About Dirka
Upon moving to London two decades ago to advance her career, Dirka fell in love with the community. From the family-friendly recreational and cultural facilities to the cutting-edge research happening across institutions, she found many wonders to be inspired at here in the city.
Like many Londoners, Dirka sees that we are challenged by an economy and federal policies that don’t protect us from inflation and ever-rising house costs. She believes we need to start thinking about the future and how we can formulate government policies that can provide relief to us in the present and enable us for generations to come.
Since 2022 Dirka has served as Chair of the Unity Project for the Relief of Homelessness in London, after having been a Director since 2020. She has been a crucial advocate for the increase in supports for low-income members of the London community and is an ally for persons who are homeless or precariously housed.
As a daughter of an immigrant, Dirka has been determined to help newcomers navigate the Canadian workplace. She has volunteered as a mentor with Immploy, an organization seeking to help immigrant job seekers from around the world seek jobs that meet their talents and success.
From 2005 to 2021, Dirka served as President of the London Chapter of Spelling Bee of Canada, where she promoted youth literacy and encouraged children to develop perseverance and grit year and year. She believes that public education services are empowering and transformational.
A firm believer in giving back, volunteering in the community has been an integral part of Dirka’s life since moving here. Her first volunteer stint in London was as a donation sorter at ANOVA (then the Women’s Community House), which instilled in her a critical understanding of the presence of gender-based violence in the Canada and the urgent comprehensive measures needed to eradicate it.
With a Master’s of Science in Civil Engineering and 25+ years as a professional civil/geotechnical engineer, Dirka has been an contributor to countless provincial and municipal infrastructure projects, including here in London.
Through participating in various panels and showcases, Dirka has sought to introduce young women to the world of engineering, trades and construction, allowing them to break into the traditionally male-dominated industry.
As a two-time Federal NDP candidate for London North Centre, Dirka has been actively involved in the New Democratic Party since 2009, even serving as co-chair of the federal NDP’s Women Commission from 2015-2018.
As a result of her dedication to the community, Dirka received an Excellence Award for Outstanding service at the 2023 Essence and Culture Awards by the London AfroCentric Community Association, a group of businesses and organizations that seek to recognize the incredible work being done by London’s many Black communities.
Currently, Dirka lives with her wonderful loving partner Maurus. Together they enjoy supporting their community, playing box lacrosse, soccer, and taking long country drives to discover the ghost towns of Ontario.
Through a combination of professional and volunteer experience and her passion for supporting grassroots activism, Dirka understands the importance of physical and social infrastructure to maintaining our quality of life and is ready to use evidence-based solutions to make life easier, safer, and healthier for everyone.
As Tommy Douglas said, ‘Courage, my friends; ‘tis not too late to build a better world’. Help build this better world by voting for Dirka Prout at the nomination meeting in 2025.