Episode
$10 Million With 6 Staff: How the Okanagan Science Centre Is Building a Campaign
- Podcast
- On The Ground
- Published
- Jul 21, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1570
- Processing state
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Summary
How the Okanagan Science Center Leads with Community and Innovation Join us as Dione Chambers, director of the Okanagan Science Center, shares her journey from chemistry and nanotechnology to leading a beloved community science hub. Discover how she navigates fundraising, community engagement, and innovation in a small-town setting. Main Topic: Transitioning from science to nonprofit leadership Creative funding strategies during challenging times Leveraging digital platforms for education and revenue Leading through crisis: fire and pandemic responses Building community support for capital campaigns In this episode: Dione's career path from nanotech to nonprofit leadership The role of traveling exhibits and unique programs at a small science center How moving online during COVID opened new revenue streams Lessons learned from managing a fire and operational disruptions Strategies for community engagement and communication Practical advice for leaders: building teams and prioritizing fundraising Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Dione Chambers and the Okanagan Science Center's unique story 00:21 - The location and community context of the Okanagan Valley 01:08 - Dione's transition from chemistry and nanotech to nonprofit leadership 01:33 - How her diverse experiences shape her approach to managing the science center 02:28 - What visitors experience at the science center, including exhibits and animal displays 03:00 - The popularity of axolotls and other unique science experiences 04:27 - Funding structures and revenue strategies, including moving online 05:09 - Deep dive into the center’s online platform and educational offerings 06:08 - The role of web-based programs for school groups and community 07:05 - Supporting teachers with accessible resources 07:35 - Looking ahe…