2022 Student Speed Mentoring
| Version française | Mentorship Resources | GC Students | Federal Youth Network |
Speed Mentoring (June 15th and 16th, 2022)
GC Students, the National Capital Region Young Professionals Network (NCRYPN), the Mentorship CoP and the Federal Youth Network (FYN) are hosting 90-minute sessions of virtual, speed mentoring for students during National Public Service Week 2022!
WHAT:
Three, 90-minute sessions of virtual, structured networking. Groups of 5-6 students will meet with one mentor for 15 minutes at a time (through Zoom breakout rooms). There will be four rounds of networking per session.
This will be an opportunity for mentors to share their advice with and answer questions from mentees related to networking, learning, personal development, and career growth in the Government of Canada. Mentees will be able to ask questions to and seek advice from mentors on the topics that matter most to them as they advance their careers.
Resources
To be added soon!
WHO:
All GC students are invited to be mentees.
WHEN:
Session 1 (English): Wednesday, June 15, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. EDT *Registration Link to be added June 1*
| Mentor names will be added here | |||
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Session 2 (French): Thursday, June 16, from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. EDT *Registration Link to be added June 1*
| Mentor names will be added here | |||
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Session 3 (English): Thursday, June 16, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. EDT *Registration Link to be added June 1*
| Mentor names will be added here | |||
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WHERE:
Online, via Zoom.
Mentors
| Name | Position | Department | Biography |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megan Otu | Advisor | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | I am a biologist, ambassador, settler, advocate, mother, partner, daughter, sister, auntie, ally, student and nature-lover.
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| Rochelle Wacklin
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Advisor | Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | Originally from rural Alberta, Rochelle Wacklin completed her undergraduate degree in Vancouver and her Master’s degrees in Ottawa before beginning work with the federal government through the Advanced Policy Analyst Program (APAP). Through the APAP, Rochelle had the opportunity to work at all three central agencies (Treasury Board Secretariat, Privy Council Office and Finance Canada) and learn how government process works before embarking on a three year position at Innovation, Science and Economic Development, where she focused on a new program to foster economic development within Canada. During the pandemic she had the opportunity to work on federal homelessness policy. She has recently returned to the Treasury Board Secretariat where she supports files related to the department of Women and Gender Equality. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her partner and kids, practicing yoga, and playing board games with her friends. She looks forward to someday seeing people in person and travelling again!
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| Gaby Jovic | Economist/Advisor | Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | My first gigs with the federal government was as a co-op student with PacifiCan (formerly Western Economic Diversification Canada) and Innovation, Science and Innovation Canada (formerly Industry Canada) in 2013. After the two co-op terms, I stayed with ISED as a part-time student (four days a week) while I finished my Master of Public Administration (UVIC program), and was bridged in after I graduated. I was with ISED until 2021 where I moved around in different roles, working on programs and policy on various files that include Canada’s science and innovation portfolio, Canada’s automotive industry, the zero-emission vehicles strategy, digital priorities (AI and quantum), and COVID-19 response and PPE/testing capacity in Canada. I was actively engaged with the Young Professionals Network, and also worked in the Minister’s Office as a departmental liaison. I joined TBS in November 2021 so I am relatively new but enjoying it. I have two boys, 1 and 3 years old. |
| Taran Wasson | Senior Advisor | Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | Taran S. Wasson is an A/Senior Advisor with the Regulatory Affairs Sector at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). Previously at TBS, he setup the innovative Canada’s Free Agents program and advanced Open Government. He previously worked with the Privy Council Office, Shared Services Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Labour Program, and Canada Border Services Agency. From 2012 to 2014, he was the National Co-Chair of YMAGIN, ESDC’s youth professional network, which he led to become the largest departmental employee-led youth network. Taran also currently serves as the Past Chair of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada – National Capital Region (IPAC-NCR), and has been with the IPAC-NCR Board since 2014.
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| Lamine Medri | Senior Project Officer | Shared Services Canada | Lamine has been working for SSC for over 2 years. He is responsible, with his team of 4 employees, to complete the earned value management reports for 4 IT cyber security projects. Outside of work, Lamine enjoys being outdoor, biking, hiking and practicing martial arts |
| Lisa DiNardo | Service Delivery Manager | Shared Services Canada | I have completed 35 years in IT at CSIS, CRA, and SSC.
