Deb McKay-Deacon (she/her)

Deb grew up all over the place (Kamloops, Invermere, Niagara Falls, Fort Langley), and has learned to love her recurring role as the “new kid.” Known for putting herself out there and wearing her heart on her sleeve, she's always ready to find new friends and adventures, building a sense of community and purpose wherever she goes.

When Deb moved to Victoria 15 years ago, she made best friends with the ocean. For 7 years, she spent her weekdays at the University of Victoria, completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History, and her weekends at the water, swimming, searching for sea glass, picking up garbage, and hiking coastal trails.

Her academic years instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of words, and the art of storytelling. After completing her degrees, she began a purpose-driven communications career supporting nonprofits, government, schools, universities, and artists to advance climate action, food security, Truth and Reconciliation, youth empowerment, gender equity and violence prevention, mental health, and 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy.

Outside of all of that, she spends her days petsitting, painting, and putting more bumper stickers on her car. And of course, you’ll continue to find her by (or in) the ocean.