Meet the SFU Public Square Team: Sherry Stevenson

Meet Sherry Stevenson – the Project Director, National Dialogue on Canada’s Futures! Sherry is an experienced adult educator and community development professional with a background in international development and program management. She has a passion for social and environmental justice and is inspired by community-based initiatives for social impact. She is drawn to collaborative work seeking innovative solutions to society’s most complex challenges. Community is at the heart of Sherry’s approach – where she loves to engage with folks of diverse backgrounds, skills, and ways of knowing – to create, collaborate, and learn together. She holds an M.A. in Adult Education with a specialization in Community Development from Saint Francis Xavier University and an Honours B.A. in Human Rights & Psychology from Carleton University.

Gabrielle: Could you tell us a bit more about the National Dialogue on Canda’s Futures and your role within this project?

Sherry: The National Dialogue on Canada’s Futures is a collaboration between SFU Public Square and the Cascade Institute of Royal Roads University. The Dialogue aims to engage diverse people from coast to coast to coast in imagining positive futures for our country and finding pathways we can follow to make those futures real. In the midst of turbulent times – climate crisis, growing polarization, and systemic inequities and racism – we need to connect, activate hope, and drive action forward together. 

Through online engagement, community conversations, research, and arts-based activities, the goal of the project is to identify our shared hopes and concerns to help propel radical shifts related to reconciliation, energy transitions, climate adaptation, and more. The project is ambitious, seeking inspiration to think boldly about our futures. My role, as Project Director, is to work with the Steering Committee and community partners to lead the project, ensuring all aspects are meaningful, inclusive, and respectful of the diverse communities across the country, in meeting its goals.

When deciding to pursue a career, what led you to community development and engagement? What do you like most about this field?

I am particularly drawn to building community and creating spaces for learning and collaboration on challenging subjects. It is important for me to engage in meaningful and inclusive dialogue. I bring my skills in program management, community-based leadership, and activism to keep us on track in managing the many different relationships and aspects of the project. Every day is different and I am always learning.

What dimension of the National Dialogue project most excites you? What is something that you are looking forward to working on or learning while engaging with this project?

I’m particularly looking forward to the contributions of artists and visionaries from communities across the country. Artists are often at the forefront of social change and inspire the rest of us to be creative in learning, understanding different perspectives, and collaborating on solutions. Let’s see how the arts can help us be innovative in finding pathways towards a prosperous future for all!

You have an office here at 312 Main and SFU Public Square! What are your thoughts so far about working within this space?

It’s great to get to know the SFU Public Square team (and even meet in person!). I also appreciate the programs the team is leading in engaging students and the wider community on important global issues.

What is a book that you have recently read and would reccomend?

I just finished reading Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey, founder of the Nap Ministry. It is an honest reflection and disruption on the unrealistic, damaging, and machine-level pace of work that we often subject our bodies and minds to. Centering Black liberation, womanism, and Afrofuturism, it’s a call to action for all those how are sleep deprived and seeking justice, to resist “grind culture” and rest.

Please join us in welcoming Sherry to the SFU Public Square team!