Hi I'm Robyn (she/her)!With 15 years of experience spanning academic research, adult education, and nonprofit leadership, I support grassroots leaders and social purpose-driven organizations with their capacity-building needs. I firmly believe that the nonprofit sector holds the answers to today’s complex societal challenges, but it’s our responsibility to fund and walk alongside them.My journey began in academia, where I spent nearly a decade as a historian and educator. My research into Canadian history, particularly focusing on women’s experiences and the evolution of social services, has deeply influenced my approach to nonprofit work. After completing a Master’s in Canadian-American Relations and working toward my PhD (ABD) in Canadian History, I transitioned back into the nonprofit world in 2018, where I began applying my research and teaching experience to real-world challenges.I’m passionate about creating community-centric, equitable approaches to fund development and board governance. In my consulting practice, I draw on over 500 hours of adult education experience to craft individualized learning sessions and tools for the organizations I support. My goal is to create anti-hierarchical, collaborative environments where everyone’s voice is valued and where organizations can adapt, grow, and thrive.Named a 2024 Young Impact Leader by Future of Good, I am committed to advancing nonprofit advocacy and systemic change in Waterloo Region and beyond. I’ve been lucky to work alongside incredible grassroots organizations, helping them secure much-needed funding, develop strategic plans, and build sustainable systems. At Dumbo Octopus Consulting, we pride ourselves on our compassionate, values-driven approach that prioritizes decent work and collaborative leadership. You can learn more about our work at dumbooctopusconsulting.comI’m also a vocal advocate for reproductive justice, a feminist commentator, and a lifelong learner. As a bisexual and neurodivergent leader, I’m deeply committed to decolonizing workplaces, fostering authentic leadership, and resisting patriarchal norms that promote competition over collaboration. No one dislikes capitalism more than I do, but I believe that by equipping equity-seeking groups with the right tools, we can build a more equitable world.If you’d like to learn more about my work or how I can support your organization, feel free to connect with me!