Team Member

Evaluation and Impact Specialist

eflegel@uvic.ca

canassist@uvic.ca

Emily is the Evaluation and Impact Specialist on the ESYD team, where she leads the evaluation efforts for the CanWork BC tools. With a background in psychology, program coordination, and policy, she's passionate about building inclusive, accessible systems that create real, lasting change.

She has over 13 years of experience working with youth across education, sport, and program development. Emily started working at a young age and has worked in three different countries, giving her diverse experience and a deep understanding of the importance of meaningful employment, especially for young adults. Her career has spanned a variety of roles, always focused on supporting others.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria, with additional training in project management and policy. She brings a strong foundation in research methods, community engagement and inclusive design. Her approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity and lived experience as a person with disabilities, ensuring accessibility is at the core of her work.

Outside of work, Emily loves being active and outdoors. She spends her time running, hiking or coaching competitive cheerleading. She finds purpose in community connection and is driven by the belief that everyone deserves the support they need to thrive.

She acknowledges that her work and life in Victoria are only possible because of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples, and the enduring care and relationships the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples have with this unceded land. She is grateful for their continued stewardship and recognizes that colonial systems continue to create barriers, especially for Indigenous communities and people with disabilities. In her work, she's committed to challenging these systems and contributing to more equitable future, by listening, learning and following the leadership of those most impacted.