Board & Leadership
Creative Community Impact Association is guided by its Board of Directors and led operationally by its Executive Director.
The Board of Directors is responsible for governance, strategic oversight, and fiduciary stewardship. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations, programming, and delivery of CCIA’s initiatives.
JACQUELYN MICCOLIS (SHE/HER) | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jacquelyn Miccolis is the Founder and Executive Director of the Creative Community Impact Association (CCIA), where she leads organizational strategy, program development, and community engagement with a focus on accessibility, equity, and community-centered arts practice.
As an Italian-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, her work is grounded in the belief that creativity fosters belonging, strengthens communities, and supports meaningful social change.
She brings over a decade of experience in values-driven social entrepreneurship and community building, including founding Sparkles n’ Sawdust Studio, a community arts studio recognized for its impact, and Supernova Events, a social enterprise focused on accessibility and inclusive programming.
Her educational background includes studies in psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University, along with diplomas in Community Development and Office Administration. She is also the author of Unfiltered Wisdom: A How-To Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs.
She also facilitates keynote speaking engagements, creative team-building workshops, and DEIA-focused sessions through CCIA, supporting the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Jacquelyn leads CCIA with a focus on accessibility, collaboration, and community-centered impact, guiding the organization’s continued growth as a community-rooted arts organization.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors provides governance and strategic oversight in support of CCIA’s mission and long-term sustainability.
As CCIA continues to grow, the organization is undertaking board recruitment and governance renewal to support its evolving needs and future development.
KIRSTEN BASHIR (SHE/THEY) TREASURER (INTERIM CHAIR SUPPORT)
Kirsten Bashir brings experience in finance, administration, and organizational operations, with a background in financial sector roles and prior service as a board treasurer.
Her governance perspective is informed by a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship. She is committed to supporting accessible arts initiatives and strengthening community impact through thoughtful oversight.
Kirsten brings a connection to creative practice through personal artistic interests, including painting, fibre arts, and handcrafted work.
She supports CCIA’s mission of accessible and community-driven arts programming through governance and financial oversight.
JOVANA RANDJELOVIC (SHE/HER) SECRETARY
Jovana Randjelovic is a multidisciplinary creative working across architectural design, communications, and cultural programming. Her professional experience spans proposal strategy, exhibition design, heritage practice, and public-facing creative development.
She has worked in both private-sector and cultural environments, supporting complex interdisciplinary projects from concept development through execution.
Since relocating to Nova Scotia in 2022, she has expanded her involvement in local arts and cultural initiatives, with a focus on collaborative, community-oriented programming and creative placemaking.
She brings to CCIA a commitment to thoughtful cultural development and collaborative arts practice grounded in community connection.
NAHOM ASSEFA (HE/HIM) DIRECTOR
Nahom Assefa is an Ethiopian-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, emerging curator, and writer whose work explores storytelling, identity, and belonging through visual art and community engagement.
He is the Founder of Cultured Creative Studio, a design practice working with cultural and community-based organizations across Canada. His experience spans curatorial development, exhibition work, and interdisciplinary creative projects.
He currently serves as a Curatorial Intern at the Dalhousie Art Gallery, contributing to research and exhibition development focused on Afro-diasporic presence on Mi’kmaq territory through material culture.
Nahom brings experience in creative leadership, cultural programming, and community-informed practice to CCIA’s governance.
COLLEEN FAUSTINO SMALL (SHE/HER) DIRECTOR
Colleen Faustino Small is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Occupational Health Nurse with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, wellness, and workplace systems.
She has held leadership roles within healthcare and institutional environments, with expertise in client care, systems-level thinking, and organizational well-being.
She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Counselling at Acadia University and holds additional training in quality improvement and wellness-based practice.
Colleen brings a governance perspective grounded in health systems leadership, collaboration, and community well-being.
Join the Board
CCIA is currently welcoming expressions of interest from individuals who are passionate about community-based arts, inclusion, and social impact.