Our Team

Meet the Heart Behind the Princess Lily Series

At the core of the Princess Lily Series is a passionate and dedicated team driven by purpose, creativity, and compassion. From visionary leadership to hands-on volunteers, every member of our community plays a vital role in bringing Princess Lily’s mission to life.

This page is a celebration of the people who make it all possible – our founders, board of directors, junior board, and devoted volunteers. Together, we share a commitment to inspiring hope, spreading kindness, and making a meaningful impact through every story we tell.

Founder & Executive Director

Sarah Bankuti

Sarah Bankuti is the heart behind the Princess Lily Series. As the founder and executive director, Sarah brings passion, purpose, and a deep sense of compassion to everything she does. A lifelong lover of stories, she treasures time spent reading, as well as making memories with her husband and their three daughters.

The Princess Lily Series holds a special place in Sarah’s heart. Over the years, she has witnessed the incredible impact these stories have on children – especially in those unforgettable moments when they see Princess Lily for the very first time. For Sarah, it’s more than a story – it’s a mission of hope, courage, and connection.

She is deeply grateful for the amazing team that shares this vision and brings it to life with heart, talent, and unwavering belief.

Director Of Operations

John Bankuti

John Bankuti serves as the director of operations for the Princess Lily Series, bringing steady leadership, thoughtful planning, and a deep personal passion to the team. A lifelong football fan and dedicated girl dad, John is especially passionate about creating meaningful spaces for fathers to connect and for families to feel supported through their own difficult journeys.

As the father of a child who has cancer, this mission is incredibly close to John’s heart. He understands firsthand the challenges families face and is committed to helping others feel seen, heart, and strengthened. Through future workshops and family-centered events, John is working to ensure the Princess Lily Series continues to make a lasting difference – off the page and in real life.

Our Board Of Directors

Nina La Costa

Nina La Costa – Chair, The Princess Lily Series

Nina La Costa is an accomplished community leader, mental health advocate, and award-winning event planner with over 15 years of experience in public engagement, wellness advocacy, and community-focused initiatives. In recent years, she has expanded her work into the non-profit sector, bringing a fresh, heartfelt approach to mission-driven leadership.

Nina is known for creating inclusive spaces, building strong community partnerships, and delivering impactful programmes and events that foster connection and inspire change. Her background in strategic planning, outreach, and advocacy equips her to guide organisations with purpose and vision.

As Chair of The Princess Lily Series, Nina is honoured to support families navigating childhood illness and complex care journeys. She is committed to advancing the organisation’s mission through compassionate leadership, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of storytelling and community.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Our Junior Board

Fiona Robertson

Hi, I’m Fi! I’m delighted to be joining the Princess Lily Series as a Junior Board Member. Originally from England, I’ve been living in Canada for the past two years and have a background in academic publishing, stakeholder engagement, and campaign coordination.

In my spare time, I love exploring the beautiful nature that BC has to offer, connecting with friends, and creative writing.

I’m honoured to support a charity that uses storytelling to help children and families feel seen, supported and less alone during such a difficult journey.

Jacqueline Smith

Vancouver native Jacqueline Smith graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) in 2024. Currently, she is a Global Operations analyst at Scotiabank in Toronto.

Jacqueline brings strong leadership skills and a heart for service, backed by extensive volunteer experience. This season, she is coaching the Special Olympics Toronto Softball team and has volunteered at the motionball Marathon of Sport in Montreal and Toronto. She will also participate in the Mississauga edition of the event this fall.

Jacqueline has volunteered with several organizations, including Reach For Outer Space in Vancouver, where she organized fundraisers and created reading corners in social service centers. In Poland, she supported terminally ill children and their families through Fundacja Dziecięca Fantazja. She also worked with Project Somos in Guatemala, helping vulnerable children and families through education, nutrition, and community development.

Jacqueline’s compassion and patience are deeply rooted in her personal experience as the sister of Cassie, who has autism. This relationship has taught her the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and empathy—not just for individuals, but also for the families supporting them. She brings a unique, heartfelt perspective to every role she takes on. These experiences have equipped Jacqueline to make a valuable contribution to the Junior Board

Our Volunteers

Amreen Khan