Corporate Volunteer Engagement: Part Two: The Donor/Partner Perspective

Erin McLean, CVA holds a Master's degree in Political Science with a focus in Conflict Resolution, from the University of Waterloo, as well as a certificate in Fundraising and Volunteer Management from George Brown College. Earlier this year Erin earned her CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) designation from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration, joining 1,100 peers worldwide. 

Since starting her career as a volunteer engagement professional, she has experience in both provincial and national organizations, with a successful track record in targeted community recruitment, inter-organizational collaboration, resource development and program implementation. Located in Ontario, Canada, Erin’s current role is as Director of Alumni and Volunteer Engagement at Trails Youth Initiatives. 

McLean is the recipient of the 2016 PAVRO (Professional Association of Volunteer Leaders - Ontario) Young Leader Award, and the inaugural winner of the 2020 DRAVA Leader of Volunteers Award, as well as first place honours as 2020’s Emerging Leader Award Recipient from VMPC (Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada). Most recently, Erin was awarded the 2024 Linda Buchanan Award for outstanding contribution to the field of Volunteer Engagement, presented by PAVRO.  Driven by the potential of volunteer impact, McLean is passionate about influencing that potential in her work and as an active member of the volunteer engagement community. Eager to connect and collaborate with peers, Erin currently volunteers as the Chair of Regional Engagement for VMPC, and also sits on the Engage Editorial team as Co-Editor of the Ethics section. In 2022, Erin also spent time with Conestoga College as an Instructor for the Volunteer Management Certificate Program and has been published in Engage (formerly e-Volunteerism). Erin is also an experienced workshop presenter and conference panellist. 

When not working or volunteering, Erin loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and puppy! She enjoys cooking, and travel and is a huge Toronto Maple Leafs fan!