Core Team
Leadership Team
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
Erin Wynn
Director, Quality of Life Initiative
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
Barb Smeltzer
Director, Operations & Employee Experience
Barb believes that everyone should have the tools and resources to thrive on their own terms in this ever-changing world. She is committed to creating safe space for others to be their authentic selves and rise to their fullest potential.
Bachelor of Arts, Cultural Anthropology, Athabasca University
Certificates in positive psychology, DEIB, change management, corporate social responsibility, and public relations
Vice President - Board of Directors with the Centre for Local Prosperity, intuitive and wellness coach, traveler, nature lover, and dog mama to magical Merlin
bsmeltzer@engagenovascotia.ca
Community Outreach Team
Tammy Ewing
Outreach & 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
Kamilah Apong
Community Outreach Lead, Equity Deserving Communities
kamilah (she/her) is constantly dreaming of new futures, using hope as discipline (Mariame Kaba). she is a curious facilitator that uses the arts and participatory engagement strategies to change the way we think about research, knowledge, and connection.
student of the elders who came before her, this work is not new
15 years of community arts practice
BA, critical studies in equity & solidarity, University of Toronto
Jonathan Hall
Community Outreach Lead, Disabilities Communities
Jonathan values purposeful and connected ideas and believes that Nova Scotia presents opportunities for innovation and quality. Jonathan works to understand and develop the human experience through research, relationships, values, and vision. The big picture matters. Details matter. People matter.
CCDP®, Certified Career Development Practitioner
MA, Kinesiology and Health Studies: Positive Youth Development, Queen's University
HBSc, Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University
Certificate, Medical Office Administration, Nova Scotia Community College
Basketball Player
Operations Team
Matthew Knezacek
Manager, Operations & Finance
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
Deirdre Rowland
Communications Strategist
Deirdre (she/ her) believes in a future where belonging is centered, every voice is valued, and people come together in a caring way. As a social impact communications strategist, Deirdre aligns with solutions that empower future generations.
Intentional Communications Strategist
Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, Western University
Broadcast Journalism, Fanshawe College
Certified in Storytelling for Impact + Media Measurement
2SLGBTQIA+ advocate, and storyteller
Patrick Sweet, PEng, PMP, CSEP
Research & Innovation Lead
Patrick is dedicated to building a stronger, more prosperous Nova Scotia in an increasingly complex world.
Researcher, educator, and consultant
Ph.D. Candidate in Business Administration, Saint Mary's University
MBA, Royal Military College of Canada
B. Eng., Dalhousie University
Professional Engineer and Certified Systems Engineering Professional
Project Management Professional
Simon Mandari
Project Coordinator
Simon is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and represented, helping to build a more inclusive and resilient Nova Scotia. He is inspired by the power of engaging directly with community members, strengthening connections and ensuring decisions reflect the real experiences of Nova Scotians. Simon brings both professional expertise and a deep belief in equity and belonging to his work.
Business Administration (Marketing & Management), Nova Scotia Community College
Continuing education, Saint Mary’s University
10+ years experience in Sales & Marketing