Federal Youth Network/Career Boot Camp/Speakers2022

French / français

DAY 1: JANUARY 18, 2022

Demystifying the Building Blocks of the GC Hiring Process (Bilingual)

Name

Biography

Lynne Lariviere

Lynne Lariviere currently holds the position of Senior Manager, Recruitment and Staffing with ESDC’s Labour Program. Prior to joining the Labour Program, she was the Assistant Director of the Public Service Commission’s Toronto regional office (Ontario and Prairies region). Lynne has over 20 years of experience in the public service in Human Resources and Diversity and inclusion having worked in multiple departments mainly in staffing, recruitment, HR planning, outreach and talent scouting. Lynne is based in Toronto after having resided in the national capital region for many years. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Ottawa.

Stand-Out Resume Formats and Techniques (English)

Name	Biography
Alexandria Sacca	Alexandria is one of Canada’s Free Agents, energized by the awe-inspiring projects happening across the GoC and opportunities to collaborate with fantastic people.  Areas and projects where she thrives are Future of Work, Data Visualization, HR Innovation and using her Event Design skills for Change Management and preparing our workforce with skills mapping and gap analysis to realize the power of engaging in satisfying work. Her love of Quantitative and Qualitative Data, Research and Evaluation was ignited at Carleton University where she earned her B.A. and a spot on the Dean’s list and the flames have been fanned with the shift in taking a more human approach to skills-based work.
Ericka Stephens-Rennie	Ericka is one of Canada’s Free Agent’s (read more here), and prides herself on being an “intrapreneur” passionate about trying new things, keeping things simple and finding solutions for all kinds of problems. She has been a federal public servant for over 10 years, but her work experience spans multiple levels of government, the social profit and private sectors. She has worked in a variety of disciplines such as policy, operations, project management, organizational development and communications. She brings policy innovation practices to all her work, including tools and approaches at the intersection of design, entrepreneurship and open government. This means creating with the end user in mind, iterating, bootstrapping, and working open-by-default whenever possible.  Ericka has been a fully remote employee since 2018, and loves sharing what she has learned along the way.
Zineb Lahyane	Zineb has worked in Human Resources, both in the private and public sector, for approximately 5 years. While completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa in Human Resources Management, Zineb began her journey in the Government of Canada. Zineb is now a Human Resources Advisor, in a Developmental program, at the Public Service Commission of Canada. Much of Zineb’s role involves promoting the Public Service Commission’s programs for students and graduates and she can provide you with tips and tricks on applying to jobs in the federal public service.

Stand-Out Resume Formats and Techniques (French)

Name	Biography
Natalie Crandall	Natalie is one of Canada’s Free Agents, currently working as the Talent Manager for the Free Agent program.   Natalie has been working in HR innovation, performance and talent management, HR systems and skills mapping.  She is inspired by all of the excellent work happening across the government to help us meet our future of work here in the public service.
Roxanne Brazeau	Roxanne Brazeau worked as an office assistant and as a general human resources administrative technician at the Quebec provincial government for 4 years. Subsequently, in 2015, she became an Administrative Assistant in Human Resources (HR) within the Learning, Performance Management and Recognition team of the Courts Administration Service (CAS) department. In 2016, she worked at the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) as a non-EX Staffing Administrative Assistant and then was hired as an Administrative Assistant in the HR Coordination Team of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)’s Legal Services branch wherein she was promoted over the years to Team Leader – Business Management Services (HR). Graduated from a college diploma in Fine arts from the Cégep de l'Outaouais in 2008 and  having obtained a certificate in human resources management and supervision of the Cité collégiale in 2017, her academic background and her work experience in human resources allowed Roxanne to acquire various technical knowledge on staffing, classification, compensation (including the Phoenix system),  management of leave reserves, labour relations, learning and training performance management and recognition. In addition to using her creativity on a daily basis to solve issues related to human resources whose disciplines are interrelated, Roxanne has also been until recently a face painter for children for more than 10 years.
Alexandra Scott	Alexandra holds a degree in Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa. She has been working in the federal public service for 6 years and is currently employed as a Human Resources Advisor in a development program at the Public Service Commission of Canada. Alexandra works in recruitment and will be able to provide you with tips and tricks to apply for jobs on the GCJobs platform!

