Rennie Keates

Rennie Keates has served as the first Managing Director of the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education since November 2008. The previous years of her career were spent most recently in social services management, working for seven years as executive director of a neighborhood house, camp and retreat and conference center. Rennie has also worked extensively in community and international development, including several years working in Kenya and Malawi and travelling widely in Africa.

She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education – Critical Global and Community Issues from the University of Toronto and an undergraduate degree in Home Economics - Family Studies  from the University of British Columbia.

Rennie has been inspired equally by exemplary world leaders and unassuming neighbors caring for each other. She comes from a long line of women who have created well-being and justice for their communities and broader national and global communities. What gives her greatest satisfaction is sustaining this legacy and being involved in and providing leadership for collaborative endeavors that bring together diverse individuals and groups to nurture compassion and peace in their communities and the world.  A devotion to gardening and encouraging the same for others also enrich Rennie’s work and life.  She volunteers to provide gardening advice and guides tours in a botanical garden.