Jesse Nasmith / Fitness Trainer

I spent some time this week with Jesse Nasmith—photographing him and learning a little more about his story.

I know Jesse through his work as a trainer at Anytime Fitness, but there’s more to what he’s doing than what you see in the gym. He also coaches boxing with a local organization called Boxing for Health, working both in person and online with people living with Parkinson’s and other physical challenges—helping improve cognition and rebuild confidence.

What stood out to me wasn’t just what he teaches—it’s how he shows up, and how much he cares about the people he’s coaching.

He’s not trying to impress anyone. He’s simply doing the work, paying attention, and meeting people where they are.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / Jesse Nasmith, photographed at Anytime Fitness / Carling Ave..

Jesse Nasmith - What does making a difference mean to you?

“To me, it comes down to intention. We’re all creating change just by being here—but making a difference is choosing to do it on purpose. It’s showing up each day and trying to make things better, not just for yourself, but for the people around you.

It has to be bigger than you.

It’s easy to think about it, or to say you want to be a good person—but without intention and action, it doesn’t really go anywhere. Making a difference is deciding that what you do matters, and then following through on that.”

Jesse Nasmith
Anytime Fitness / Carling Ave
Boxing for Health

Clarissa Arthur / Executive Director, Author, Public Speaker, Thought Leader

We really enjoyed photographing Clarissa Arthur at Nelson House, where she now serves as Executive Director. Spending time with people who carry both experience and care into their work is always meaningful, and Clarissa brings that spirit to everything she does.

As a young mother, she once relied on community services herself. Over time, that experience shaped the direction of her life and work. Clarissa went on to support others on the front lines of social services and today holds a leadership role, helping and strengthening the community around her.

Her background includes Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Infant Mental Health, and a degree in Psychology. She also contributes through public speaking and facilitation, serves on the TELUS Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Board, and is a co-author of The Gratitude Effect Journal.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / Clarissa Arthur, photographed at Nelson House.

Clarissa Arthur - What does making a difference mean to you?

“Making a difference means being an example. It’s about how I show up in leadership. Collaboration is key. I want to create a space where people are curious, try new things, and give themselves grace along the way. I’m a work in progress; we all are; and I’m committed to learning, listening, and paying attention.”

Clarissa Arthur
Executive Director, Nelson House
www.nelsonhouse.on.ca/make-a-difference
LinkedIn

Markus Esnard / Marketer and Super Proud Dad

I photographed Markus Esnard for the InFrame project the other day. Markus is a corporate client of ours at MNP, and we’ve worked together on a number of headshot and portrait sessions in their Ottawa office.

What I appreciate most about Markus is how he shows up with people. He’s present. He’s genuinely kind. And it never feels performative.

He doesn’t just say hello—he connects. He listens. He’s thoughtful. His positivity feels real, and it carries.

Over time, I’ve come to really respect the way he treats people and the way he carries himself. And honestly, that matters. Because how you show up—and how you treat people—can make all the difference.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / Markus Esnard, photographed in the main floor lobby of the MNP Ottawa office.

Markus Esnard - What does making a difference mean to you?

“For me, making a difference is about living with humility and kindness, and choosing to be genuinely present for others. In a digital age where we’re constantly distracted and pulled in a dozen directions, truly listening has become rare. That’s why something as simple as sitting down with someone over a coffee and giving them your full attention can matter so much. Not to judge or rush to fix anything, but to give them the space to speak openly, whatever their experiences may be.

To me, it’s about helping someone feel seen and heard, because everyone deserves that. No one’s life carries more weight than anyone else’s, and we all face challenges that aren’t always visible from the outside. When you take the time to truly listen, you learn so much about people, about perspectives you may never have considered, and about the world beyond your own experiences. I honestly believe that in our busy, distracted world, the simple act of listening can still make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”

Markus Esnard
MNP/Ottawa
LinkedIn

Heather Brisebois / Relationship Builder, Collaborator and Human Focused Innovator

I’m honoured to have the opportunity to highlight Heather Brisebois and the work Shelter Movers does in the Ottawa community. Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization that provides moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. Working alongside local businesses and community agencies, the team supports people—primarily women and children—as they transition to a life free of violence. Their vision is a world where survivors can move on from abuse and violence with power and dignity. Heather is the Chapter Director for Ottawa.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / Heather Brisebois, Chapter Director of Shelter Movers (Ottawa)

Heather Briseboise - What does making a difference mean to you?

“Showing up authentically with an open mind and open heart. I’ve always been a helper and believe if I lead with heart, kindness, and some solid boundaries, it’s not a weakness, but a superpower. It means choosing to care and taking action collectively. It means leaning in to our strengths collectively while embracing our individual differences, and taking care of our fellow humans no matter the situation.”

