Arlene has over 25 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, with over 15 years in an Executive Director role. Her experience as a volunteer in the sector began as a Girl Guide and has remained an important part of her life, she has volunteered for over 30 organizations and Boards at the national, provincial, and local level but being a Big Sister is the closest to her heart. Arlene brings a passion for community development to her role at the Community Sector Council. As a graduate of the Coady International Institutes’ and the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s, Women in Community Economic Development program, Arlene is proud to be working in an innovative and female-led sector. She believes collaboration is fundamental for social well-being and economic development in Nova Scotia and that women’s leadership can be the catalyst for collective success.
NICOLE CAMMAERT - Associate Director
After a decade plus working and volunteering in the community sector, Philip appreciates the passion and problem-solving skills of the people working in the sector.
In addition to his role with the CSCNS, Philip works as a Communications Officer with the St. Francis Xavier University Association of University Teachers and as an Administrative Clerk with Fisheries and Oceans. Philip currently serves as a director with the Antigonish Emergency Fuel Fund and is actively seeking new volunteer opportunities.
Adult Education principles underpin all of Philip's teaching & learning activities. He is a certified instructor with the Association of Workplace Educators in Nova Scotia, and also holds a Masters degree in English with a Specialization in Teaching English as a Foreign Language/Second Language from The University of Birmingham (UK).
Philip enjoys the outdoors and spends as much time as he can playing with his kids: Theo, Jonesy, and Thomas.
Having recently achieved a Bachelor of Arts and Community Studies from Cape Breton University, Brandi feels strongly about putting her education into practice in her home province. She is passionate about engaging youth across the province and fostering mentorship between generations in the workforce.
Brandi has worked as a Camp Leader for Trenton Recreational Day Camp and as an Educational Assistant at CCRSB. She volunteers with the New Glasgow branch of the Glass Slipper Organization, which she started with her sisters, to help students in financial need find their dream prom dress.
Brandi’s personal motto is “It costs $0.00 to be a decent person, be kind to everyone, you never know what kind of inner battles they are fighting.”
ANNE FOWNES - Regional Convenor - South Shore
Having worked in the Non-Profit sector for over 25 years, Anne believes strongly in making a meaningful contribution to her community. She is passionate about promoting diversity & social inclusion, preserving the natural environment, and helping animals in need.
Anne has worked at the Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency as an Economic Development Officer, and at the Lunenburg Queens Volunteer Partnership as a Volunteer Coordinator. She currently volunteers with the South Shore Multicultural Association in Lunenburg Queens. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Dalhousie and a Master's Degree in Nationalism & Ethnicity from The London School of Economics.
Anne is an avid reader who enjoys kayaking, biking, swimming, golf, and acrylic pour painting.
Anne uses she/her pronouns.
CONTACT: afownes@csc-ns.ca
These regional convenors play a vital role in giving a collective voice to the sector and enhancing the Community Sector Council’s capacity to address labour force and human resource issues across the province.