APRIL HOWE

April has been an active voice for diversity and inclusion  for many years. Through her Consulting firm Crayon  Strategies Inc., she helps organizations create the  conditions for authentic inclusiveness. She consults and  coaches extensively with clients within the public,  private, and non-profit sectors. April served the Province of Nova Scotia from 2018 – 2023, most recently as the Deputy Minister of  Fisheries and Aquaculture. Before being appointed as Deputy, she was the Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Justice. Before joining the Department of Justice, April was Executive  Director of People and Culture with the Public Service Commission. Former to joining government,  April was a Partner with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette leading their Career Services practice.  April holds an Executive Master of Business from Saint Mary's University - Sobey School of Business and is also a Certified Career and Executive Coach.  As a believer in community engagement, April co-chaired the successful 2020 Halifax Mayoral  campaign for Mayor Mike Savage. She currently sits on the Boards of the Neptune Theater, the International Women’s Forum (IWF), and the Africville Heritage Trust. Previously, she served on the  of boards of the North End Community Health Center, the IWK Foundation, the Halifax Partnership,  the United Way Halifax, the Black Business Initiative, and Dress for Success.