Tamarack Institute is a remote organization, which is great for quality of life and for the environment. Our teams live and work within and around the communities we proudly serve. Please reach out directly to start a conversation.
About Danya Danya is the Tamarack Institute's President and CEO. She champions collective impact and data strategy. She's dedicated to fostering inclusive, thriving communities.
About Bobby Bobby is a collaborative leader with expertise in strategic operations, equity-driven practices, and fostering innovation to support community impact. Passionate about creating transformative change, they are committed to building sustainable and inclusive solutions through collective action.
Ajeeta Shanmugarajaih
Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning
About Ajeeta Ajeeta Shanmugarajaih holds a Bachelor of Science, with a specialization in business. She is passionate about building meaningful connections with diverse audiences through marketing and graphic design.
Alison Homer
Director, Learning, Evaluation, and Systems Change
About Alison Alison builds a culture of learning, reflection, and continuous improvement within Tamarack’s networks for change. She supports her teammates to surface and share success stories that amplify and accelerate community change. Alison enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding in Revelstoke, BC.
About Astrid Astrid works across both Building Belonging and Community Climate Transitions networks, and is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with our existing member communities, supporting them on their local journey, nurturing partnerships and growing our network in Quebec and in Atlantic Canada.
Christiana Iheanacho (she/her) brings a people-centred approach to Tamarack's operational strategies. She leads people and culture initiatives that support team members. Off duty she enjoys spending time with family and exploring creative projects.
Dr. Chúk Odenigbo (PhD) is the Consulting Director of Evaluating Impact with over a decade of experience in environmental activism, adult education, project management, community engagement and co-designing towards the future. Chúk’s work is not only informed by his academic background but also by his lived experiences as a Black Francophone in what is currently Canada.
About Claire Claire, a certified fundraising executive, leverages 15 yrs of experience to foster partnerships at Tamarack. She enjoys family time, cycling, and neighbourhood exploration.
About Daren Daren Okafo is the Consulting Director of Collective Leadership at the Tamarack Institute. Originally hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Daren has spent his entire 30-year career working in community development and engagement, learning alongside communities throughout Canada, Europe and Africa.
About Duncan Duncan Field, Associate Director part of Tamarack's Skills for Change team, spearheads e-learning course development and consulting contracts, leveraging his background in Psychology, Philosophy, and Law.
About Heather Heather leads Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) strategies at Tamarack with 22 years of community development experience. She's a lifelong learner, volunteer, and advocate for community belonging.
About Isaac Isaac supports community development, enjoys wildlife photography, and hiking, and brings his passion for the outdoors to Tamarack's initiatives.
Jaime Stief
Senior Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning
About Jaime Jaime, a Senior Community Animator in Digital Experience, holds a Bachelor's in Communications and Sociology and a Master's in Communication Studies. Passionate about social justice, she enjoys outdoor activities and travelling.
About Justin Justin leads Public Policy and Government Relations, leveraging his expertise in research and advocacy to drive positive change and community engagement.
About Kate Kate, Community Animator in Accounts Payable, ensures smooth expense workflows and fosters vendor relationships with her accounting expertise.
About Kathryn Kathryn is honoured to support BC communities ending poverty at Tamarack. She holds a master’s degree in the community development discipline of Human Security and Peacebuilding, alongside 20+ years supporting marginalized communities and cross-sector partnership development and collective impact. She lives rurally on Tla’amin lands after 20 years in K'emk'emeláy (Vancouver) and understands how communities of all sizes hold power to solve complex social issues, together.
About Laura Laura holds a B.Comm & M.A. in Global Studies. She champions climate action and social innovation, balancing advocacy with family life across continents.
About Lisa Lisa, Consulting Director, pioneers authentic community engagement strategies. She's an advocate for simplicity and creativity in community change. Off-duty, she co-owns a community café.
About Mairead Mairead is a part of the Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning team. Their work covers themes of community building and collective practice. Mairead holds a BA in Multimedia Studies from McMaster University and an MDes (Master of Design) in Digital Futures from OCAD University.
About Maureen Maureen holds two Bachelor’s degrees, focusing on Health Promotion and Education. She advocates for equity and community involvement in poverty reduction. Outside work, Maureen enjoys skiing and hiking.
Mike, a certified Ontario teacher, provides leadership and support for Communities Building Youth Futures staff and member communities. He champions youth leadership and fosters community innovation. Outside work, he enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.
About Natasha Natasha Pei serves as the Director of Communities Ending Poverty, leveraging her 13 years of experience in community development to promote justice and equity through place-based, community-led systems change.
About Orpah Orpah, Learning Lead, champions equity in poverty reduction, drawing from 10+ years in non-profits. She enjoys cooking, singing, painting, and volleyball with loved ones.
About Owen Owen (he/him), Community Animator, works to empower his colleagues with project management, granting, and administrative support. He strives to approach all aspects of work conscientiously and with empathy. He enjoys long-distance running and playing guitar.
