Danny Graham,
Chief Engagement Officer

Danny believes Nova Scotians are calling for a new future – one where they can be part of the solutions.

  • Founding Chair, Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program

  • Former Chief Negotiator for the Nova Scotia Government on Aboriginal Rights

  • Advisor to United Nations Development Programme re justice reform

dgraham@engagenovascotia.ca

 
 
 
 
 
 

Matthew Knezacek, Office Manager and Bookkeeper

Matthew is inspired by all the opportunities Nova Scotia’s diverse communities have to offer and believes a bright future will manifest through collaboration and engagement.

  • Saint Mary’s University, Sobeys School of Business, BComm Accounting

  • NSCC, Diploma Business Administration

  • Board game enthusiast

admin@engagenovascotia.ca

Ryley Urban, Customized Analysis Lead

Ryley (she/her) is dedicated to modernizing the practice of systems engineering to enrich the everyday flow of Nova Scotian life through intentional and equitable allocation of our most valuable resources - environment, humanity, and local economy.

  • Dalhousie University, M.A.Sc., Industrial Engineering

  • Supportive partner to a Nova Scotian small business owner

  • Amateur singer-songwriter

rurban@engagenovascotia.ca

 
 
 
 



Taylor Hill,
Research and Data Lead

Taylor is dedicated to deepening our understanding of what life looks like in Nova Scotia’s vibrant communities. She is passionate about research methods and knowledge translation activities that allow us to understand and promote well-being among populations.

  • Her favourite thing about Nova Scotia is the Maritime hospitality and lifestyle

  • PhD student, Experimental Psychology, Dalhousie University

thill@engagenovascotia.ca

 
 



Tammy Ewing,
Outreach and Participation Lead

Tammy is dedicated to advocating for and lifting up opportunities that help people overcome challenges faced by Nova Scotia communities. She is inspired by working with those who believe in a Nova Scotia that offers a sense of belonging for all. Tammy understands the importance of hearing from those who are traditionally overlooked and is passionate about seeking equity for all Nova Scotians.

  • Advocate

  • Co-Chair, East Preston Active Transportation Committee

  • Team Member, Rural Access to Physical Activity (RAPA)

  • Facilitator, Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families Program

tewing@engagenovascotia.ca

 
 



Erika Bout,
SDG Program Director

Erika (she/her) is enthusiastic about exploring how we can become more connected to each other and the world around us. She is curious about how we might be there for each other in better ways and the different scales at which this can happen. 

  • Acadia University, Bachelor of Community Development (Honours)

  • Lover of all things outdoors

  • Values Nova Scotia's natural beauty and community-mindedness 

ebout@engagenovascotia.ca

 
 
 

Leonardo Christino, Visual Analyst and Full-Stack Developer

Leo believes data visualizations and tools can empower Nova Scotians with enhanced awareness and decision-making means with which to improve their overall quality of life.

  • Video game and all-around tech enthusiast

  • PhD student, Visual Analytics - Big Data Institute, Dalhousie University

christino@engagenovascotia.ca

 
 
 
 
 
 



Annabelle Valliant-Fraser, Evaluation and Event Coordinator Co-op Student, SDG Program

Annabelle (she/they) loves people, learning, and supporting community-centered change. They love finding creative and interesting ways to facilitate engagement, communication, and connection, which excites her about her Co-op work term at Engage!

  • Third-year student at Dalhousie University in Environment, Sustainability and Society and International Development

  • Active transportation enthusiast and bike mechanic with the EAC’s Pop-Up Bike Hub and Bike Again

  • Their favourite place is sitting by a body of water, reading a book

 

Margaret Schwartz, Communications Specialist

Margaret(she/her) believes in the power of weaving stories and data to connect Nova Scotians on a shared re-imagining of the future.

  • Conscious Communications Consultant

  • Certificate in Trauma-Informed Approach to Creating Safe Space from the Radical School of Healing

  • Mount Saint Vincent University, Bachelor of Public Relations 

  • Executive Board Member, TEAM Work Co-operative

  • Poet

mschwartz@engagenovascotia.ca

 

Erin Wynn, Quality of Life Partners and Relationships Lead 

Erin (she/they) is committed to the thriving of all Nova Scotians, as well as the land, water, and ecosystems we call home. She believes strongly in the importance of deep collaboration and meaningful data to create impact in our province and beyond. 

  • M.A. in Educational Psychology (Human Development) from McGill University 

  • B.A. in International Development Studies, Environmental Sustainability, and a minor in Law from Dalhousie University 

  • Certificates in facilitation, adult education, conflict resolution, and learning sciences also shape her approach to community building, locally and globally

ewynn@engagenovascotia.ca

 
 

Get to know our Board Members and find out more about what we do.