Located in Mi’kma’ki

Located in Mi’kma’ki

Staff

Meet Our Staff Team

 

Annika Voltan - Executive Director

Annika Voltan is the Executive Director of the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia. She previously was the Executive Director of Inspiring Communities where she worked to help grow the field of systems change through fostering activities related to nesting social change initiatives, evaluation and learning. Annika has experience working across federal and provincial government departments, academia and the business sector. She recently completed a PhD in social entrepreneurship and has research interests in networks and social innovation. Annika has three young children and can be found exploring nature and the local craft beer scene.

Annika uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: avoltan@ions.ca | 902-456‐9089
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Nicole Cammaert - Director of Network & Sector Development

Nicole Cammaert has over 20 years experience working with communities at the grass roots level. She also contributes years of experience working in diverse fields such as marketing and outdoor adventure tourism. Nicole brings a balanced, holistic and entrepreneurial ethos to her work as a community organizer, embracing complexity through systems change and social innovation. She has served in various community development capacities including most recently as Director of Community Engagement and Education for New Dawn Enterprises, as well as co-founder and manager of the North River Centre for the Performing Arts, Co-Chair for the St. Ann’s Bay Development Association, and Coordinator of the St. Ann’s Bay Community Health Centre, and Director of Marketing and Product Development for Tourism Cape Breton. Nicole is a recent graduate of the Coady International Institute’s program, Canadian Women’s Foundation Leadership Institute.
Nicole uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: ncammaert@ions.ca | 902-549-0309
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Emma Beukema - Director of Learning & Innovation

Emma brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work having worked in entrepreneurship, community, and citizen-engagement for organizations such as the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, Black Business Initiative and Can-World Consulting Services. Emma’s passion for leadership, advocacy, and her desire to help others comes from her belief in helping others pursue their dreams and her volunteer work within the community.

Emma has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University in Political Science and International Development. She is also a board member with Queenpins and CEED. She is a wife and mother of two and brings with her a passion for life-long learning and a determination to help youth and communities succeed.

Emma uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: ebeukema@ions.ca
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Alexandra Theroux - Operations Manager

Having worked in Healthcare for almost 10 years, Alexandra feels strongly about giving back to her community and supporting the work of community organizations in improving the overall health of Nova Scotians. She is passionate about human rights advocacy, gender & race equity, and environmental issues. Alexandra has worked at Nova Scotia Community College and the Department of Health & Wellness in Administrative and Project Management positions. She is currently a Volunteer Board Member of the Halifax Community Health Board. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing & Management from Mount Saint Vincent University. Alexandra is an avid reader who enjoys drawing and writing stories of her own.

Alexandra uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: atheroux@ions.ca | 902-223-7691
Email Alexandra

 

Lydia Phillip - Communications Manager

Lydia has been purposeful about building her communications career around the community sector where she believes storytelling, advocacy, and education meets social impact. Having the majority of her experience in For-Impact organizations, Lydia is passionate about the sector as a catalyst to create social, environmental, and economic change while also empowering historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. Long story short, Lydia is intentional about being in spaces where her work will “Do Good!”

Lydia holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours from Mount Allison University, is a published writer and researcher, and is currently serving on the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Maritime Board and the Zatzman Sportsplex Board. Lydia has been invited to conferences to present on her brand research, communications practices, and leadership. She has been recognized nationally for her social advocacy, anti-racism initiatives, and work towards gender equality! Fun fact: Lydia is also a private pilot and senior flight instructor, mentoring and teaching youth how to fly gliders through the Air Cadet Flying program as a reserve member of the Canadian Armed Forces!

Lydia balances her work with finding new adventures, hitting the slopes on her snowboard or the lakes with her paddleboard, or relaxing with a good read.

Lydia uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: lphillip@ions.ca
Email Lydia

Karen Mutyabule - Research & Project Coordinator

A critical thinker who likes to troubleshoot, discover loopholes, and create solutions, Karen is excited to be a part of the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia as the Research and Project Coordinator! She completed her undergraduate degree in Commerce and Philosophy and went on to obtain a post-graduate certificate in Public Policy and Management.

Throughout her post-secondary education, Karen has won multiple ‘First Place’ awards from strategy case competitions for her ability to process data and information and problem solve. Karen is also a multi-award-winning public speaker recognized for her effective audience engagement strategies. This has led her to opportunities in workshop facilitation, business case presentation, and serving as a panelist and an Emcee.

Karen is also the Founder of Girl Chat, a platform for teenage girls to explore a variety of topics relevant to their lived experiences including intersectionality, feminism, identity, and belonging. She finds joy in advocating for systems change around gender equality. In her free time, Karen enjoys thought-provoking conversations, photography, painting, and travelling.

Karen uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: kmutyabule@ions.ca
Email Karen

Reg Manzer - Senior Research Analyst

Reg is a maritimer, a big thinker, and a believer in the power of community driven change. As a self-described extrovert, Reg has tailored his knowledge and experience towards critically analyzing information to creatively solve complex problems and effectively communicating these solutions. Currently the Senior Research Analyst for the CSCNS, Reg is actively engaged in understanding the conditions that create a strong For-Impact sector, to make it the first choice for top talent and future leaders.

Through his blend of education, volunteer work, and experience, he is committed to engaging communities and government to work collaboratively towards economic prosperity, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

Reg uses he/him pronouns.
CONTACT: rmanzer@ions.ca
Email Reg

Fahima Akhter - Social Media & Events Coordinator

As a digital marketing enthusiast, Fahima is excited to be a part of the team as the Social Media & Event Coordinator. Fahima is currently in her final semester of the Masters of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation program at Saint Mary’s University. Prior to this, she has completed her Bachelor's degree in Information Technology.

Fahima has previous experience working in the influencer marketing and consulting field, with which she aims to contribute her knowledge and skills during her time at CSCNS. Fahima loves to meet new people and learn about the different cultures as it allows her to broaden her lens and understanding of one another. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, and watching movies.

Fahima uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: fakhter@ions.ca
Email Fahima

 

 

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