Mekayla Dionne, Student

Mekayla Dionne is an emerging Métis artist from Toronto. She obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD University, with a major in Drawing and Painting and a minor in Social Sciences. Through her observations of the environment, urban and rural landscapes, and details found in nature, she creates abstract paintings and textile projects that explore concepts of community and
self-identity.

Alongside her art practice, Mekayla is an educator and has worked extensively with the children and youth in her community through arts and literacy programs. Through her work with nonprofit organizations, Mekayla has seen firsthand how demand for services is extremely high and consistent funding difficult to sustain — and how it’s challenging for organizations to adequately meet
community needs.

Drawn to the MPNL program due to the focus on fundraising, financial management and leadership strategies, Mekayla is excited to build a career in helping nonprofit organizations build strong foundations and become more economically resilient.