Our Team

At Sandbox Centre, success is not just a product of groundbreaking ideas or innovative solutions - it's about the people who bring these concepts to life. Here we'll meet the team that works behind the scenes to fuel the engine of creativity and collaboration.

Managing Director - Meet Dina Tzirakos-Hawker

As the Captain of the Sandbox ship, Dina brings 15 years of diverse experience across finance, customer service, operations, manufacturing, strategy, law, municipal governance, and management, embodying a multifaceted leadership style that thrives on collaboration and teamwork. Her approachable nature and belief in the power of a team-based environment have enabled her to lead and inspire across various sectors. Dina's leadership is marked by empathy, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, making her a mentor and advocate for positive change within and beyond the workplace.

Dina has a small senior dog named Mr. Hercules who occasionally visits our space... he is grumpy, and is always in need of a haircut.  She also wants you to know that she is a huge NFL fan and she owned her Travis Kelce jersey long before Taylor Swift became a Chiefs fan.

Senior Manager of Ecosystem Partnerships - Meet Jesse Kerr

Jesse is a communicator by nature and an animated one at that. All of this stems from a front-facing career in relationship management with a strategic focus on value creation, implementation, revGen and partnership activation.

Creative Marketing Strategist & Events Support - Meet Sam Yandt

Sam has worked in the marketing and events realm for over 7 years. She has a passion for storytelling and a knack for turning ideas into impactful campaigns, and with a a deep understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour, Sam thrives in the dynamic realm where creativity meets strategy. From concept to execution, she has crafted compelling narratives that not only captivate but also drive measurable results. In her spare time you can find Sam out on the lake in Georgian Bay, or on the ski hills in Collingwood in the winter!

Membership Engagement & Events Coordinator - Meet Megan Hall

Megan has a heart as expansive as her event planning skills. She is your go-to for turning gatherings into incredible experiences. She loves the opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate with a diverse community of incredible entrepreneurs. When not wearing her “event hat,” Megan helps out with membership engagement. Megan is here to welcome you into a community where connections thrive, ideas flourish, and friendships are forged over shared dreams of success. Do not hesitate to reach out and say hi!
Fun Fact: Her favourite genre of music is dubstep and she can always be found with a coffee in hand!

Finance Administrator & Content Writer - Meet Hannah Primmett

Hannah is a detail oriented person at heart and applies that to all the processes in her role at Sandbox. Her favourite part is working alongside the reset of the team to ensure that all members, partners and stakeholders can develop an impactful relationship. She also has a passion for digital storytelling and an eagerness to learn! Hannah’s approach to writing is a blend of creativity and purpose, focusing on effective communication. At Sandbox, she is both a thinker and executer who likes to dive deep into ideas, and transform them into impactful stories. On the weekends she loves going on hikes, no matter the weather – sometimes even with her cat!

Community Growth Coordinator - Meet Connor Giblett

Connor is a Niagara College alumni, and holds a degree in International Business and Global Commerce. During which he was chosen for a CO-OP opportunity in South Africa, where he worked with a local Business Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in the implementation of innovative marketing strategies to attract new members and the representation of the Chamber at various networking events. Upon completing his degree, Connor become a part of the PropertyGuys.com franchise system and established his own franchise in Barrie. Over the span of nearly five years, he successfully grew his business, and sold it in 2022. His journey provided him with insights into business expansion through localized marketing strategies, advanced sales strategy development, and precise forecasting. Connor spends as much time as possible playing baseball and golf, and during the winter months you can find him snowboarding.

 

Co-op Student - Meet Noah

Noah is our student who does it all!

If you see any of our faces around Sandbox Centre, feel free to say hello and have a chat!