OUR TEAM
Binners’ Project includes a core group of binner members, a Steering Committee, and 22 staff members, including 17 binners.
Binners’ Project is a project on the MakeWay's Shared Platform.
Binners’ Project is a project on the MakeWay's Shared Platform.
CORE STAFF
Sean Miles (he/him) – Director
|
Sean has been with Binners’ Project since 2021 and has over 15 years experience working in social services - both in frontline and leadership roles - with a focus on mental health and addictions. Along the way he has gained valuable insight into running a social enterprise through his work at Starworks Packaging & Assembly and has spent time working in the DTES as the Manager of the East Hastings WorkBC office.
Sean is passionate about respectfully supporting the DTES and was the Chair of the Board for Exchange Inner City until early 2024 and is part for the facilitation team for the CCRN. Sean is a firm believer in working from a trauma-informed lens and is deeply committed to the important work of actualizing truth and reconciliation. |
|
Anneka grew up in Vancouver and lived in Montreal and Taiwan before returning home. She first joined Binners' Project in 2025 as Assistant Program Coordinator and returned in 2026 as Manager, Social Enterprise Programs, where she leads the organization's fee-for-service waste sorting, audit, and event programs and builds partnerships that create meaningful economic opportunities for binners.
Anneka brings experience in program development, education, and capacity building, having designed and delivered programs for frontline workers, survivors of gender-based violence, and youth. She sits on CityHive's Youth Advisory Committee and holds an Honours BA in Sociology with a minor in Social Entrepreneurship from McGill University. Her approach is grounded in listening and relationship-building, and she is committed to amplifying the work and voices of binners while helping to legitimize and destigmatize the essential work they do. |
Anneka Hendricks Wang (she/her) - Manager, Social Enterprise Programs
|
Flora Poole (she/her) – Manager, Community Programs
|
Originally from England, but raised in New Zealand, Flora now happily identifies Vancouver as home. Flora has spent much of her time engaging with local market communities across Metro Vancouver, and it was this interest along with the focus in community-led programming that drew her to Binners’ Project.
While new to the non-profit world, Flora brings with her various experience in community engagement and interpersonal management. In her role she will be working with binners to help develop community programs that legitimize their work and role in our circular economy. Flora completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and History from Quinnipiac University, Connecticut while playing Division I Rugby. Off the rugby field Flora loves to experience the outdoors by hiking and skiing. |
|
Mark is a passionate advocate for social change and environmental sustainability. Mark graduated from SFU with a BA in Criminology and a Certificate in Legal Studies. He worked for two years at the Evelyn Saller Centre and looks forward to learning and growing in the non-profit space. He believes in the Binners’ Project as a community-driven initiative that seeks to empower and foster dignity through meaningful and equitable work while also moving towards a sustainable future. He seeks to support those marginalized by our society and help push for positive change wherever possible. |
Mark Szakun (he/him) - Coordinator, Social Enterprise
|
Sabrina Qistina (she/they) - Coordinator, Development & Communications
|
Sabrina joined Binners’ Project in February 2025, bringing a background in communications and community work across nonprofit, government, and grassroots organizations.
Originally from Malaysia and new to the Downtown Eastside, she is multilingual and enjoys finding ways to make good work more visible while supporting people to tell their own stories. She holds a BA in Human Geography from UBC with a focus on Geographic Information Studies (GIS), where she researched post-fire landscapes in Southeast Asia and the role of local knowledge among local fire stewards. Outside of Binners’ Project, you can find her biking while holding a cup of coffee. |
BINNER STAFF TEAM
|
|
STEERING COMMITTEE
Binners' Project's Steering Committee consists of:
Alona Puehse, Jessica Borich, Lani Brunn, Laura Potter, Steven Atkinson, and Lizzie Howells
Learn more about the Steering Committee.
Alona Puehse, Jessica Borich, Lani Brunn, Laura Potter, Steven Atkinson, and Lizzie Howells
Learn more about the Steering Committee.