I have worked in Operations, Agency Data Warehouse (Business Intelligence) , Database, Metadata, Management Reporting, and Client portfolio Management, I started working for the gov as a Student in 1982, I was a consultant and then GOC employee in 1987, bought back some time and retired in March 2022. I have managed teams, my largest team was 11 resources over 2 teams. I am currently back at SSC working 90 Casual. |
| Renee Emby | Team Lead/Technical Advisor | Shared Services Canada | My name is Renee Emby and I am a Team Lead/ Technical Advisor. I began working in the GoC in 2017 as an FSWEP student, I worked full-time as an FSWEP student to support my studies. I completed my undergrad in law and my masters in data analytics, I’m currently pursing my PhD in digital innovation from UOttawa. I worked as an FSWEP student for 5 years until I was bridged into a full-time position. Over my career, I’ve worked for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Shared Services Canada (SSC) while being employed with the GoC. I’ve worked primarily in strategic policy and planning, data analytics, business analytics and security. While I was an FSWEP student I was the Vice-President of the Young Professionals Network at Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), where I mentored new public servants and students on GoC best practices, pay, FSWEP/ CO-OP HR, GoC policies, networking and events. I am extremely interested and excited about student mentoring, and I look forward to speaking and virtually meeting all of the new students! |
| Mathieu Vienneau | Agent régional principal de gestion des pêches | Pêches et Océans Canada | Mon nom est Mathieu Vienneau, j’occupe présentement le poste d’agent régional principal de gestion des pêches dans la région Gulf du MPO. J’ai un total de 7 ans avec la fonction public. J’ai débuté ma carrière à la fonction public fédéral avec le centre des pensions en 2015 sous le programme fédéral d'expérience de travail étudiant. Par la suite j’ai fait un passage à Parcs Canada et Transports Canada avant d’arrivé au MPO en 2017. Aussi, j’ai servis avec la réserve les Forces Armée Canadienne de 2008 à 2021. Père de famille de deux jeune enfants. Je détient un baccalauréat de l’université de Moncton avec un majeur en géographie et un mineure en économie. |
| Jeff Kennedy
|
Manager | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | “Jeff is someone who likes the outdoors, is introspective, enjoys off-the-path travel, and is a perpetually confused father of three tween/teenage boys. Jeff joined the public service in 2014 after career stints in politics, teaching, consulting, and travel industry. Jeff is a curious learner whose most recent manager role was in the Indigenous reconciliation policy space. He is an approachable and curious learner who feels fulfilled when engaging with those who appreciate the importance and intricacies of the ‘human’ elements of work and life.” |
| Lucy Ellis | Senior Communications Advisor | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Lucy Ellis started her career as an FSWEP student at the Canadian Joint Operations Command, where she wrote tweets, articles, and webpages about military operations. She loves Oxford commas, excel pivot tables, and good storytelling. In 2018, she became the Speechwriter for the Chief of the Defence Staff, and she currently works as a Senior Communications Advisor at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. |
| Rebecca Tardif | Senior Program Officer | Canada Border Services Agency | My name is Rebecca Tardif and currently hold the position of Senior Program Officer at the Canada Border Services Agency.
