
Heather Dean
Filmmaker for Development and Social Change
As a child I would make silly films with my friends to the latest High School Musical song or funny skits we had written ourselves. We still do those things, but at some point I decided making films was something I enjoyed doing professionally, as well as for fun.
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I have a passion for telling stories and sharing lives, whether it is my own life through my video blogs, or the stories of others through my films. I believe everyone deserves to be able to tell their story the way they want, which is why I work very closely with my film participants to ensure their own story is being told, rather than one someone else has decided for them.
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Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information on what I do.
Notable Work
My Lanka (upcoming)
In this warm and personal documentary series, Heather embarks upon a journey to Sri Lanka to experience its rich history and traditions, tracing her family back several centuries and visiting key sites all in an effort to answer the question of whether embracing our heritage affects our cultural identity and sense of belonging. Produced by Cpics.
This feature film follows the journey of four young people as they uproot their lives and move from Dzaleka Refugee Camp to Canada for post-secondary education. As the film progresses, the students arrive in their new home as permanent residents of Canada, and start to face the realities that this opportunity brings.



An oral history project that tells the story of the Oakwood Vaughan neighbourhood of Toronto through the eyes and experiences of senior citizens who have lived there for years.
Produced by OVCO.
A short film and media project that tells the story of migration in the UK through the personal stories of three grandmothers.
Voted Best Student Film at the Women Over 50 Film Festival.
A short film that follows my mom, Sandra, on her journey back to her hometown of Preston as she rediscovers memories in a film that plays with time and space.
Education
Honours BA in International Development and African Studies
York University (2016)
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MA Media Practice for Development and Social Change
University of Sussex (2018)
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Certificate in Graphic Design
George Brown College (2020)
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Experience
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The Learning Enrichment Foundation - Digital Communications Manager (July 2021 - present)
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Responsible for the planning, leading, creation, dissemination, and analysis of engaging digital content across LEF's social platforms, website, and email.
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This role is required to:
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Develop and project manage the implementation of communications plans.
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Think creatively to find innovative ways to engage online audiences.
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Plan, generate, and publish high-quality, engaging content across all social media platforms.
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Oversee department team members, providing appropriate support, development opportunities, recognition, challenge, and motivation for team.
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Houselink - Marketing and Communications Coordinator for The Dream Team (October 2019 - July 2021)
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Duties included creating content, developing a marketing strategy, monitoring social media and expanding the reach of The Dream Team's presentations.
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Built the "HUTs Hub" as a tool for tenants and housing workers to learn about the risks of Housing Unit Takeovers and how to recover from them.
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Worked with a group of individuals with lived experience of supportive housing, leading team meetings and supporting each person with their presentations
Photos Unlimited - Photographer and Sales Associate (Feb 2017 - Aug 2017)
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I facilitated photoshoots for newborns, children, couples, families, and more. The job involved taking photographs, setting up poses, creatively using background and props, editing photos, and selling packages to customers.
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York University WUSC Local Committee - Chairperson (Feb 2013 - Jun 2016)
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I oversaw all events and projects of the York University Local Committee of World University Service of Canada. This included:
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chairing meetings
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leading training sessions for new and current members
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planning events on campus to raise awareness of refugee issues
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creating an annual budget for the sponsored students
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general recruitment and communication strategy
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contacting and speaking to media
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acting as the chief spokesperson and primary signing officer for WUSC York.
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During my final year as WUSC York Chair, I worked closely with university administration and spearheaded the initiative that saw student refugee sponsorship at York increase from one student per year to five.
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York International Global Ambassador (Sep 2015 - Aug 2015)
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I encourage students to take part in international experiences through York University by giving presentations, leading seminars, and creating promotional videos and articles.
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YMCA Day Camp Counselor (Summers, 2012-2015)
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Planned day-to-day activities with children, mostly aged 8-12. Programming included activities relevant for Creative Arts, Dance and Drama (CADD), Claymation, Filmmaking, and Variety camps.
Software
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Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe After Effects
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Audition
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Powerpoint
Microsoft Excel
iMovie
Final Cut Pro
Audacity

Other Skills​
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Comms Strategy
Creative Storytelling
Graphic Design
Website Maintenance
SEO Strategy
Project Management
Social Media
Internal Comms
Awards and Acknowledgements
Esiri Dafieshare Award
Received for achieving the highest GPA in the African Studies program at York
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Loretto Sisters Award
Selected amongst my high school graduating class as the student exemplifying social justice
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Member of Golden Key International Honours Society
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Leadershape Participant
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Go Global Gallery Artist (video presented)
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ONE Leadership Summit Participant
Volunteer Work
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Conversation Circle Facilitator for Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services (Sep 2016 - March 2020)
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Volunteer position assisting immigrants to Canada with their conversational English. Skills used include teaching of new or foreign terms, effective communication to a multicultural group, and creating a personable and welcoming environment.
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Uniterra International Seminar Participant (Jul 2016 - Aug 2016)
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One of eight Canadian student leaders selected to conduct research in Arusha, Tanzania with eight Tanzanian youth. The final report explores how agricultural systems support economic development and global food security, and the role youth, women, and technology play. I prepared the video report which can be viewed on the videos page.
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SHAWCO After-School Teacher (Feb 2015 - Jun 2015)
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Placed in an after-school program in Manenberg, a township in Cape Town, South Africa. I followed lesson plans, assisted children with English and Math work, and generally provided a positive influence for vulnerable children in the community.
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World Youth Day Volunteer in Brazil (Jul 2013)
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Worked in a metro station in Rio de Janeiro assisting English-speaking pilgrims with directions and information regarding World Youth Day Events. This position was short but required a lot of flexibility, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication.