For over 30 years Dawn has been a member at Nicholas Co-op in Toronto. “I’m so grateful to have had access to secure and affordable housing while dealing with the demands of raising a family and working in the arts sector.” She’s attended numerous education events in order to deepen her understanding of co-operatives. As the co-op’s GLOBE community champion, she received a Kathleen Blinkhorn Award for Volunteerism.

Dawn was honoured to be elected to the CHFT board in 2017, and as president for two and a half years. Ontario federation meetings, several CHF Canada AGMs and the CHF Canada Visioning Summit in 2018 inspired her to seek out ways to lend her voice to the ongoing fight for secure, affordable housing.

Dawn is a passionate advocate for co-operatives. “Affordable housing is a huge community and political issue. I have seen the movement in Canada mature in such an impressive way, and I am always deeply inspired by the energy and commitment of those involved. As a board member, I have learned the value of calm, thoughtful leadership, the importance of listening to diverse viewpoints, and the value in thinking outside the box. These are qualities I try to bring to the CHF Canada Board.”

An actor by profession, Dawn has been involved actively in the governance of her professional association. She served for nine years as a national councillor of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and he received the Larry McCance Award for outstanding contribution to the association and its members. Of her work an ESL instructor for newcomers, Dawn says, “This has been a rich and rewarding experience, and has given me an insight into settlement issues and the value of secure housing and a stable, caring community.”