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| Jennifer Tessier | Senior Human Resources Analyst | Canada Revenue Agency | I am a Senior Human Resources Analyst in the Learning and Leadership Directorate of the Human Resources (HR) Branch at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). I have over 20 years of experience working in various HR disciplines at the CRA and I’m currently responsible for the coaching and mentoring programs at the CRA. |
| Stephanie Percival | Senior Analyst | Canada Revenue Agency | |
| Natasha Cote-Khan | Transport Canada | ||
| Jessica Zeroual | |||
| John Kehoe | Director | Public Service Commission of Canada | John began his public service career as a student and has had the opportunity to work in a number of areas throughout the years, including learning and development, policy, and human resources. He has been a youth champion, and in his current role, is responsible for modernizing student recruitment programs. John enjoys working from home and taking his dog on walks in nature. |
| Lily Murariu | Lead Program Advisor | National Research Council Canada | Lily is an experienced Project / Program / Portfolio Manager with experience in project management, management and leadership experience, in complex environments, both in public and private sector. Lily shares her project management experience, as a successful project management consultant, and excels as speaker at public events. |
| Mila Milankovic | Lead Analyst | Infrastructure Canada | I am a massive foodie and love to travel. My ideal day would consist of yoga, hiking, reading a good book on the beach and going out for dinner with friends. I started out at a student in the GOC in 2015. Prior to coming to Infrastructure Canada, I worked at Global Affairs Canada as a senior political analyst and an international development officer. I have a Masters in Migration and Development from the University of Sussex in the UK and a Bachelors in International Development from uOttawa. |
| Frank Assu | Senior Policy Analyst/Free Agent | Environment and Climate Change Canada | Frank joined the ECCC’s Innovation and Youth Engagement Division (IYED) in May 2021 as a Senior Policy Analyst. Since May 2018 Frank has worked remotely full time from Comox, BC on Vancouver Island. This is when he joined the Free Agent program after four years as a Border Officer with CBSA. Frank is very supportive and always involved with projects. He is a co-manager of GovernexxVI and founder of the Faces of the GC project. Frank has 4 kids (3 are adults) and a 8 year old granddaughter. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree with minors in Canadian History and First Nation Studies. |
| Guillaume Quessy | Regional Director | Public Services and Procurement Canada | I have tried, during 13 years of supervision, to provide my employees with an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and personal development. As a team we celebrated our successes and learned from our failures. Day by day we become better, together. |
| Amanda Bernardo | Manager | Shared Services Canada | In her public service career to date, Amanda has worked on a number of complex, high-profile files where she has been able to support departments in achieving consistently high results by providing sound advice and demonstrating natural leadership. Her career to date with the Government of Canada has largely focused on public policy, project management, change management, transformation and stakeholder engagement. In the last eight years, Amanda has worked for organizations such as the Parks Canada Agency, the Treasury Board Secretariat, the office of the Chief Information Officer, the Canada School of Public Service’s Digital Academy, the Public Health Agency and most recently with Shared Services Canada. On a personal note, Amanda is a proud mental health advocate and community builder, with a passion for storytelling and photography. |
| Breton Niddery | Senior Advisor | Health Canada | Breton started in the Federal government as a summer student with Parks Canada. She later worked as a Contractor for several years doing project management for the government before joining the Public Service in 2015 as a Radiation Officer in Health Canada’s Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch working in nuclear emergency preparedness. In 2018, she moved to what is now the Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch (CSCB) as an Advisor to a Director working in Science and Surveillance. She currently works in CSCB’s Assistant Deputy Minister’s Office (ADMO) as a Senior Advisor to the ADM focusing on the tobacco and vaping files. |
| Jade Arnaout | Senior Communications Analyst | Privy Council Office | Jade Arnaout is a curious, gregarious, and multilingual federal public servant with National Capital Region and regional experience. Jade’s diverse academic, professional, and volunteer experiences span over a decade in five countries. He is passionate about public service, leadership, and community work. Jade is currently working in communications at the Privy Council Office and previously served as a Civilian Member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, after spending a few years working in marketing in the private sector in Canada and overseas. Jade is an arts, humanities, and culture aficionado who enjoys exercising, swimming, meditating, reading, and learning foreign languages. |
| Brandon Zeron | Head Financial Planning and Analysis | Infrastructure Canada | I have been working in the Federal Public service for almost 7 years at Infrastructure Canada. Started as a student and am always looking to make positive impacts with my work and outside of my work to better our environment and culture. I was the INFC YPN Chair for 3 years and am passionate about empowering young professionals to take their growth and learning into their own hands in the Federal Public Service. |
| Laura Green | Staffing Advisor | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | I have been a Federal Public Servant for almost 14 yrs. Service Canada is my employer but I am currently on loan (secondment) with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. I have also worked for both Private Business and non-profits. I live on an active farm and that is how I spend my evenings, weekends and holidays. |
| Tara Shapransky | Program Coordinator | Infrastructure Canada/Employment and Social Development Canada | Hi! My name is Tara and I am a Program Coordinator. I am in a unique position in that I am currently straddling two departments – one for my work as part of my secondment (previously an assignment) at Infrastructure Canada (INFC) and one for my work as the Communications Lead for the YMAGIN (Youth MAndate for Greater INvolvement) network at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). I started out as a co-op student at ESDC and used my networking skills to bridge that into an indeterminate position post graduation/end of co-op. Since then I have been employed full time with the government and have been actively involved with a number of initiatives and endeavours at ESDC and beyond. I have worked and collaborated with both the Federal Youth Network (FYN) and the National Capital Region Young Professionals Network (NCR YPN) before and I’m very excited to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who wants to chat anytime. I look forward to being your mentor! 😊
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| Mamadou Bakayoko | National Coordinator | Canada Revenue Agency Young Professionals Network | Mamadou has been with the Agency for 10 years, working in many different roles and offices across the country. He has been the National Coordinator for the CRA Young Professionals Network since March 2021. Mamadou is passionate about giving back to the community, and traveling.