DAY 2: JANUARY 19, 2022

When Demonstrating Your Experience, K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple S'il-Vous-Plait) (English)

Name	Biography
Holly Palen	Holly Palen is the Director of the Innovation and Youth Engagement Division at Environment and Climate Change Canada.  Previously, she held policy  and advisor positions in international climate policy, sustainable development, weather services and forest management and policy.  She worked at Natural Resources Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and at Dalhousie University.  Holly holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Guelph, and holds a Masters in Environmental Studies from Dalhousie University. Passionate about governance and engagement, she is also a certified change management practitioner.
Lily Spek	Lily Spek has been a Free Agent for 5 years, and is currently the Recruitment Lead for Canada’s Free Agents as her 8th assignment. She has completed Free Agent assignments at the Heritage Canada, Federal Youth Network, Indigenous Services Canada, Canada’s Free Agents,  Immigration Citizenship and Refugees Canada, and the Privy Council Office. She completed her Masters of Public Administration at Queen’s University, as well as a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University. Lily helps facilitate weekly OneTeamGov virtual sessions on Mondays and Fridays; open to anyone interested in public sector reform, or looking for connection while we work from home.
Charlie Tsao	Charlie has been a member of the Public Service Renewal Secretariat at the Privy Council Office since 2015, providing advice and support on outreach and engagement. In this role, Charlie is responsible for building relationships both internal and external to the public service; engaging on the current renewal framework, Beyond2020; and event planning, most notably for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Innovation Fairs, as well as the recent FEDTalk event in 2020 (FEDTalks – Beyond2020 in Action), where he served as lead project manager.   Before joining the Privy Council Office, Charlie was an economist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada where he focused on the analysis of farm performance and structures.   Charlie is always curious about new ways to engage audiences. Please feel free to reach out to him on social media (@RenewExcellence), or by Email at [[1]].

When Demonstrating Your Experience, K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple S'il-Vous-Plait) (French)

Name	Biography
Ioana Finichiu	Enthusiastic and passionate about knowledge sharing, collaboration, and culture change in the Public Service, Ioana shares this in her current role with the Open Government team at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. As a public servant since 2006, Ioana has worked in operations, headquarters, central agencies, internationally, and with a functional community office. Ioana thinks people – the public and colleagues in public sectors across Canada and beyond – are at the heart of what we do. She believes in doing the right thing, even when it is harder than doing things right. Current motto: “I am not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it”
Audrey-Anne Racine	Audrey-Anne Racine (Elle/She/Her) works as a Human Resources Advisor and her tasks are mainly focused on the needs of the students. She is the National Student Ambassador at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and co-chair of GC Students. Audrey-Anne completed her bachelor's degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources in 2020 and is in the process of obtaining a master's degree in project management from the Université du Québec en Outaouais. She got her first public service job as a student in 2019, then went through the student bridging process in May 2021.

Strategically Building Your Career in the GC (Bilingual)

Name	Biography
Isabelle Racine	Isabelle Racine has worked for the federal public service since 2001. She holds a BA and a Masters in sociology from the University of Ottawa. Isabelle was appointed Executive Director of the National Managers’ Community in October 2020. Prior to that, she was the Director, Compensation Centre of Expertise & Business Transformation at the Canada Border Services Agency for three years where she was responsible for the nationalisation and transformation of the compensation program and led a Centre of Expertise and offices in eight regions across the county. Isabelle started her government career as a management consultant for Government Consulting Services. She specialised in OD-HR and Governance projects. Isabelle also gained central agency experience namely during her four years at the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer where she worked on various Government priorities including collective bargaining and HR transformation. Isabelle has also worked on a senior official development program at the Canada School of Public Service and on capacity building initiatives to strengthen the HR and Audit communities of practice. Isabelle is a mother of two teenagers.
Marie-Chantal Girard	Marie-Chantal Girard was appointed Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation (ERTC), in August 2021. She had served as OCHRO’s Assistant Deputy Minister for the Pensions and Benefits Sector since June 2019. Before joining TBS, Ms. Girard held the position of Vice-President, Policy and Communications as well as various senior management positions within Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and the Quebec Federal Council, where she liaised and coordinated horizontally with the federal community. During the 2000s, she worked on priority policy development issues related to income security and homelessness at Human Resources Development Canada and the National Secretariat for Homelessness. Over the course of her career, Ms. Girard has developed a regional, national and international perspective, including as Canada's representative and Chair of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Regional Development Policy Committees, as well as during her years of work on labour market development and advocacy in the community and parapublic sectors. She continues to be involved on a voluntary basis. Ms. Girard holds a Ph.D. in Labor Sociology from the Université du Québec à Montréal, as well as a Master's degree in Sociology and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Université Laval.
Natasha Cote-Khan	Natasha is a regional Free Agent located in London Ontario where she has been working from home since March 2019. Natasha is currently on assignment at Transport Canada where she is a Senior Communications Advisor. Her areas of focus are UX and HCD design, Future of Work, Communications, Program Management and Events. Working off the “side of her desk” with FlexGC since their launch in February 2020, Natasha has had the opportunity to liaise with multiple stakeholders and colleagues across the Government of Canada to support and share new tips and ideas of working from home. With 6 children at home during the multiple pandemic lock downs, Natasha has been a passionate advocate for almost 3 years sharing her insights and teachings on how to manage working from home while maintaining good team culture and cohesion at work, and sharing how she balances her work expectations and her family.
Muhammed (Ali) Khan	Ali is the Diversity and Inclusion lead with the Federal Youth Network and currently works at Indigenous Services Canada. He is a cofounder of the Anti Racism Ambassadors Network - a grassroots interdepartmental initiative aimed at supporting existing efforts in the public service to dismantle systemic racism with an intersectional lens. Ali maintains the Career Development In The Public Service site, which provides resources on mentorship and networking along with the Informal Learning Network that can be used by public servants across departments and levels to find project collaborators, mentors and/or guest speakers. Ali enjoys supporting employee driven networks across the government of Canada particularly those with a focus on career development and health and wellness.

Applying TikTok Principles to Interview Storytelling (English)

Name	Biography
Sidra Mahmood	Sidra is a civic tech designer, and a proud new member of the federal public service. With nearly a decade's worth of experience developing user-centred products and digital applications for government, healthcare and academic institutions, they lean heavily on lived experience, quantitative research techniques merged with intersectional analysis to design and code meaningful user experiences. Prior to being a Design Lead at Employment and Social Development Canada, Sidra was a recipient of the 2020 Code for Canada Fellowship and worked on delivering innovative digital policy analysis tools to the federal government. They started their civic tech career as a core member of the team that delivered the Open Data Master Plan to Toronto's City Council in 2018. Sidra's writings on user experience design and research in government have appeared in publications like UXDesign.cc, and they frequently give talks on gov tech and inclusion at events like Civic Tech for Good, FWD50, the UXR Conference, QueerJS, and more. Find them rambling about civic tech, social policy and dogs on their mostly-satirical Twitter @sidramatik
Justin Mathews	Justin Mathews is currently a Senior Analyst for Digital Communications at the Privy Council Office (PCO). Previous to this he served as Digital Communications Lead for Beyond2020 and in various roles at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Justin moved to Ottawa in 2015, initially with the intent to pursue a career at the intersection of comedy and journalism. Despite a failed standup career and the spectre of millennial purgatory, through coffees and cold emails, Justin was able to find his calling and career in the Public Service. He is a big fan of bars, biking, and battle rap. Justin also finds self-authored bios a bit cringey. You can connect with him on all social media: @justmath19

Applying TikTok Principles to Interview Storytelling (French)

Name	Biography
Jillian Leblanc	More information to come!
Runa Angus	Runa Angus has been with the Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) since 2019, first as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister and then as acting Corporate Secretary, responsible for Cabinet Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs, Access to Information and Privacy, Governance, Correspondence, the Departmental Liaison Office, and Executive and Ministerial Services. Runa joined the Federal Public Service in 2011 and has served in various capacities throughout her career. Prior to joining WAGE, Runa served at Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, where she worked on a number of issues such as: review of the legislative frameworks for telecommunications and broadcasting, net neutrality, the regulation of social media and the online media sector, and fake news. Runa holds Civil Law and Common Law degrees from McGill University and is a Member of the Barreau du Québec.
Melanie Copeland	Mélanie Copeland recently joined the ESDC Transformation Office (TO) as Senior Manager leading the TO Secretariat where she is responsible for overseeing the governance and communications functions of the Department’s Transformation efforts. Prior to this, she was the acting Director for the Transport Canada (TC) Transformation Portfolio Office where she led a growing and vibrant team who worked on TC Transformation activities, on large-scale communications materials, and on employee engagement and change management within the organization. With an understanding of the changes brought on by the digital age as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, her team also contributed to the development and promotion of strategies to modernize how we work. Mélanie is also an associate faculty member with the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)’s Digital Academy, where she teaches and advocates for the modernization of public services. Mélanie has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa and an MBA from Carleton University. She has a loving husband and two small children, and works from Ottawa. Please connect with her on Twitter @Copeland309 and LinkedIn!

