Dan Olsen’s Story: From Ghana to Systems Change at Home
When Dan Olsen joined Engineers Without Borders Canada in 2008 as a Governance and Rural Infrastructure Director in Ghana, he never imagined the path it would set him on.
His placement in Ghana from 2008-2011 introduced him to the complexities of international development—but the real surprise came later.
It turned out that the lessons Dan learned overseas—facilitation, process mapping, and data analytic skills—were exactly what he needed to make better evidence-informed decision-making for municipalities in Toronto, with the Toronto Transit Commission.
Watch Dan’s story and see what this impact looks like in real life.
Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that EWB’s work doesn’t just create impact “out there.” It builds change-makers for the long haul—people who carry systems thinking, empathy, and leadership into every space they touch.
As we look to the future, we’re doubling down on what we’ve always done best: equipping young people with the tools to challenge the status quo and reimagine the systems around them—whether in global development, public policy, or their own communities.
Contribute now and help us grow the next generation of systems change leaders, just like Dan.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
