Executive Director

Rowan (she/her) is an experienced convenor, educator, and engagement practitioner, and has a deep passion for democracy in action. As a settler who has spent her life on Coast Salish lands, Rowan strives to bring a critical lens to the roles of power, privilege and place in shaping our communities.

Transitioning into the Executive Director role in 2023, Rowan built upon her prior experience at CityHive, where she spearheaded various youth-centered initiatives across Metro Vancouver. Her leadership has been instrumental in projects intersecting civic engagement and climate advocacy, such as Transport2050, BC Hydro’s Clean Power 2040, and CleanBC. Rowan has also designed and delivered many youth programs including City Shapers, the North Shore Young Civic Forum, and the Elections Ambassadors. Recently, she co-chaired IAP2 Canada’s Young Professionals’ Community of Practice.

With a profound interest in experiential education, civic engagement, and place-based climate action, Rowan has extensively researched the involvement of youth (ages 13-30) in democratic processes, exploring the balance between activism and voter turnout. She finds inspiration in witnessing the innovative ways young people contribute to their communities and tackle complex challenges head-on. When she’s not working you can find Rowan enjoying delicious local foods, combing thorugh thrift stores, or hiking with her dog Bella on the North Shore trails near her home.