DAY 3: January 25, 2022

Not Done Yet...Equip Yourself for Beyond the Process (English)

Name	Biography
Caleigh Miller	Caleigh Miller (she/her) is a Métis woman from Northern Saskatchewan, who now resides in Whitehorse, Yukon on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Ta’an Kwach’an Council.  Caleigh started her career as a student and then moved into Human Resources.  She has worked in a variety of disciplines, like staffing, labour relations, health & safety, HR Planning, disability management, and on Isolated Posts issues. Caleigh is a Free Agent with the Canada’s Free Agents program, currently working on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Caleigh has also chaired the BC & Yukon Interdepartmental Staffing Community of Practice since 2015. Caleigh is passionate about breaking down barriers and promoting HR as a partner in the achievement of business goals.
Jessica Vis	Jessica Vis has been with PSPC for 13 years. She has been involved with departmental and interdepartmental networks for many years, first as Chair of Vanguard, and Co-Chair of the National Capital Region Young Professionals Network (NCRYPN). She was selected as the full time chair of the PRIDE at Work Network in April 2021 and was previously the vice-chair in a volunteer capacity. Jessica has a background in facilitation and teaching, which includes volunteering as a primary teacher in Ghana. She is a solo parent to two elementary school kids, and identifies as a pansexual cisgender women.
Megan Young	Megan Young is the Director of Acceleration, Integration and Emerging Technology within CBSA’s Border Technology Innovation Directorate. She joined the Agency in January 2021, and has followed a meandering route to her current position. Megan graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, and despite spending her work terms and summers working with HRSDC (now ESDC) and International Trade Canada (now part of GAC), she started her career in the private sector. Megan worked as an auditor at Deloitte, helped to shore up the Canadian automotive supply chain at Export Development Canada during the 2008 financial crisis, and joined the Royal Canadian Navy for a few years. Upon the completion of her MBA in the Management of Technology and Innovation, Megan joined Gartner Consulting, working as a management consultant focusing on tech strategy, organizational design and operating models. She then took advantage of an opportunity to put theory into practice and spent a year at Shared Services Canada before accepting an offer to join CBSA. Megan is a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. She has lived in six provinces, a dozen or so cities, and has travelled to six continents.
Afreen Delvi	Afreen began her public service career three years ago as a Communications Strategist for the Office of Public Service Accessibility (OPSA) at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). Today, she for the Department of Finance where in her daily role as a financial analyst, she covers a wide array of policy objectives, focusing on curbing money laundering and financial crimes. Afreen continues to champion for holistic solutions to address today’s most pressing issues, focusing on artificial intelligence, terrorism, national and financial security, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. As a Youth Accessibility Leader with the Enabling Accessibility Fund, and through working on the implementation of the Nothing Without Us accessibility strategy, she hopes to demonstrate leadership and commitment to building a more accessible Canada, void of barriers to the full and equitable participation and success of all Canadians, including persons with disabilities. Afreen volunteers with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Innocence Canada on criminal justice reform and restorative justice. She enjoys learning languages and trying out making new recipes on the daily!

Not Done Yet...Equip Yourself for Beyond the Process (French)

Name	Biography
Jean Cardinal	Jean Cardinal is currently the Director of Open Government at Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Prior to joining the Public Service, Jean worked in the private sector for 15 years, in a variety of sectors, including marketing, sales & high tech. Jean joined the Public Service 13 years ago, starting at the National Capital Commission. In 2012, he then joined the Canada School of Public Service where he has held a variety of leadership positions in learning and development related to specialized fields of study including, but not limited to: Information management & technology, access to information & privacy, human resources, finance, security, etc. In 2021, he joined the Open Government team with the goal of continuing to champion Open Government and Data in the Canadian federal public service and beyond. He is the proud father of two wonderful young ladies, ages 13 and 10
Raphaëlle Robidoux	Raphaëlle Robidoux is originally from the NCR and began working for the public service as a graduate student in sleep psychology. After working as an assessment specialist at the Public Service Commission’s Personnel Psychology Center, she became the PCS’s youth engagement ambassador, coordinating the Emerging Leaders Network. She now combines her role as an ambassador with an assignment as a GBA+ analyst. She is the co-chair of the PSC’s Official Languages Working Group and a member of her organization’s Green Committee, Positive Space Sub-Committee and Women’s Sub-Committee, in addition to sitting on the board of the national GCWCC Youth Council. Outside of work, she teaches Pilates, sits on the board of a not-for-profit organization assisting brain trauma survivors, and is currently staging a play for a local school.
Dienabou Sow	Dienabou is currently the Director, Strategic HR and Program Development at a Federal Government Agency. She is a seasoned HR professional and leader with over 10 years’ experience in human resources. She leads the design and implementation of national Human Resources strategies, programs, and policies. Her expertise ranges from diversity, equity and inclusion, talent management and leadership development, to employee relations and corporate planning to name a few. She values establishing solid and trusting partnerships through exceptional relationship-building. Dienabou holds a master’s degree in Public Administration (Organizational Development) and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations, along with certifications in coaching, conflict management and workplace investigation. She is a member in good standing of l’Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés du Québec since 2007.

