As the Lead for Systems Learning, Ashley oversees two dynamic and impactful programs aimed at fostering systems thinking and problem-solving across Canada and beyond. Her role involves leading the national Map the System Canada competition, where post-secondary students showcase their research and systems-mapping skills, and organizing the Banff Systems Summit, a global event that brings together systems thinkers and practitioners.
Ashley is a BBA graduate of MRU with a Concentration in Social Innovation, and a Cree Métis woman who uses she/her pronouns. Ashley is a Map the System alumni and created a subsequent film project looking into the weird underbelly of charities and how and why the system surrounding charity in Canada exists in the way it does. The documentary entitled “Liminal: is charity designed to fail?” was produced through the Apprenticing with a Problem program. When Ashley is not working or creating video projects, she enjoys reading, travelling, and volunteering with Girl Guides of Canada.
In my role with the Institute for Community Prosperity at MRU, I am the program lead for Catamount, a fellowship program for senior level students that fosters students to begin developing a changemakers mindset and systems-leadership capabilities to develop the skills and tools needed to understand and navigate complex 21st-century challenges. I am also cross-appointed with Trico Changemakers Studio, where I support the Studio’s changemaking initiatives from a developmental evaluation approach to understand the impact of the Studio’s work on the MRU campus and broader changemaking community. I have a particular interest in exploring how economic tools can be used to bring about a more equitable and sustainable future for all. In addition to my roles at MRU, I am one of the founding members and board chair of Local Investing YYC, an impact investment cooperative that mobilizes community wealth to invest in locally owned businesses making a difference for people and the planet. I also serve on the board of CCEDNet, the Canadian community-economic development network.
Brit Nickerson (she/they) is the Institute's Communications and Engagement Specalist. In her role, she leads the Institute's communications and works with Mount Royal's University's Change Team to foster changemaking activities across campus. She holds a Bachelor of Design from the Alberta Unversity for the Arts and Masters of Fine Art from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Since 2017, she has held various positions at non-profit event and arts organnizations that focus on fostering political and social change. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, beach volleyball, and playing board games.
Since obtaining my degree in Art/History from the University of British Columbia, I have gravitated to admin roles within community focused, non-profit organizations. With the skills I’ve acquired from this background, I hope to keep the Studio running smoothly so that our team can focus on what they do best - helping amplify the work of the changemakers and facilitate meaningful change. I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic group of people and look forward to the exciting challenges and learning opportunities that lay ahead.
Her work at the Institute spans multiple projects including strategic program design and delivery, social marketing and public communications, support for changemaking-focused learning programs and applied community-partnered research projects. She is responsible for mentorship and supervision of student fellows to help support their development as changemakers, planning and advancing the Institute’s communication strategies, materials, and branding, and supporting in researching, and writing Institute publications.
In her various roles, Cordelia seeks to enact system-level structural change by examining how to make policies work more efficiently for the people they serve and advocating for improving the accessibility of resources, services, and spaces. Her background experience is a former Catamount Fellow (2019-2020 cohort), leading academic representation through the students' association, and her education is in Policy Studies and Social Work.
As a current student concentrating in social innovation at MRU, my particular passion lies in the emergent nature of change when working with community collaboration. I’m honoured to be working and learning in this space. I’m curious about integrating reciprocity and compassion in the systems in the interest of leaving a legacy of care for future generations. In the Studio, I will be assisting with the Artist as Changemaker project and the Art of Social Change Network: Calgary Hub.
I am a passionate, collaborative community development practitioner. My career in Calgary’s non-profit sector started 18 years ago as a frontline youth worker at Ghost River Rediscovery after graduating from University of Calgary’s Development Studies program. While my roles since then have varied widely, from program evaluation to capacity building to leadership, I always strive to approach my work thoughtfully, forever honing the skill of listening to those who are at the center of a system to inform change. For eight years, I volunteered at CommunityWise on the Board of Directors and HR committee in the midst of an anti-racist organizational change process, which was among the most transformative educations of my life. My work for the past four years has been in consulting focused on equitable organizational change and volunteer engagement.
Born in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) to Calabrese Italian immigrants, my roots ground my commitment to community. My true passion lies in connecting with people and I find joy in cooking for and hosting my community of friends and family.
I am an educator, process designer and facilitator with over 20 years experience working within academic institutions to build meaningful, impactful relationships with community and design collaborative programs to address complex social and environmental challenges. As Executive Director of the Institute, my work focuses on social innovation and systems change with an emphasis on designing processes and programs that foster deep collaboration, transformative learning and that build the capacity of changemakers. I came to Moh’kinsstis 8 years ago from the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples where I was on the founding leadership team at CityStudio Vancouver, a Faculty member with the Centre for Sustainable Community Development and the Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University, and a member of the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Steering Committee.
