Co-Founder & VP of Marketing at Cha’s Organics | Sustainable Entrepreneur | Fair Trade Advocate | Speaker |
Meet Marise May
Co-founder and Vice President of Marketing at Cha’s Organics, Marise May is a sustainable entrepreneur and fair trade advocate dedicated to transforming food systems. With a background in nutrition science and nearly two decades of leadership, she has built a mission-driven brand that blends organic innovation with social impact. Recognized for her voice on sustainability and community empowerment, Marise champions food as a pathway to health, resilience, and positive change.
Roots in Nutrition and Purpose
Marise’s journey began with a deep interest in the science of food and its profound impact on human well-being. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science at The University of British Columbia, focusing on plant-based diets and earning recognition on the Dean’s List. Her earlier studies at Université de Montréal and Dawson College laid a solid foundation in biological sciences and health.
These formative years not only equipped her with academic knowledge but also ignited a lifelong conviction: food systems should nourish people and protect the planet simultaneously. This conviction became the guiding principle behind her career and the creation of Cha’s Organics.
Building Cha’s Organics
In 2006, Marise co-founded Cha’s Organics , a company that has since grown into a respected force in the organic food industry. As Vice President of Marketing, she led brand development, market expansion, and consumer engagement strategies that brought authentic, ethically sourced products to global shelves.
From organic coconut milk and heirloom rice to spices, curry kits, and superfoods, Cha’s Organics has become a household name for conscious consumers who value both flavour and integrity. Under her leadership, the brand has achieved milestones such as:
- Expanding into major retailers including Costco Wholesale Canada and Loblaw Companies Limited.
- Launching innovative products like Organic Coconut Rolls and Organic Heirloom Rice.
- Growing a diverse portfolio that remains 100% certified organic, vegan, and ethically sourced.
- Establishing a headquarters in Ville-Saint-Laurent, reflecting both growth and deepened commitment to sustainability.
For Marise, however, these achievements represent more than corporate success. Each step forward has reinforced her mission to create a business model that uplifts communities, respects ecosystems, and empowers consumers.
Advocacy, Leadership, and Community
Marise’s influence extends far beyond her company. She has held leadership roles with respected organizations, serving as a Board Director at Canada Organic Trade Association, Fairtrade Canada, and the Association Québécoise du Commerce Équitable. Through these positions, she has shaped policy discussions, supported ethical trade practices, and strengthened networks within the organic movement.
Her voice resonates not only in boardrooms but also on public platforms. As a speaker and panelist, Marise has participated in discussions that highlight the vital link between soil health and human health, positioning Cha’s Organics as more than a brand, it is a vehicle of empowerment and healing. Her own words capture this ethos:
“Cha’s Organics is more than just a food brand. It’s a vehicle of empowerment and healing in a world that desperately needs more of this.”
Colleagues and peers affirm her leadership qualities. As one recommendation noted, “Marise has an air about her that speaks clearly of dedication, loyalty, attention to the highest quality and a caring heart that helps drive her to successful pursuits.”
Insights and Philosophy
Marise’s posts and writings reflect her human-centered philosophy of leadership and business. She often challenges the extractive models of conventional industries, likening them to systems that “act like a cancer,” draining both people and planet. Instead, she advocates for regenerative practices that prioritize soil health, community well-being, and fair economic structures.
In her words:
“That’s why we built Cha’s Organics on a foundation of regenerative practices that always prioritize soil health, human health, environmental health, and fair economic models that aim to give back and leave people and planet better off.”
For Marise, success is not measured solely in profit margins, but in the peace of mind, happiness, and meaningful connections nurtured along the way.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Marise remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of Cha’s Organics while staying true to its founding principles. She envisions a future where organic, fair trade, and regenerative practices are not niche, but mainstream standards.
Her mission is clear: to continue educating and empowering consumers while creating systems that heal both people and the planet. Whether through innovative product development, community partnerships, or public advocacy, Marise is dedicated to ensuring that every initiative she leads contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world.
A Legacy of Purpose
Marise May’s story is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to doing business differently. From her scientific roots in nutrition to her entrepreneurial leadership at Cha’s Organics, she has consistently demonstrated that commerce can be a force for good.
Her journey offers a simple but profound lesson: when businesses are built on care, integrity, and regeneration, they have the power to transform not only markets but also communities and ecosystems.
“Success isn’t only measured in profit margins and retained earnings. When you run a family business, success is measured in peace of mind, happiness, connection, and all of those moments when you can slow down and celebrate your wins.”
Marise May continues to live and lead by this truth, inspiring others to join her in shaping a food system where people and planet thrive together.
Editorial Note
Marise May’s journey is proof that sustainable leadership thrives at the intersection of passion, integrity, and purpose. Her career exemplifies how business can be reimagined as a force for good—uplifting communities, regenerating ecosystems, and inspiring consumers to choose differently. From the classrooms of nutrition science to the global recognition of Cha’s Organics, Marise has shown that success is measured not only in growth but in the positive impact left behind. At Executives Diary Magazine, we are proud to feature leaders like Marise, visionaries who don’t just talk about change but actively build it. If you are an executive with a story of resilience and impact, we invite you to share your journey. Let your leadership be the spark that inspires transformation in others.
