Esther is passionate about improving policy frameworks and systems for the benefit of marginalized populations and has been working in various capacities towards that goal for her entire career.
Esther moved into the social housing sector after 10 years of working in the justice system in a variety of legal, operational and strategic policy and service delivery positions. She recently completed her Doctor of Social Sciences with RRU, focusing on how to design a social housing system which prioritizes tenant wellbeing.
Experience
With more than 15 years in public policy, Esther currents serves as the Executive Director, Research for BC Housing.
Her experience with service delivery, operational and strategic policy in the justice and social housing systems compliments her current work.
Memberships and Committees
- European Network for Housing Research (2021-present)
- Canadian Sociological Association (2017-present)
- Chartered Institute of Housing Canada (2016-present)
Education
2022
Doctor of Social Sciences
Royal Roads University
2022
Foundations in Somatic Abolitionism
Education for Racial Equity
2013
Master of Public Administration
University of Victoria
2003
Bachelor of Laws
University of Alberta
2000
Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction)
University of Alberta
2016
Certified Housing Professional
Chartered Institute of Housing Canada
2012
Active Engagement: The Practice of Mindful Leadership
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Awards
2017
Award for Policy Excellence
IPAC Edmonton Region
2013
Educational Achievement Award
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
2013
Team Award of Excellence
Justice Services Division Reaching Our Full Potential Task Team
2010
Award for Contribution
Child Support Recalculation Program Team
2001
Certificate of Merit, 1999/2000
Department of Sociology Essay Award Competition, University of Alberta
Research
Research interest
Social housing
Wellbeing
Public policy
Publications
Severson, M. & de Vos, E. (2021). Social sustainability in social and affordable housing. In S. Tsenkova (Ed.), Cities and Affordable Housing: Planning, Design and Policy Nexus. (pp. 259-273). Routledge.
Collins, D., de Vos, E., Evans, J., Severson Mason, M., Anderson-Baron, J., Cruikshank, V. & McDowell, K. (2021). “When we do evict them, it’s a last resort”: Eviction Prevention in Social and Affordable Housing. Housing Policy Debate, DOI: 10.1080/10511482.2021.1900890
de Vos, E. (2020). Understanding community housing in Canada: How intersectionality can help. In S. Tsenkova (Ed.), The Future of affordable housing: Planning and design innovation. (pp. 203-210). University of Calgary.
de Vos, E. & Moore, I. (2019). Mixed income housing: The model in a Canadian context. In S. Tsenkova (Ed.), Housing partnerships. (pp. 225-238). University of Calgary.