Influencing Your Reputation (English)

Name	Biography
Maame De-Heer	Maame De-Heer is an adept Public Health Professional with 9 years academic and professional expertise in healthcare. She serves as a Policy Analyst with the Government of Canada in the Public Health Agency of Canada division. Her role as a Policy Analyst is with the Mental Health for the Black Canadians Initiative where she contributes to building evidence and enhancing community-led, culturally focused mental health interventions that address mental health and its determinants for diverse Black communities across Canada. Within the Government of Canada, Maame engages in diverse leadership and executive roles where she supports the Co-Leads for the Black Employees Matter chapter within the Government of Canada, and is also an Inclusive Staffing Working Group Member where she imparts concepts and tenets that address challenges in a bias-free appointment process and identify areas in the appointment process where bias-related problems can occur. Recently, Maame was appointed Associate Editor for the Canadian Review Editorial Law Proposal, where together with the Advisory Board and Senior Editors, she assesses and examines Canada’s National Undergraduate Law Journal. Remarkably, Maame is the Founder of a grassroots initiative called the Power of Love Foundation Canada. This organization provides services and resources to Black women and girls in low-income setting, with the aim of improving their overall wellbeing. Maame acquired a Masters of Public Health in Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, from the University of Toronto, alongside a Collaborative Specialization in Global Health, Health Services & Policy Research. Comprehensively, Maame’s lifelong goal is to impact members of the society through community engagement, mentorship, and service. Her life is guided by a famous quote from Muhammed Ali, which reads, "if your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it."
Sean Boots	Sean Boots is a policy advisor with the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). He previously worked as a product designer with VOTO Mobile, a Ghana-based social enterprise focused on empowering under-heard communities, and as a developer at Global Affairs Canada working on the Travel.gc.ca website redesign. He rejoined the federal government in fall 2016 to help launch CDS as a new digital service delivery initiative. Sean studied Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, and enjoys working at the intersection of technology and public policy.
Amanda Bernardo	Amanda Bernardo is a cross-functional public servant known for her professionalism, grit, and ability to deliver results. Her career to date with the Government of Canada has largely focused on public policy, project management, change management, transformation and engagement. Amanda's background includes a strong understanding of machinery of government, including government spending and operations; program design and implementation; cabinet and legislative affairs; project management; and, digital government. 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. Presently, Amanda is the acting Director of the Change Management and Service Design Team within Shared Services Canada where she is tasked with supporting the advancement of SSC’s transformation efforts.

Influencing Your Reputation (French)

Name	Biography
Jessica Zéroual	Jessica Zéroual is the Chief of Staff for Digital Experience and Client Data at Employment and Social Development Canada. She has been working in the public service for 5 years, including in innovation, research and design. Jessica has experience in both departments and central agencies. She is passionate about working on complex challenges that focus on improving the lives of people, whether they are public servants or Canadians. Prior to joining the government, Jessica worked in the private and not-for-profit sectors, both domestically and internationally.
Brock Belliveau	Brock Belliveau is the Manager of Specialized Pension Services at the Government of Canada Pension Centre in Shediac, New Brunswick with Public Services and Procurement Canada. After a 13 years as a Human Resources Professional in the Federal Public Service, he continues his pursuit of empowering people, fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of innovation and service excellence. An avid sailor and dedicated father, Brock’s pursuit of having a positive impact on those around him can be seen through his volunteer coaching with youth hockey and soccer as well in his active support for community organizations helping those in need.
Jennifer Thorne	Jennifer has worked for the Public Service of Canada for over 20 years where she has developed expertise in policy, program management, communications, engagement, governance and client service.  An executive for over 10 years, she has held positions in multiple departments.  She has been working at the Privy Council Office since 2015, and has been a full-time virtual employee with the Public Service Renewal Secretariat since 2018, living and working in Mont-Tremblant.

