Many municipalities are using rain gardens as part of their green infrastructure development, however they do not involve the community in any aspect of their design, location selection or construction and are thus missing an important opportunity to inform and engage the public in stewarding this remarkable green technology. This project is unique in its focus on engaging and empowering the community in a "hands on" learning experience that is aimed at building their capacity to proactively contribute to rainwater management and community stewardship and in doing so, become "flood resistant and water resilient."The goal of this project is to empower communities to address the impacts of flooding on ecosystems, property and storm water systems. To achieve this goal, we will use a collective impact framework to implement an integrated cross-sector strategy that will engage and support residents in understanding and undertaking relevant rain water management activities, and foster long term behaviour change. https://www.sfu.ca/fenv/programs/professional-programs/community-engaged-research/north-shore-rain-garden-project.html

Launched new professional program in the Faculty of Environment. Check out our program if you are an emerging sustainability leader in your organization.

The Faculty of Environment at Simon Fraser University recognizes that a sustainable world requires knowledge mobilization and spaces for learning to develop the capacity for sustainability leadership – in organizations, communities and governments. The vision of our Professional Programs and Partnerships is to bring evidence-based, engaged learning experiences to professionals. These programs are designed for: -Environmental graduates wishing to upgrade their skills and knowledge in response to evolving research, marketplace and industry needs;-Professionals in management and leadership roles interested in gaining advanced skills through innovative and evidence-based learning experiences;-Public policy makers and others interested in current environmental challenges and solutions.

Teach in the Certificate in Sustainable Community Development, Researcher/ Associate Director of Community Economic Development in Bolivia Project

Co-Director, Engaging Diaspora in Development:Tapping the Translocal Potential for ChangeCommunity Advisor, Embrace BC Dialogues on Multiculturalism, Inclusion and Belonging

Supervise and teach in the Undergraduate academic certificate and diploma in Sustainable Community Development program at the Centre. Current community mobilization research funded by Fresh Water Alliance in collaboration with yoga leaders and Water Shed Watch Salmon Society. Recent collaboration: Plan Centre' 25th Anniversary celebration. http://www.steprightup.ca/blog/

I led a dynamic team of community engagement specialists and researchers to design a neighbourhood plan that will improve educational outcomes for children ages 0-5. This plan was designed with the deep involvement of neighbourhood residents, particularly parents with young children as well as respected early learning specialists. The plan maps out a set of action strategies ranging from the development of local leadership, peer health promoters, early learning literacy champions, sharing projects that support families with children, food asset development, and more.

Working collaboratively with PHSA staff we designed an interactive dialogue to share research on health services for French speaking communities and explore implications for public policy.

Annual public dialogue - designer/facilitator

Designed and developed certificate and diploma programs, led innovative community university engagement program including the Dialogue Makers Series, the President's Forum and projects including Imagine BC public dialogue series.

consultancy - media production, curriculum design, leadership education