As a StartWork Coordinator, Michelle has diverse experiences in social enterprise and innovation. She is a dedicated Social Service Practitioner with over 10 years of experience supporting diverse populations facing barriers to employment, including those with disabilities and newcomers. She has worked in both non-profit organizations and social enterprises across Hong Kong and Canada, specializing in employment development, case management, building strong partnerships with communities and employers, and managing various social enterprises and social innovation projects.
Michelle is skilled in cross-cultural communication and applies trauma-informed practices to create inclusive, sustainable employment pathways. With a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, she is committed to promoting wellbeing and reducing barriers to both employment and mental health services. Michelle holds a Master’s in Social Work from Hong Kong and a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Intervention from Toronto. She is a registered social worker in Hong Kong and is passionate about nurturing social enterprise and innovation projects in Canada, particularly in Calgary, to address social challenges.
Tracy has dedicated over 21 years to Mount Royal University. She provides critical support to both the Institute for Community Prosperity and the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Tracy plays a critical role of being the interface between the Institute's team(s) and the university's many policies and procedures. She is our office administration specialist.
When we work to truly connect with and understand one another’s stories, we can better facilitate change! My time as a psychology student, as well as my experiences over the last three years working in libraries, have taught me that. I believe one of the most important qualities one can have is harbouring a love of learning, whether you are five or fifty. Working in the literacy lab as a student lab assistant has expanded my views on this, and in my position I hope to play even just a small part in making learning more accessible for everyone
As a passionate member, Linh Bui is working to develop and streamline marketing and public communication strategies aligned with the Institute’s values. Her work also lies in identifying key metrics to monitor and measure communication effectiveness. Through engaging program leads and coordinators, Linh fosters collaborative planning, gathering valuable insights on audience connections and communication goals. Ultimately, Linh aims to help them understand the big picture of the Institute’s operations and communication methods and opportunities for enhanced communication.
Currently pursuing a BBA in Marketing, Linh is driven by a passion for social innovation and systems thinking, seeking to apply systems thinking to break down the silos of the status quo and encourage systemic change, recognizing marketing’s roles in the system as a human-centric facilitator and a powerful force for good. Linh's participation in Map the System 2024 fuels her desire to continue exploring and learning about social innovation.
Mizuki's role as Map the System Canada Admin Assistant is from her love and passion for the competition coming from her own experience participating in Map the System twice while studying Social Work as an international student. Her team's submission on Indigenous Children in Canadian Child Welfare was chosen among the top 8 in Canada. The exposure to Systems-Thinking widened Mizuki's perspectives in just about every aspect of her life. Mizuki strongly hopes to reach out to as many MRU students as possible to bring the benefits of Map the System experience for their educational journey. Mizuki recently started her new pursuit as in Computer Information Systems after having worked in homelessness and addictions, for a few years. In addition to that, she is also an avid ballroom dancer, searching for the betterment of body movement.
Nicole is the primary coordinator for MRU’s participation in this innovative challenge focused on systems thinking - MRU Map the System. Nicole will facilitate a vibrant campus environment that encourages students from diverse disciplines to engage with complex societal issues through systems thinking. Through this role, she aims to cultivate a community of system thinkers and problem-solvers who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing our world today.
As a previous participant who loved the opportunity that Map the System has provided her, she hopes to spark the same passion in other students. Along with her group, Nicole honed a top 5 spot for the campus final where her group discussed Mental Health Perceptions in Southeast Asia. As a psychology student, Nicole has really appreciated systems thinking as it provides her with a new perspective both in her studies, and in her everyday life.
As a mature psychology student at MRU, I’m passionate about facilitating human connection, and reducing barriers to help all people thrive. I hope to one day start a decolonized psychology practice where I can help people, particularly underserved populations to flourish from a lens of positionality, embodiment, and reciprocity. Currently I run a regional United Church Young Adult community, and I’m a research intern at the Calgary Family Therapy Center, helping them to explore ways to engage in reconciliation. In addition, I’m a research assistant for Dr. Inés Sametband, am a student member of the MRU Psychology Department’s EDI Committee, and a co-facilitator for KAIROS Blanket Exercises. I had the privilege of participating in the Trico Changemaker Studio’s Anitopisi Indigenous Leadership Program in 2022 and fell in love with the work that happens here. I am honoured to be able to now work here as the Anitopisi student intern, carrying forward what I learned and helping others to engage in the profound processes of reconciliation.