Weighing Variables of Different Positions (English)

Name	Biography
Steph Percival	After nearly 5 years as one of Canada's Free Agents, Steph Percival recently joined the Canada Revenue Agency's Research and Innovation Lab as a Senior Analyst. Steph has been fortunate to experience the public service through a variety of career opportunities in her 13 years as a public servant: in policy, communications, human resources, innovation, learning, client service and more. Reflecting on these experiences has helped her understand what she needs to thrive in her work. For her, she's happiest in roles where she can be creative, have autonomy, contribute to a bigger picture, and empower other public servants. Steph remains an active part of the public service community while she's on maternity leave with her second baby boy.
Aretha Constant	Aretha Constant began her career with Employment and Social Development Canada (formerly known as Human Resources Development Canada) as a Programs Officer, with the Canada Student Loans Program, 24 years ago. Aretha was first introduced to the Federal Public Service as a student with the Federal Student Work Experience Program. In 2004, following an Interchange Assignment with the Conference Board of Canada, Aretha moved from Ottawa to Toronto to undertake her first local office position, as a Service Manager with in-person Citizen Services. In 2015 Aretha was appointed to her first Executive role as an Integrity Operations Director, also within Service Canada, Ontario Region. Between 2018 and October 2021, Aretha led Ontario Region’s Management Services Branch, which is responsible for providing strategic leadership in a number of areas, including strategic workforce planning and strategic accommodations planning. In October 2021, Aretha undertook her first Director General role in Ontario’s Strategic Services Branch, responsible for regional communications, planning and evaluation, strategic policy and relationships, and labour market and socioeconomic information. On a more personal note, Aretha is passionate about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and firmly believes in the value of coaching and mentoring as means of supporting managers and employees in career development.
Nayla Mitha	Nayla is a Senior Conflict Resolution Practitioner who is passionate about helping people gently stretch out of their comfort zones so they can reach their goals. She began her career in law and has over 15 years of experience in conflict resolution, coaching and leadership development. She is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation. Nayla has been published by the Tiny Buddha website and was featured as a leadership expert on the Bolder Podcast.

Weighing Variables of Different Positions (French)

Name	Biography
Melanie Copeland	Mélanie Copeland recently joined the ESDC Transformation Office (TO) as Senior Manager leading the TO Secretariat where she is responsible for overseeing the governance and communications functions of the Department’s Transformation efforts. Prior to this, she was the acting Director for the Transport Canada (TC) Transformation Portfolio Office where she led a growing and vibrant team who worked on TC Transformation activities, on large-scale communications materials, and on employee engagement and change management within the organization. With an understanding of the changes brought on by the digital age as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, her team also contributed to the development and promotion of strategies to modernize how we work. Mélanie is also an associate faculty member with the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)’s Digital Academy, where she teaches and advocates for the modernization of public services. Mélanie has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa and an MBA from Carleton University. She has a loving husband and two small children, and works from Ottawa. Please connect with her on Twitter @Copeland309 and LinkedIn!
Paul Keller	Paul is a former complex case collections officer and innovation ambassador at the Canada Revenue Agency. He has been a project manager at the Quebec Federal Council’s Innovation Lab since February 2020 with a stint in the Public Service Renewal team at the Privy Council Office Secretariat. He has great interest in technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, philosophy, the human mind, graphic arts, and audio production. Paul is a co-lead of the FlexGC Network, where he has been involved since April 2020. He has since developed a solid expertise in best flexible work practices and technologies, which he shares openly through various workshops, presentations and the products he helps develop.
Valeria Sosa	More information to come!

DAY 4: January 26, 2022

Nurturing Your Professional Support System (English)

