A smiling blonde woman in a black pinstripe blazer and white top standing on a city street with sunlight.

I’m a community leader with nearly two decades of experience in business development, nonprofit leadership, and strategic planning.

My work is grounded in an academic background in psychology and mental health, with a focus on how policy, housing, and social systems shape people’s lives across the lifespan.

I will hold a Master of Public Policy (MPP) as of April 2026, specializing in housing policy, further strengthening my work at the intersection of community, governance, and social infrastructure.

Hi, I’m Olivia Duke.

How I Got Here

My path into community and public work has been shaped by hands-on experience. Over the years, I’ve worked alongside volunteer-led organizations, nonprofits, and community partners on issues ranging from food security and aging in place to governance, fundraising, and organizational sustainability.

These experiences have given me a practical understanding of how community-based organizations operate, the constraints they face, and the role collaboration plays in delivering meaningful, lasting impact.

Group of six women at a WACC organized event, holding signs about mentorship, #WACC2025, and love for HIEC. Background decorated with purple, white, and silver balloons, and a banner with the WACC and HIEC logos.

Staying Engaged Locally

In 2022, I ran for Burlington City Council because I believed our community needed stronger collaboration, clearer communication, and more transparent decision-making. While I was not elected, the experience reinforced the importance of staying engaged beyond election cycles and continuing to contribute in meaningful ways.

Since then, I’ve remained actively involved in community organizations and civic spaces, working alongside residents and local leaders to support initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing. This ongoing involvement has deepened my understanding of how local systems function and where they fall short, particularly for people navigating housing, caregiving, and access to supports as communities grow and change.

A woman with long blonde hair speaking into a microphone at a panel or meeting table. There are water bottles, a paper cup with a straw, and nameplates with "Olivia Duke" and "Shawnna Stoute" on the table.

Areas I Care About

I’m particularly interested in:

  • Housing and neighbourhood stability, including how communities grow while remaining inclusive and livable

  • Aging well and staying connected to community, with a focus on dignity, care, and social connection across the lifespan

  • Food security and social infrastructure, and the local systems that support wellbeing and resilience

  • Good governance, including transparency, collaboration, and respectful civic dialogue

I’m also attentive to how equity, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and accessibility are reflected in local decision-making and community processes. Rather than fixed positions, I approach these areas as evolving challenges that benefit from listening, evidence, and collaboration across sectors.

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How I Approach Community Work

I’m guided by listening first, thinking systemically, and working collaboratively. I value clarity, care, and accountability, and I believe trust is built through consistency and follow-through.

This approach reflects how I work alongside others in community spaces and how I engage with the issues that matter locally.

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