Annika Voltan
Executive Director, Inspiring Communities
In 2014 I was looking for a change. I had moved back home to Halifax in 2011 after spending almost a decade working in public policy. As I looked for work it became clear that in order to achieve my goal of moving into the field of social innovation outside of government I needed to work on my own credentials. I started a PhD program at St. Mary’s University and focused my research on social innovation, networks and social entrepreneurship. I thought I was on a path to becoming a professor, but the opportunity to develop Inspiring Communities presented itself in late 2016. The entrepreneur in me saw it as a way to blend and apply my experiences in government, academia and business to the social sector. The challenge at hand was to bring groups together in several communities across Nova Scotia to find new ways to tackle long standing issues – with those most affected at the table. Fast forward to 2020 and we are now a standalone non-for-profit organization with a team of about 18 staff involved in multiple projects across the Atlantic region that aim to increase collaboration, challenge existing power structures, and find solutions to problems that work for all. We are creating a space to support and nurture those who are trying to create positive social impact in our communities. My research along the way helped me to think about the power of networks and scrappiness in social change efforts, and in January 2020 I successfully completed my PhD.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
My vision for Atlantic Canada in 2030 is that it is recognized for the wealth it possesses in social capital – and that systemic changes have been made to overcome racism and inequities to narrow the divides that are standing in the way of a thriving future for all. As changes happen across the globe and we adapt to a post-COVID future, I believe this region will be seen as increasingly attractive for many. We need to come together to protect the value of community and avoid repeating our past mistakes of gentrification, while being welcoming to others. We have an opportunity to be a world leader in developing resilient communities that support local economies and prioritize well-being over profits.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
I’ve always been attracted to change and drawn energy from it. But the 5 years between 2014 and 2019 were my most intense period of growth so far. I had 2 of my 3 children, built a house and renovated another, did a PhD and started an organization. As I was navigating being a new parent, a student, and finding my leadership style, I changed profoundly. I used to think I had a clear idea of my path forward, and now I am very comfortable in uncertainty and unlearning.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
My deepest learning this past year is about the power of relationships. I’d heard the cliché of “go slow to go fast” but I’m now really appreciating how true that is. Relationships are hard. I’m building a thicker skin for tough conversations but I still feel my own defensiveness and shame creep in on a regular basis. Every day I need to work on my own humility and vulnerability, and challenge my worldview and assumptions. Sometimes it can be exhausting and feel like we’re not getting anywhere. And then I see glimpses of what can happen when people start to trust each other and take a step forward together. It’s pretty awesome.
What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve taken risks throughout my career. I follow my gut and when I feel like something isn’t a fit I move on. I’ve run my own painting franchise, worked in construction, sold photocopiers, worked in multiple levels of government and on a variety of policy files. For a long time I felt like I hadn’t quite found the fit between my strengths, my values and my work. By continuing to challenge myself to change directions I think I’m almost there - and my diversity of experience helps me when I need to problem solve.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
So many people - especially the strong women in my life. My mom, for one - she was the first in her family to get a PhD and has been recognized as a leader in her field of nursing. I’ve had many teachers who believe in me and encourage me to push my limits. More recently I feel inspired by so many women who are taking a stand for what they believe in and are challenging deep rooted systems - whether they be leaders within the bureaucracy, politicians, running organizations, or fighting for social justice. They are putting their voice out there despite the inevitable criticism and pushback they face.
What would you have done differently?
I’ve recently reflected on the fact that after high school I was in a hurry to start climbing the career ladder. Rather than critically thinking about my interests and taking time to experience life through travel and informal education I chose a path that I felt would lead to a lucrative career. I went to business school and got involved in sales - the experiences taught me a lot but I would have benefited from challenging my assumptions about what a work life “should be” earlier on.
What motivated you to make the choices you’ve made? What are the principles you live by?
I’ve asked myself this question before and I struggle to answer it concretely. I have lived a very privileged life, but many in my extended family have not been so lucky. In some ways I think their experiences are part of me and that’s a subconscious motivator. I also had professors in my MBA program that helped me to recognize early on that our current consumption habits are unsustainable. I became interested in how capitalism has permeated so much of how we think and live. I’ve since worked on climate change, studied food systems, and helped communities come together to address priority issues and inequities. I believe that we need to shift our values away from thinking about our individual selves and more toward the collective. As COVID-19 has exposed, we’re all in this together and we need to stop prioritizing the wealth of a few to the detriment of our most vulnerable and our environment.
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mom, changemaker, systems thinker, DIYer, craft beer lover