Dianne Porter’s work in equality issues in Prince Edward Island is monumental. With a Masters of Arts in Canadian Studies, Dianne was a Founding Member of the Canadian Child Care Federation and the first Executive Director of the P.E.I. Interministerial Women’s Secretariat. She worked on the front lines for early childcare reform. Dianne was the chair of the PEI Coalition for Women in Government and she worked on the prevention of violence against women and children; in addition she was the Treasurer and Board member of Women’s Network. A tireless advocate and a passionate leader, Dianne is a member of Selection Committee for the Order of P.E.I., and has made it her life’s work to improve the lives of women, both on the front lines and behind the scenes. Dianne has worked as a lecturer in gender studies at Carleton University, and in leadership roles at Red River Community College and Holland College. Dianne lives in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Unsung Hero Contributors:

Claire Arsenault, Department of Secretary of State, Women's Program

Lyle Brehaut, Founder and Coordinator, Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

Jan Devine, Anderson House Worker, a shelter for abused women and children

Eileen Doyle, Volunteer in politics

Kathleen Flanagan, Early Childhood Education Expert

Ruth Lacey, Camp Counselor and Program Director, Appin Road Children's Camp

Sara Roach Lewis, Women's Network, Women in the Trades Program

Kirstin Lund, PEI Coalition for Women In Government

Anne McCallum, Women's Network, Publisher Common Ground

Cathy MacCormack, Early Childhood Development Association, Canadian Child Care Federation, Child Care Program - PEI Government

Elayne MacLaine, Women in politics

Dianne Hicks Morrow, Women's Network, Rural Workshops, Women's Festivals

Lisa Murphy, Executive Director, Advisory Council on the Status of Women

Anne Nicholson, Chairperson, Advisory Council on the Status of Women

Louise Polland, Policy Analyst, PEI Women's Secretariat

Ann Sherman, Executive Director, Anderson House Planning Committee, Community Legal Education Association

Gaylene Smith, Dental Assistant Educator

Andy Lou Somers, Executive Director, East Prince Women's Information Center