INNOVATION WORKS STAFF
Caleigh Atkinson, Communications & Marketing Assistant
Caleigh is a marketing professional who specializes in social media. She has a passion for bringing her creativity to life through marketing and graphic design. Caleigh’s main focus is social media marketing for Innovation Works but also helps with Pillar’s communications. She aims to amplify all of Pillar’s efforts within the community through her graphics and innovative marketing strategies. She hopes to garner more interest from the London community to become Pillar members. In her spare time, you can find Caleigh binge-watching reality tv with her Golden Retriever, Sadie!
Maria Luisa Contursi, Currently VP, Network and Engagement at Pillar Nonprofit Network. Maria Luisa also provides support for the core team at Innovation Works.
Maria Luisa has over twenty five years experience working in the non profit sector, in various settings with a primary interest in stakeholder engagement, storytelling for impact and cross-sectoral collaboration. Co-founder and former Program Director of mindyourmind, an award winning internationally renowned youth mental health program. She is also interested in artistic exchange, cultivating the connection between the arts, community health and the belief that the creative arts can generate a sense of belonging, inclusion and community wellness.
Roman Mechkov, Innovation Works Coordinator
I am a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a double degree in accounting and political science. I also hold a post-degree diploma in not-for-profit management from Western Continuing Studies and am excited to utilize all of my skills to help Pillar Nonprofit Network and Innovation Works! Beyond academics, I love to play tennis however that has been somewhat difficult as of late given the pandemic. In my spare time I like to watch a lot of movies, I love film, and fun fact, build LEGO sets or any 3D models. Building these sets and models are extremely rewarding once the entire construction is complete but can be a massive time sink if I’m not paying attention. My greatest aspiration is rather straightforward: I simply want to help as many people as I can throughout my career. It isn’t exactly one specific great aspiration but rather I aspire to be the best person I can be and to help those who need it most.
Dan Scheid, Innovation Works Building Manager
Dan Scheid attained his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Western Ontario. He has worked in a variety of roles including assistant editor for an international municipal magazine, different positions within local governments, and most recently as a property manager for various commercial establishments. With a strong passion for fostering continuous community engagement and a focus on creating relationships through positive communication, he is excited to start his new role as the Building Manager, to continue to promote constructive tenant relationships while ensuring Innovation Works operates efficiently and effectively allowing tenants and Pillar staff to focus on their best work and serving the community. In his free time, Dan enjoys playing golf and soccer in the summer and basketball in the winter, walking/hiking new trails, and spending time with family and friends as much as possible.
WELCOME DESK VOLUNTEERS
Nohe Tekle Resom (he/him)
Nohe is currently a volunteer at Innovation Works and found out about the volunteer position through the pillar nonprofit network website. Nohe is a London born resident who is passionate about giving back to his community which is what led him to Innovation Works. Outside of volunteering at Innovation Work, Nohe is currently a Western University student who is pursing his Bachelor of Engineering Science degree.
Linda De Bruyn
Linda loves working with people and helping them in the best way possible. Linda prides herself on her fun and outgoing personality.
Maureen Waller
Mark Dickey (he/him)
Mark grew up in Guelph before moving London to do grade 7 to 13. Since then, Mark has been juggling between pursuing his passion for making music, and cooking. Feel free to share your favourite your current ear-worm tune or a recipe you’re loving with Mark.
Camila Ariza
Actress, Cultural Manager, and Mom. Passionate about theater and freedom, she studied acting at the Centro de Investigación Cinematográfica de Argentina, improvisation, and clowning at Universidad del Bosque in Colombia. She is currently an international Event Planning student at Fanshawe College and a volunteer at Innovation Works. Eight years ago, she co-founded Colectivo Play, a cultural enterprise in Colombia that connects people with their social-emotional skills through play and theatre. They create cultural experiences, workshops and shows. As an actress and director, she has participated in international festivals and won awards and grants for her theatrical work with a gender focus. Her main tool is comedy. Her best clown teacher is her 5-year-old daughter. Camila loves to travel, share knowledge, laugh loud, love and transform.
Innovation Works is a backbone initiative of Pillar Nonprofit Network and is governed by Pillar’s trailblazing Board of Directors.