served Windmill for more than nine years, will transition to Co-Chair of the Potential to Prosperity Campaign.

Castelino brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across regulated financial services, lending, credit and risk management, capital markets and inclusive-finance innovation. She has served on governance bodies across the private, public and non-profit sectors, including the City of Toronto Investment Board, and as a faculty member at Ivey Executive Education. She holds a Master of Laws (Business) from Osgoode Hall Law School, an MBA with distinction from Ivey Business School and the ICD.D designation.

"Sharon brings in-depth knowledge of the Windmill social impact model, an excellent track record of leading both private and non-profit organizations and a longstanding commitment to the Windmill mission," said Lori Sterling, Chair of the Windmill Microlending Board of Directors. "We are delighted to welcome Sharon as our new CEO at Windmill."

"Windmill's mission is deeply personal to me and closely aligned with the work I have pursued throughout my career, academic research and community service," said Castelino. "As an immigrant to Canada, I know first-hand the barriers internationally trained newcomers face when rebuilding their careers and establishing their economic security."

"Windmill recognizes that talent should never be overlooked or deferred for lack of timely access to capital and support," Castelino added. "Leading this organization is a full-circle opportunity that honours my personal commitment to 'giving people a hand up, not a handout', while strengthening Canada's talent base, communities and economy." 

The leadership transition follows nearly a decade of significant expansion for the national charity.

"Under Claudia's leadership, Windmill grew its loan book and client base tenfold, providing more than $165 million in loans and helping nearly 15,000 skilled newcomers return to their fields in Canada," said Sterling. "Guided by her vision, Windmill expanded to offer financial literacy training, mentorship and new accessible loan products. The Board extends its appreciation for her transformative contributions."

About Windmill Microlending

Founded in 2005, Windmill Microlending is a registered Canadian charity that empowers skilled immigrants and refugees to restart their careers. The organization provides low-interest loans, funded by donations and recycled loan capital. In addition to loans, clients receive coaching, financial literacy training and mentorship. Through this high-impact model, thousands of internationally trained professionals across Canada have returned to their field, tripling their income on average. Learn more at windmillmicrolending.org.

SOURCE Windmill Microlending

Media Contact: Linda Luu, Marketing and Communications Director, Windmill Microlending, [email protected] | [phone]