Name	Biography
Frank Assu	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.  For the past three years Frank has worked for Service Canada, Canada School of Public Service, Public Service and Procurement Canada, and Indigenous Services Canada. Primarily on remote work files, future of work files, or as a Senior Advisory/Analyst. Frank is very supportive and always involved with projects. He is a co-manager/chair of two volunteer networks (GovernexxVI and BCFC Sustainable Development Network) and champion of Remote Work in the public service.  Frank has 4 kids (3 are adults) and a 7 year old granddaughter. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree with minors in Canadian History and First Nation Studies.
Anna Wong	Designing and delivering inclusive, modern public services is at the heart of everything Anna does.  She is currently the director of the Digital Community Management Office at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat where she is focused on attracting, developing and recognizing talent in digital government.  You can follow @Anna_Wong10 on Twitter to stay up to date with Anna’s latest work and thoughts on digital government, talent and women in leadership.’
Susan Johnston	Susan is passionate about dialogue and collaboration, and about how we as public servants can both work better together, as well as across jurisdictions and with partners in other sectors of society. Susan is part of the Free Agent program, currently based on the Priorities and Planning Team at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. She also serves as an Associate Faculty member at the Canada School of Public Service. Prior to that, she worked on public and stakeholder engagement at Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency and at the Privy Council Office, and in communications policy and international collaboration at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Susan is based in Ottawa. Find her on Twitter @joycuriosity, or tune into CKCU 93.1 FM | ckcufm.com early on Friday mornings

Nurturing Your Professional Support System (French)

Name	Biography
Ève Grébert	Ève is a policy analyst with the Open Government team at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS).  She joined TBS from Shared Services Canada (SSC), where she worked on women in science, technology, engineering, and math files and co-chaired SSC’s Young Professionals Network, Agora.  She is passionate about connecting people and fostering open and inclusive spaces to develop sustainable and innovative ideas.  When she’s not thinking of ways to engage the open government community across Canada, she’s working with the Federal Youth Network to expand diversity initiatives like the Panel Pledge, or dreaming up ways to improve onboarding in the public service. When Ève isn’t at her desk, you can find her running along the canal training for her first half-marathon. Connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Martin Choquette	Martin joined the federal public service in 2015 through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), while completing his studies at the University of Ottawa (B.A. Honours, Communications and minor in psychology). Since then, he has taken on a number of roles across the federal public service, namely: chair and co-chair of Vanguard, Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) Young Professionals Network, Project Lead - Change Management for PSPC’s Electronic Procurement Solution Project, and Communications Advisor - Social Media at Shared Services Canada. Throughout his career, Martin has been actively involved in networks across government, seeking to foster increased engagement between public servants across organizations and greater collaboration. Currently, Martin is the Team Lead of the social media team at Finance Canada where he leads important initiatives to communicate the government’s economic, fiscal and social priorities.

Strategically Building Your Learning Plan to Connect to Needs (English)

Name	Biography
Helen Daniels	Helen joined the GC in 2010 after 20 years working in non-profit, education, and private sectors. The transition was HARD. Since then she’s held 7 roles in 5 different departments (including 3 years with Canada’s Free Agents as a Talent Manager and Free Agent) and has now happily landed at CRA where she’s helping with the digital transformation of HR. She’s a learning nerd, coach, and evangelist for employee experience and effective talent management, she’s also a part-time instructor for Positive Spaces. Her personal experiences with mobility across the GC coupled with lessons learned from trying to modernize HR have taught her a lot about how to navigate a government career. Helen loves helping people find their flow state at work. Tweet at her via @freethetalent
Elissa Dodd	Elissa Dodd began her career in the public service in 2009. She was the Ontario Region Chair for the CRA-YPN from 2016-2018. In 2018, she was awarded a CRA Award of Excellence in the category of Future Leader. She also fulfilled the role of Co-Chair of the Future Leaders of Ontario from 2018-2019. In 2019, Elissa was accepted as one of the Canada’s Free Agents and took on an assignment with the CRA to assist with the implementation of Character Leadership. The Character Leadership team was awarded the Michelle C. Comeau Human Resources Leadership Award in the Team category for 2019. She is passionate about employee engagement and leadership excellence.
Justin Ford	Justin has worked at the Canada School of Public Service for 5 years, and is an advisor on the GBA Plus file, as well as events coordinator. Before for his time in government, he worked as a special needs educator in high schools, focusing on vocational training for students with specific educational and accessibility needs. He completed his studies in special needs education and psychology. While his entrance into the federal public service was unexpected, he has nonetheless found his time at the School both enlightening and enriching, and believes education plays a pivotal role in government.

