Natalie Hopewell

Natalie Hopewell (she/her) is a queer cisgender woman of Jamaican and British descent, and a second generation Canadian who identifies as Black. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Victoria and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University (RRU), with a focus on social justice and change management. She sits on the RRU Diversity Action Group and has been a member of the RRU Pride committee.

Natalie lives and works in Victoria and is a 25+ year public servant with the B.C. Provincial Government [Gender equity & 2SLGBTQIA+ resources], where she belongs to the cross-government BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Groups. She is a life-long learner, is passionate about mentoring others, and gains joy from supporting and helping others thrive in work and life.

Prior to her mother’s passing in December 2023 following a 6-month battle with ovarian cancer, Natalie gained greater insight into some of the challenges faced by the elder population. Recognizing additional barriers endured by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Natalie joined the DSS Board of Directors where she can help to provide support, resources and systemic change to help our community age with dignity.