Melanie Conn, MSW

Email: mconnsfu.ca

Melanie Conn is a long-time community activist who was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She earned her Masters Degree at the Columbia University School of Social Work in 1965.

Melanie has been working in community economic development (CED) since the early 70s in Vancouver, British Columbia. In her work with credit unions, co-operatives and women’s organizations, she developed an approach to CED that blends theoretical analysis with practical application.

Melanie’s CED work includes research, technical assistance, education and training. Now a Centre Associate, she was an instructor at the Centre for Sustainable Community Development from 1997-2007. Melanie was the first Director of SFU’s Certificate Program for CED Professionals which she designed in response to the need for non-credit professional development opportunities for people working in CED. The program has students from a wide range of workplaces, including government departments, CED and other non-profit organizations, First Nations, environmental groups and consultants.

Melanie is also a member of Devco, a co-operative of consultants. As a co-op developer and practitioner, she has provided technical and other development assistance for dozens of new co-operatives on governance; member and director training; business and financial planning; operations planning; policy development; and problem-solving. She also designs and delivers train-the-trainer programs and other curriculum related to co-operatives.

Melanie is the Co-Chair of GPI-P (Genuine Progress Index-Pacific) and a founding member and director of the Canadian Women’s CED Council.