Board of Directors

Setting the course
with vision and integrity

At New Dawn, the Board of Directors serves as both compass and caretaker — guiding the organization with vision, integrity, and deep connection to the community it serves.

These volunteer leaders do not manage day-to-day operations; instead, they set the course, hire and support the CEO, and ensure New Dawn’s work remains rooted in purpose, possibility, and sustainability.

Drawn from across the community, the Directors bring diverse perspectives and deep local knowledge to the table, helping New Dawn stay grounded in local realities while reaching toward a more just and self-reliant future for Cape Breton.

Kalie (Yujin) Wang
Chair Owner, Urban Grow Farms/ Faculty, NSCC
Erika Shea
President CEO, New Dawn Enterprises
Dr. Terry Gibbs
Political Science Professor, Cape Breton University
Liam O’Rourke
Social Entrepreneur
Stan Johnson
Coordinator, Bras D’Or CEPI
Ankit Wadhwa
Technical Lead, Cape Breton Island Tourism Training Network
Emily (Percy) Percival-Paterson
Farmer, Self-Employed
Dr. Carolina Bergonzoni
Education Professor, Cape Breton University
Brady Doucette
Student/Teacher, Cape Breton University
Alison Aho
Lawyer, NS Legal Aid
Dr. Rejoice Shumba
Social Impact Consultant & Researcher
Jill McPherson
Owner/Operator, Island Folk Cider House

Year in Review

Message from the President

As we bid the year adieu, we do so knowing that thirty-five of our neighbours, friends, and family now have – in The Village at Pine Tree Park – a warm, safe, dependable, and loving place to lay their… read more

Message from the Chair

It is with great pride and gratitude that I share New Dawn’s progress over the past year. This has been a time of growth and meaningful change, as we strengthened programs and services to better serve… read more

Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki

Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki, newte’jk l’uiknek te’sikl Mi’kmawe’l maqamikall mna’q iknmuetumittl. Ula maqamikew wiaqi-wikasik Wantaqo’tie’l aqq I’lamatultimkewe’l Ankukamkewe’l Mi’kmaq aqq Eleke’wuti kisa’matultisnik 1726ek.

We are in Unama’ki, one of the seven traditional and unceded ancestral territories of the people of Mi’kma’ki. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which the Mi’kmaq first signed with the British Crown in 1726.

Ketu’-keknuite’tmek aqq kepmite’tmek ula tela’matultimkip wjit maqamikew ta’n etekl mtmo’taqne’l. Ula tett, ula maqamikek, etl-lukutiek l’tunen aqq apoqntmnen apoqnmasimk aqq weliknamk Unama’ki.

We wish to recognize and honour this understanding of the lands on which we reside. It is from here, on these lands, that we work to create and support a culture of self-reliance and vibrancy.

Your Gift Will Be Matched Until December 31st

AuCoin Renovations is matching all donations to the New Dawn Youth and Family Centre up to $10,000.

Glace Bay’s young people deserve a safe, welcoming place to learn, grow, and belong. The new Youth & Family Centre is being built for them, and your gift can help open its doors.

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