About Leanne

Leanne Sawatzky is Director of SFU Renewable Cities, a special initiative of Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue. With 20 years of experience advancing sustainable, livable and climate-resilient communities, she leads by building partnerships and taking a systems approach.  

She leads the team in working with diverse groups to address complex urban challenges such as climate, housing and transportation. Leanne uses dialogue and applied research to convene governments, industry and community organizations, helping them understand how issues are connected and develop practical tools and guidance for implementation. 

Leanne’s background is in conflict-sensitive community development. She holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation and a BSc in Global Resource Systems. Before joining the Centre for Dialogue, she led international programs for a non-profit organization, working with community partners in more than 20 countries on initiatives related to clean water and sanitation, microfinance, health, and agriculture.