At Dan’s Legacy, our team is the heart of everything we do. Every day, our dedicated staff work tirelessly to support at-risk youth, helping them build brighter futures through our life-skills programs, food security initiatives, and mental health services. Behind the scenes, each team member brings unique experiences, skills, and passion to their role—making our impact even greater.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new Staff Spotlight series! Through these features, you’ll get a closer look at the incredible individuals whose dedication and hard work define who we are as an organization. From their motivations and daily contributions to the moments that inspire them most, the Q&A will showcase the people behind Dan’s Legacy and the meaningful work they do.
What’s your role at Dan’s Legacy, and what does a typical day look like for you?
As the Training Coordinator at Dan’s Legacy, my primary focus is developing training manuals for our three life-skills programs. To ensure these manuals accurately reflect the work being done, I’ve spent time immersed in each program, gaining firsthand experience with their daily operations. Now, most of my days are dedicated to writing, refining best practices, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). I also work closely with each program’s team leads, brainstorming and fine-tuning ideas to create resources that strengthen our impact.
What inspired you to join Dan’s Legacy?
With over a decade in community development, I’ve been passionate about many aspects of the work, but food security has always stood out to me. I was drawn to Dan’s Legacy because of its incredible food recovery initiatives, which not only address food waste but also empower vulnerable youth. The organization’s impact in both areas deeply resonated with me, making it a perfect fit.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my work is helping to build and strengthen community. As an immigrant-settler, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this place has given me, and I believe the best way to show my gratitude is by caring for the people who call it home.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
In line with my passion for food security, I aspire to one day sustain myself entirely on home-grown (or foraged) vegetables and wild game. To work toward that goal, I’ve recently taken up hunting and fishing. Prior to this, I attended a farming program and worked on a farm for a year. Breaking away from grocery store reliance in an urban setting isn’t easy, but every journey starts somewhere—and this is mine.
What’s your go-to snack during a busy day?
A simple yet satisfying mix of smoky sausages (or any deli meat), cheese, and crackers.
What’s a memorable moment you’ve had while working here?
It’s not a single moment, but what stands out most is the incredible support from my colleagues. I’m deeply grateful to be heard and trusted by my superiors and to have the backing of my peers, who have generously shared their time and insights to help develop these manuals. The work this organization does is truly amazing, but what makes it even more special is the feeling that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
What are you most excited about in your work this year?
This year, I’m most excited about the unexpected evolution of my work. What started as a simple 10- to 15-page training manual has grown into a comprehensive operations manual. As I document processes and systems, I can see how this will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our life-skills programs—and beyond. When I was hired, I thought my role would be small, but now I’m hopeful about the lasting impact these manuals will have.
If you could describe Dan’s Legacy in one word, what would it be?
Empowering.