December 11, 2025
Work in Culture is pleased to announce an important step in our organization’s future. Stephanie Draker, Work in Culture’s Program Manager, will be taking on the new title of Associate Director in addition to her current role as part of a planned leadership succession.
This transition supports our Executive Director Diane Davy’s planned retirement in late 2026, ensuring continuity in Work in Culture’s mission to support the lifelong career development of people who work in the arts, culture, and creative industries.
The decision has the unanimous support of Work in Culture’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and staff, and was confirmed at our Annual General Meeting on November 26, 2025.
About Stephanie Draker
Stephanie Draker is a Toronto-based arts manager and joined Work in Culture in 2015. She leads programs and partnerships that strengthen Ontario’s cultural workforce and oversees the Catalyst and Transformation Fund, which supports arts organizations in planning and implementing substantive changes in their operations.
Drawing on a career deeply rooted in the arts and culture sector, Stephanie brings expertise in project management, community engagement, and partnership development. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University, a Project Management Diploma from Humber College, and is a 2024 Toronto Arts Council Leaders Lab Fellow.
Stephanie is passionate about the transformative power of the arts and its ability to foster connections, nurture collaboration, and create lasting impact across communities.
Looking Ahead
“Over the past ten years, Steph has proven herself time and again as a leader who understands both the big picture and the details of running a mission-driven organization. She knows Work in Culture inside and out, she understands and is passionate about the creative community we serve, and she has the vision and expertise to lead the organization into the future. And best of all, she is a great person to work with! I couldn’t be more confident about this transition.” — Diane Davy, Executive Director
“Work in Culture has been a cornerstone in my professional journey, where I’ve grown alongside an incredible team and community of creative professionals. As I step into this expanded role, I’m excited to build on the strong foundation we’ve created while continuing to champion the people and ideas that make our sector thrive. I’m looking forward to approaching this next chapter with a spirit of collaboration and care, working closely with our team and community to shape what’s next.” — Stephanie Draker, Associate Director and Program Manager
This succession plan, which has received the full confidence and support of the Board of Directors, reflects Work in Culture’s commitment to stability and continued excellence in serving Ontario’s creative workforce. We are excited about this next chapter and look forward to Steph’s leadership as we continue to provide the Job Board, programs, and resources our community relies on.
About Work in Culture
Work in Culture is a non-profit arts service organization that advances the careers of artists, creatives, and cultural workers from diverse lived experiences, and supports the organizations that engage them, through entrepreneurial and business skills development and innovative research.
For more information about Work in Culture and our programs, please visit workinculture.ca.