Heather Briseboise
sheltermovers.com/ottawa
LinkedIn

Steve Beckta / Ottawa restaurateur and community builder

Today I’m sharing Steve Beckta—Ottawa restaurateur, community builder, and a person who’s always led with care. Last month, we photographed Steve in the studio ahead of his official appointment to the Order of Canada—a moment that felt both proud and well deserved.

From Beckta, Play, and Gezellig to years of service with BGC Ottawa, Steve’s work has helped shape how Ottawa gathers and gives back. When I asked what it means to make a difference, he spoke about caring in big and small ways—acts that surprise people, renew faith in humanity, and keep that virtuous cycle going.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / Steve Beckta C.M.

Steve Beckta - What does making a difference mean to you?

“Making a difference to me is about caring for others in authentic and intentional ways that create a positive impact on the lives of those around you, or your community, or the world at large.  

Caring in both big and small ways.  In ways that are surprising, and that renews people’s faith in humanity.  It’s a virtuous cycle that we are all responsible for feeding.”

Steve Beckta
www.beckta.com
LinkedIn

René Lafrance

René Lafrance is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and former Bank of Canada finance executive with over 38 years of leadership experience in telecommunications and central banking. He holds a degree in engineering from the Royal Military College and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Through his career, he fostered positive workplaces through coaching and mentoring, empowering employee growth and decision-making.

In his current pursuits, René channels his extensive experience and expertise into philanthropic endeavours. He dedicates his time and support to organizations focused on veterans, education, and mental health, further reflecting his ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact in his community.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / René Lafrance, photographed at Drip House Coffee

René Lafrance - What does making a difference mean to you?

For me, making a difference means volunteering my time to support national and local philanthropic organizations. I believe it is important to give back or contribute to causes that matter to you, whether they have positively influenced you or your family, or because you consider them significant for the future.

In my case, I volunteer with groups that promote education, support Canadian Armed Forces veterans, and raise awareness of mental health issues. I leverage my diverse experience and background to serve on boards of directors, whether as a board director or as a member of key committees, such as audit and fundraising committees. Alongside sharing my experience in these roles, I value engaging with individuals who contribute positively to the community.

In my spare time, I also provide mentorship to leaders and aspiring leaders to help them navigate their careers.

For me, volunteering my time and supporting causes important to me is one way I feel I make a difference to the community and to myself.

René Lafrance
LinkedIn

Lisa Dupasquier / Team Leader, Causeway Work Centre

Lisa Dupasquier brings care, resourcefulness, and steady encouragement to her work supporting individuals who face barriers to employment. At Causeway, she designs and leads pre-employment workshops, builds lasting partnerships with inclusive employers, and walks alongside clients as they grow in skills and confidence. With experience across education, health, and employment sectors, Lisa’s approach is as practical as it is people-focused. She’s especially moved by those quiet moments when someone begins to believe in their own potential—often for the first time—and is proud to help make that possible.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / Lisa Dupasquier, photographed at Causeway Work Centre

Lisa Dupasquier - What does making a difference mean to you?

“To me, making a difference means helping people move from uncertainty to opportunity in a respectful and meaningful way. In an employment agency setting, especially with vulnerable populations, it’s about more than just finding a job — it’s about building trust, understanding individual barriers, and supporting them through the whole process so they feel empowered to succeed. It’s ensuring that each person feels heard, treated with dignity, and connected to work that aligns with their goals and strengths.

I see my role as guiding clients through obstacles, providing practical support (like resume help, interview prep, or connections to employers), and advocating for fair opportunities. Ultimately, making a difference is seeing someone gain confidence, secure employment that improves their stability, and knowing I played a part in helping them get there.”

Lisa Dupasquier
www.causewayworkcentre.org
Employment and Community Services Worker

Eryn O'Neill / Artist

Eryn O’Neill is an Ottawa-born painter whose work explores urban spaces in transition. With degrees from NSCAD University and the University of Waterloo, and advanced studies at Carleton University, she brings both academic depth and lived observation to her practice. Her studio is based in the ByWard Market at The Rectory Art House.

© Dwayne Brown Studio / Eryn O’Neill in her Ottawa studio.

Eryn O’Neill - What does making a difference mean to you?

“As an artist, to me it means demonstrating that painting can function as a legitimate mode of research and cultural critique. Through research-creation, painting becomes a way of producing knowledge, one that captures duration, instability, and progress. In creating a visual archive of Ottawa’s LRT expansion and major construction projects and presenting it publicly, the project opens space for dialogue about accessibility, safety, and everyday urban life.

To make a difference, then, is to intervene culturally: to expand what counts as knowledge, whose experiences matter, and how cities in transformation can be understood more fully and more humanely.”

Eryn O’Neill
www.eofineart.com
LinkedIn
Instagram