About Robin Robin leads special projects connecting Tamarack communities, the power of place, social finance and social enterprise toward reducing poverty in all its forms. Robin is on loan from her position in policy development in social innovation at Employment and Social Development Canada.
About Rochelle Rochelle, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, brings a background in community building, anti-racism, and creating inclusive spaces for equity-deserving communities.
About Ruté Ruté holds a BA in Global Studies and an MA in Digital Experience Innovation. She is the Associate Director for Tamarack’s communications and marketing team. She enjoys writing, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.
Savroop Shergill
Manager of Communities, Climate Transitions and Building Belonging
About Sav Sav (she/they) is a registered Social Worker and community organizer who is committed to decolonial praxis, abolitionism, and third world and Black feminist principles.
Shanese Steele
Senior Community Animator, Equity and Reconciliation
About Shanese Shanese, Senior Community Animator, brings expertise in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Shanese enjoys writing, LGBTQAI2S+ advocacy, and inclusive space creation.
About Stephanie Stephanie, Associate Director, excels in marketing, event planning and communications. With a degree in Public Relations, she enjoys thinking creatively about how brands share their stories with the world. Outside of work she enjoys staying active and being outdoors.
About Stephen Stephen holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies focused on climate action and community engagement. He is passionate about supporting Community Climate Transitions at Tamarack.
About Sonja Sonja leads Tamarack's Community Innovation Area, fostering dynamic initiatives worldwide. With vast global experience, she's an advocate for community-led change.
About Sylvia Sylvia leads Tamarack’s Collaboration Area. She deeply appreciates the benefits and challenges of diverse groups learning and working together.
About Yas Yas is an Associate Director and part of Tamarack's Skills for Change team. They are dedicated to community development and engagement, prioritizing ethical co-creation and collaboration.
Nation, with 20 years in community development, leads United Way's initiatives for inclusive communities, youth development, and local economic strategies.
Ana Gonzalez Guerrero
Vice-Chair
Ana, with 15 years in climate change advocacy, leads Youth Climate Lab, fostering innovative projects for ambitious climate action. Formerly, she spearheaded sustainable economic development and supported local governments in climate initiatives.
Bill Harper
Treasurer
Bill Harper, VP at Imagine Canada, strengthens nonprofits with 30+ yrs experience in finance, governance, and strategic planning.
Ben Henderson
Board Member
Ben Henderson, former Edmonton City Councillor, co-chairs End Poverty Edmonton, leading initiatives in public engagement, governance, and environmental sustainability.
Colleen Christopherson-Côté
Board Member
Colleen has been working in community economic development for over 20 years in both urban and rural communities across Saskatchewan. She has extensive knowledge of the complexity of human service systems and the intricacies of how public policy and practice indirectly and directly impact people.
Dina Al-khooly
Board Member
Dina Al-khooly, Team Lead, Policy Development Unit, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services of Ontario, advocates for youth voice, science literacy, and racial justice, fostering equitable STEM access.
Dr. Jiwei Li
Board Member
Jiwei Li, a family physician, prioritizes community, collaboration, and equity, focusing on health equity for marginalized populations, especially newcomers, through collective impact and quality improvement initiatives.
Lori Hewson
Board Member
Lori Hewson, with 30+ years across environmental, social, and corporate sectors, fosters meaningful change through relationship-building and innovative initiatives.
Mary Pickering
Board Member
Mary Pickering specializes in environmental non-profit leadership, focusing on climate programs, policy advocacy, and multi-stakeholder collaborations to accelerate climate actions at scale.
Natasha Beedie
Board Member
Natasha Beedie is of mixed settler, Pottawatomi, and Ojibwe descent and is a member of Beausoleil First Nation on Gchi’mnissing (Christian Island). Working with the Assembly of First Nations, she provides strategic policy advice to more than 636 First Nations across Canada.
Precious Ile
Board Member
Precious Ile is Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Impact Plus Consulting in Vancouver, BC. Through her consulting firm, she focuses on serving social and public sector organizations, and partners with impact-driven leaders to elevate their organizational impact and set them up for future success.
Sunshine Chen
Board Member
Sunshine Chen, an architect turned storyteller, brings design and storytelling expertise to tackle various social issues, serving on boards and empowering communities.
Danya, Co-CEO, and Director of our Networks for Change, champions collective impact and data strategy. She's dedicated to fostering inclusive, thriving communities.
change in action
Browse our Resource Hub to read, listen to and watch how our changemakers are making an impact. Visit our Learning Center to attend events and enroll in courses, and participate in community discussions.
resource hub
The latest thinking, tools and interactive online practice to provide inspiration and achieve success in community change efforts.
We’re happy to answer questions, discuss community issues and direct you to trusted resources. Get in touch with a specific team member or submit a general inquiry.
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