Propel Impact

What was your career path?

For Taryn Lucas, the path to Propel Impact began with a curiosity for social finance, and a piece of advice from one of her college professors. “I found out about Propel Impact when it was called the Social Innovation Academy. I was inspired to join by one of my college instructors who advised me that I would potentially be interested in the opportunity to connect with other folks across the country and further my social finance knowledge and experience.” With that encouragement, Taryn took the leap and joined the Propel Impact community as a Consulting Fellow from 2021-2022. Her passion for social change and curiosity about impact-driven finance grew even stronger, leading her to participate in the Summer Analyst Program in 2022, where she worked with Community Foundations of Canada as a Transformation Analyst. Since completing both programs, she has remained an active member of the Propel community, helping with recruitment and serving as a project advisor to current fellows. During her time at Propel, Taryn had the opportunity to collaborate with organizations dedicated to social and environmental impact. She worked closely with the Food Stash Foundation, Closer to Home Community Services, and Yukonstrukt, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the sector. “I have also been graciously given the opportunity to be a project advisor to fellows who have worked with organizations such as Muskoka Community Land Trust, Raven Reads, and Deaf AI, among many others,” she shares.

How did Propel Impact help you grow?

While the work itself was deeply rewarding, Taryn highlights the power of connection as one of the most transformative aspects of her experience. “The highlight of my experience was definitely connecting with other folks who wanted to do good with their work. Being from Manitoba, community development is everywhere, so it was inspiring to learn about initiatives happening all across Canada from like-minded fellows.” For Taryn, Propel Impact wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was a catalyst for reimagining her career path. “Propel Impact helped me to realize that my career is just that – my career. I can do whatever I want with it! It has given my curiosity the confidence to keep questioning why we do things the way we do.” Through her time at Propel, Taryn not only discovered her passion for consulting but also saw its potential to create meaningful change. “Being a part of Propel Impact has given me the opportunity to continue exploring consulting further while continuing to pursue my lifelong goal of law school, something I never considered before. I’ve been able to learn so much through delivering national programs and pilots across the country as a consultant and have been able to redefine what I want to do post law school.”

What issue do you most want to tackle in the world?

When asked what issue she is most passionate about tackling, Taryn finds it difficult to pinpoint just one. Instead, she sees the world as an interconnected web of challenges and solutions. “This is tricky—I see everything as a web. You can tackle one thing, but there will always be systems and circumstances that continue the issue. More than anything, I want to further my studies and professional career to learn how to tackle these challenges by changing, implementing, and dismantling the policies and procedures that perpetuate them.” Looking ahead, Taryn is dedicated to leveraging her skills, experiences, and education to drive systemic change. With a strong foundation in social finance, consulting, and policy, she is committed to making a meaningful impact on communities across Canada. Currently, she serves as a Special Project Coordinator at Community Futures Manitoba where she spearheads a new community economic development pilot project being delivered in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.