In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United Church Community Ministry Society and a leader working at the intersection of culture, care, and civic power. From her early work in arts and philanthropy to leading one of Vancouver’s oldest frontline institutions, Amanda offers a rare perspective on what happens when fundraising galas meet overdose response, and when culture is treated not as a luxury, but as infrastructure. We explore dignity as a non-negotiable, the difference between placemaking and placekeeping, and what it means to design systems that give communities real power—not just a seat at the table. A wide-ranging conversation on leadership, accountability, and why the future of cities depends on how we care for the people most impacted by our decisions.
Featuring
Amanda Burrows
Executive Director
First United
Amanda Burrows, MA CFRE, is the Executive Director of First United in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, bringing over 15 years of non-profit experience to her role. With credentials from Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria, she specializes in capacity building and creating equitable communities. Amanda co-created DTES Response during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves on the Vancouver Opera Board of Directors and the Ken Lyotier Fund Advisory Committee. Her career includes leadership positions at NYU Langone Medical Center and Asia Society, reflecting her dedication to dignity, belonging, and justice.
Hosted by
Mo Dhaliwal
CEO
Skyrocket Digital
Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.
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High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation
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Presented by Skyrocket Digital
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