Amanda Shatzko
Director and Vice-Chair, RDNO; Graduate Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant, University of British Columbia; President, AS Consulting and Art
OC Program of Study: Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2004-2005
Born and raised in the Okanagan, Amanda is an artist, politician, athlete and social scientist working at the intersection of creativity and leadership. She is a current two-term elected official, serving as the director of BX SilverStar and vice-chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan. Active in her community, Amanda is president of Impact Toolbox, trustee for the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District, vice-chair of the BC Alliance for Arts and Culture, and senator for the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Previously she served as trustee for the Okanagan Regional Library, president of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, vice-president of the United Nations Association in Canada Vancouver Branch, and director for the Municipal Finance Authority. Amanda is also a Vital Voices, FCM Municipalities for Climate Innovation, Banff Forum and Royal Society of Arts fellow. She received the BC Lieutenant Governor Award and Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal and has been named one of Canada's Top 100 most powerful women (Women’s Executive Network), BC's Change Maker & Woman of the Year (BC Business), BC's Top 40 Under 40 (Business in Vancouver) and Multicultural Community Champion.
Highest level of education
Doctor of Philosophy (in progress)
Describe your career experience and history
Working at the intersection of creativity and leadership, my PhD research focuses on Canadian politicians and the role of creativity in decision-making to address wicked policy problems and impact social change. Prior to studying politics, I worked notably as an artist and athlete for media and events, creating artistic projects and presentations in over 30 countries. From the 2010 Winter Olympics to 25-story-tall billboards in Times Square, NYC. An advocate for more women to have a seat at the decision-making table, I serve on the board of directors of the BC Alliance for Arts and Culture, United Nations Association in Canada Vancouver Branch, BC Municipal Finance Authority, Okanagan Regional Library, and am a fellow for Vital Voices, who supports outstanding women leaders making and influencing policy across the globe. I am a current two-term elected official, serving as the director of BX SilverStar and vice-chair of the RDNO.
Describe your volunteerism and/or impact in your community
President of Impact Toolbox, vice-chair of BC Alliance for Arts & Culture, Past vice president and advisor for United Nations Association in Canada, UBCO Senator, past president of Arts Council of the North Okanagan: awarded Volunteer Spirit Award by COF.
Achievement, honours or special recognitions you’ve received
BC Lieutenant Governor Award, Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal, named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women (WXN), BC's Change Maker & Woman of the Year (BC Business), BC's Top 40 Under 40 (BiV), Multicultural Community Champion.
Describe your personal achievements (family life, pastimes, etc.)
Lived and worked in over 30 countries. Enjoy hiking trails and attending artistic events.
Arts University Studies
What does it mean to study Arts? It means to study the world – to understand critical issues facing the world yesterday and today: the environment, politics, race, class, poverty, gender and inequality. The world is your classroom, and what you learn matters. To study Arts is to think and feel, to know and change, to understand and take action.
OC Alumni Association
The Okanagan College Alumni Association (OCAA) is a non-profit organization that celebrates alumni by creating connections and opportunities. Founded in 1988, the OCAA aims to connect alumni with each other and with the College, while supporting the College's mission statement of transforming lives and communities.