Erin McLean holds a Master's degree in Political Science with a focus in Conflict Resolution, from the University of Waterloo, as well as a certificate in Fundraising and Volunteer Management from George Brown College. 

Since starting her career as a volunteer engagement professional, she has experience in both provincial and national organizations, with a successful track record in targeted community recruitment, inter-organizational collaboration, resource development and program implementation. Located in Ontario, Canada, Erin’s current role is as Director of Alumni and Volunteer Engagement at Trails Youth Initiatives. 
 
Erin is the recipient of the 2016 PAVRO Young Leader Award, and the inaugural winner of the 2020 DRAVA Leader of Volunteers Award, as well as first place honours as 2020’s Emerging Leader Award Recipient from VMPC (Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada). Driven by the potential of volunteer impact, Erin is passionate about influencing that potential in the work she does and as an active member of the volunteer engagement community. Eager to connect and collaborate with peers, Erin currently volunteers as the Chair of Regional Engagement for VMPC and also sits on the Engage Editorial team as Co-Editor of the Ethics section. In 2022, Erin also spent time with Conestoga College as an Instructor for the Volunteer Management Certificate Program and has also been published in Engage (formerly e-Volunteerism). In addition to her volunteering, Erin is also an experienced workshop presenter and conference panelist.