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| Marcela Popwich | Senior HR Advisor | Canada Revenue Agency | |
| Anastasia Toussaint | Human Resources Assistant | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | I was born in raised in Ottawa, but I have deep East Coast roots. My love of service, community, family and working hard come from my Nova Scotia background. I was very involved in University life from joining a Sorority, to volunteering at Carleton’s Student Experience Office (SEO) and leading a group for Carleton Serves. I worked for several departments (DND, RCMP, ISED, ISC and ESDC to name a few) as an FSWEP Student while I attended Carleton University and Algonquin College and that experience allowed me to get bridged into my current position at Fisheries and Oceans Canada! I have a Degree in Human Rights and Social Justice and supporting the diverse, intersectional, equitable, inclusive and accessible Student Hiring initiatives at DFO aligns with my personal values and professional goals. Things to remember: maintain those connections that you have made, take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, ask questions, don’t ever count yourself out and be open to new experiences and learn how to be flexible/adaptable! |
| Pamela Chu | Supervisor/Senior Regulatory Affairs Officer | Health Canada | My name is Pamela Chu and I am a Supervisor/Senior Regulatory Affairs Officer at Health Canada in the Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate. I am C-C-B bilingual with a total of 7+ years of experience in the federal public service, which during that time, I have worked as a CO-OP student, casual, and term until my indeterminate appointment in 2018, so I am no stranger to student bridging, networking, job competitions, or the on-boarding/off-boarding processes. Now as a unit head, I have gained a new perspective from hiring, training, and supervising. From these experiences both as an employee and as a supervisor, I can relate to the trials and tribulations that students and new public servants frequently face so I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with these mentees. |
| Joelle Raffoul | Director General | Impact Assessment Agency of Canada | Joelle Raffoul was appointed Head of Human Resources for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada in August 2020. She joined the Public Service 17 years ago as a student and is passionate about supporting the next generation of public servants! She is a member of the Human Resources Council Executive, an independent body that represents Heads of HR in the Public Service. She demonstrates a sincere desire to contribute an inclusive perspective throughout her work and involvement in the community. On the personal side, she is a wife and proud mom of two girls and understands what it takes to balance home priorities while pursuing a fulfilling career. |
| Harlen Card | Program Officer | Canada Revenue Agency | Harlen has proudly been an officer of CRA since June 2016 with CVB. He is a BA graduate from Manitoba's Red River College and a CAPM with the Project Management Institute. His current role has him working with the Registration and Filing Compliance Section on the GST/HST Delinquent Filer team and has been his role for the last couple of years. Harlen does his best to promote a growth mindset and always believes we can work together for a more innovative, efficient, and inclusive solution to any challenge! |
| Jean Cardinal | Director | Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | |
| Kevin Harrison | Scrum Master | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | I have been employed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada since 2013. During that time I’ve had numerous roles, from data entry clerk to an advisor to an Assistant Deputy Minister and many others in between. Over the past 4-5 years my focus and professional interests have shifted greatly, and I now spend quite a bit of my time focusing on coaching, building agile mindsets and leadership in the workplace. That being said, I’m down to talk about anything anyone wants to chat about. |
| Paul Keller | Chargé de projets | Lab d’innovation du Conseil fédéral du Québec | Paul est un codirigeant du Réseau FlexGC, où il est impliqué depuis avril 2020. Il a su depuis développer une solide expertise dans les meilleures pratiques et les technologies du travail flexible, ce qu’il partage ouvertement à travers divers ateliers, présentations et les produits et services qu’ils aident à conceptualiser. |
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