Koja’s Story
All organizations are propelled forward by two things.
People and process.
For Koja Consulting, effective project management is the intersection of the two – a place of huge potential and growth. But for many values-driven organizations, hiring a full-time Project Manager is not yet needed. Or simply not in the budget.
In 2016, Koja was born because we saw an opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact with expert, on-demand project management for necessary, one-time projects. Big or small.
We help values-driven organizations temporarily increase their ‘people’ capacities and improve their ‘process’ efficiencies without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Our multidisciplinary team and network of experts are capable of managing and completing a variety of projects.
Fun fact: Koja is an anagram of the middle name initials of Mel, her partner and two children – family, community and connection sets the foundation for Koja.
Our Purpose & Vision
Our Values
Mission-Aligned Commitment
We commit to the mission and success of the organizations we serve. Our dedication and accountability mirror that of internal team members.
Collaborative & Expert-Driven
Our approach is rooted in collaboration with our clients and a network of specialists. We assemble the best people for each project. This ensures expert-led execution that is both strategic and efficient.
Flexible & Responsive
Flexibility is by design at Koja. We quickly scale up your team’s capacity. We adapt to changing priorities and deliver projects on time and within scope. We are nimble. We address emerging needs and adjust the course when needed.
Connecting Nonprofits with Project Management
We actively increase accessibility, awareness and engagement of project management by embedding proven best practices and methodologies into every engagement. Our goal is to ensure projects align with your mission and are within budget, scope, and timeline.
Meet the Team
Mel Ifada (she/they)
Founder & CEO | MBA | PMP
Mel enjoys getting stuff done – solving problems for other people, creating efficiencies, and finding solutions. Experiencing other people’s relief at having bottlenecks remedied or implementing improvements *sparks joy* for Mel.
In Mel’s experience, capacity, skill-set, and focus to achieve a goal is a triage that teams are constantly navigating. This balancing act is something Mel knows and understands all too well, bringing 20+ years of corporate and not-for-profit project management experience to the table. In April 2025, Mel completed her Governance Professionals of Canada designation (GPC.D).
Outside of work, Mel enjoys riding her bike (fair weather cyclist), playing board games with family and friends (in any weather!), watching the Raptors, listening to music, dancing, puzzling, and volunteering as a Board Member of PM West (Canadian West Coast Chapter of Project Management Institute).
Bernadette Andrade (she/her)
Project Manager
Bernadette brings her curiosity to work as a project manager. She facilitates problem-solving to aid clients in challenging assumptions and exploring alternatives. As a result, we collaboratively identify the best solution and next steps.
Bernadette has over 20 years of experience working with public and non-profits. She understands the challenges as these organizations navigate new projects and directions. She calmly manages projects with a positive approach. Thus keeping the process stress-free. This makes everyone feel supported and confident.
Outside of work, Bernadette explores the lower mainland one coffee shop at a time. As she sips coffee, she cultivates her artistic side by drawing the ambiance. Bernadette is an avid podcast listener. She walks for hours learning about current and historical events. She enjoys volunteering with the Project Management Volunteers (PMV).
Miley & Leela
OFFICE FUR FRIENDS
Leela often makes her presence known by making unscheduled appearances in Zoom meetings. Leela is a very affectionate Ragdoll senior (she’ll be 16 in March 2024) who insists on LOTS of lap time.
Keeping her company is Miley, a rescue from Afghanistan, who joined the team in February 2022. Miley is estimated to have turned ~9 years old in November 2023 and boasts a lovely, happy nature. She loves her meeting breaks (translated to ‘walks’ for her) and joining Mel for human-meal-patio-time at any of the many local restaurants.