Strategically Building Your Learning Plan to Connect to Needs (French)

Name	Biography
Robert Armstrong	Based in Halifax, Robert Armstrong is the Atlantic Regional Manager of HR Programs at Public Services and Procurement Canada. His team is responsible for a wide variety of workplace programs and initiatives including diversity, equity and inclusion, official languages, learning and development, workplace wellness, awards and recognition, and talent management. Before returning to PSPC, he spent 11 years at the Canada School of Public Service working on employee and organizational development across departments. Robert has years of experience working in virtual and dispersed teams before the current pandemic, and continues to adapt as the virtual workplace evolves. In addition to being an experienced moderator and facilitator, he is also a board member of IPAC Nova Scotia.
Derek Jones	Derek has been a federal public servant for over 20 years in various human resources (HR) professional and management roles. He is currently a Senior Policy Analyst at the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO) within the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). He has worked in a variety of departments and agencies, including the Privy Council Office), the Canada Revenue Agency, Health Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Natural Resources Canada; and has experience in various areas of HR, such as learning and development programs, performance and talent management, and HR planning. Derek holds a BA in Sociology and he successfully completed all the requirements for the CHRL (Certified Human Resources Leader) designation from the Human Resources Professionals Association). He is a dad with two younger children, and, in his spare time, Derek is a professional, bilingual recording artist and performer.

DAY 5: January 28, 2022

CBC Power Panel: Ask Us Anything (bilingual)

Name	Biography

Moderators

Name	Biography
Katherine Leblanc	More information to come!
Brittaney Lewis	More information to come!
Zineb Essaydi	More information to come!
Maxine Byam	More information to come!
Alex Mercier	More information to come!
Gina Scaramuzzi	More information to come!
Elaine Edache	Ella is a communications advisor at the Digital Engagement Office (Strategic Communications and Ministerial Affairs branch at the Treasury Board Secretariat). My team is involved in spearheading (from the communications side) the new GC wide platform GCxchange. I am also a writer for Living Digital, a blog on Canada.ca. as well as a volunteer for the Federal Youth network.
Nadia Descolines	More information to come!
Morrell Andrews	More information to come!
Alex Gunasselan	Since 2016, Alex has been working at Environment and Climate Change Canada, in Quebec, for the Carbon Markets Bureau. If there’s anything involving data and project management, you’re bound to find Alex there! Since joining the department, Alex has witnessed an increased presence of youth employees, and as a result, youth networks have grown significantly. One of Alex’s fondest memories was acting as the Master of Ceremonies for an event hosted by the National Youth Network where he facilitated a Q&A session between the then Deputy Minister and students at ECCC.
Justine Reynolds	More information to come!
Audrey-Anne Racine	Audrey-Anne Racine (Elle/She/Her) works as a Human Resources Advisor and her tasks are mainly focused on the needs of the students. She is the National Student Ambassador at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and co-chair of GC Students. Audrey-Anne completed her bachelor's degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources in 2020 and is in the process of obtaining a master's degree in project management from the Université du Québec en Outaouais. She got her first public service job as a student in 2019, then went through the student bridging process in May 2021.
Sarah Scott	Sarah started her career at the CRA as a student in 2018 while completing her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Human Rights. She found a home right away, and got involved in the YPN before being elected as National CRA YPN Chair in September 2020. Bridged in January 2019, Sarah helps young professionals grow personally and professionally through engagement and collaboration as YPN National Chair. Her goals are to lead the network in achieving its mandate of Engage, Support, and Innovate by facilitating meaningful contributions to the Agency and fostering a sense of community at a time when many employees feel isolated. In her free time, Sarah volunteers for various local initiatives in her home of Ottawa, and is working on launching her own charity. Sarah also enjoys Sci-fi, creative writing, baking cookies, and dabbling in photography.
Maria Shurshilova	More information to come!
Marcela Popowich	More information to come!
Valerie Plourde	Valérie Plourde holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Career Counselling from Laval University as well as a Master's degree in Organizational Development - Public Administration from ENAP. She is also a member of the Order of Guidance Counselors of Quebec. Since the start of her career, she has worked in the training and career development sector in various organizations such as DND, Desjardins, CSPS, CGI among others. Today, she is the Quebec and Nunavut Regional Lead for the National Managers' Community where she help managers cultivate/ build & maintain their professional support network.
Laura Jones	More information to come!
Marc-Andre Leblanc	Marc-André LeBlanc is originally from Haute Aboujagane, New Brunswick. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Information-Communication from the Université de Moncton and a Master's degree in Communication-Media Studies from the University of Ottawa. Marc-André has a lot of professional experience in project and team management in the world of communications and events. He was the Executive Director of the Fédération des jeunes francophones in New-Brunswick and has also worked in event management for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2019 World Acadian Congress. As a hobby he produces and hosts the podcast Yousque t'es rendu? He joined the public service in September 2019 as a communications advisor at the Department of Canadian Heritage. Since last May he has been a member of the Free Agents of Canada team. He works from his home in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Joshua Frame	More information to come!