Dr Cherie Enns is a Registered Professional Planner, Planning Program Chair, and Associate Professor with extensive experience in international research, university partnerships, and global policy focused on children and youth. She holds a Master of Arts in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia and a PhD in International Policy and Program Management from Ardhi University in Tanzania.
Dr. Enns recently led the development of an accredited undergraduate program in Regional and Community Planning that emphasizes international collaboration and global perspectives. Her work spans urban and regional planning, child rights, food systems, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), human-centred design, and placemaking. She has initiated and directed international projects in partnership with universities, research consortia, multilateral agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
With extensive experience in program management, resource mobilization, and international development, Dr. Enns has worked across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, and India. She has led numerous humanitarian, educational, and capacity-building initiatives across East Africa, including managing the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Internship Program.
Dr Enns recently concluded a research project funded by the International Development Research Centre in collaboration with the Co-operative University of Kenya, focusing on agriculture co-ops and gender. Through her involvement with MIFOOD, a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council-funded initiative based at Wilfrid Laurier University, she collaborates with the University of Nairobi on research exploring youth, migration and food security.
An experienced organizer and facilitator, Dr. Enns has coordinated numerous international conferences, workshops, and community-based events. She is a frequent speaker at international forums and remains committed to advancing transformative educational, research, and policy initiatives that foster reciprocity and sustainable, inclusive development.
