About Me
As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of The Arts Incubator collective, I led strategic initiatives that deepened partnerships with Indigenous communities and secured over $395,000 in participatory arts funding (2022-2024) through effective grant writing. I managed a $120,000 advertising budget to amplify outreach and ensure alignment with community values. Over the past decade, our programs have also supported food security and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
My leadership fostered an inclusive environment for 15+ artists, students, and community researchers, with a strong focus on mentoring youth in arts and recreation. I supported 30+ emerging artists through tailored training programs that empowered creative growth and community contribution. An experienced public speaker, I've presented at events including the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and led a 2024 Arctic Congress session in Bodø, Norway, in collaboration with academic partners. I bring a nuanced understanding of cultural and political dynamics, translating research into actionable, culturally grounded strategies that advance food security, capacity building, and financial sovereignty for Indigenous communities.
Experience
Artistic Director
ART Borups Corners Collective | May 2019 - November 2024 (5 years 7 months)
- As a co-founder and Artistic Director of Art Borups Corners and its Winnipeg Arts Incubator program, demonstrated significant expertise in communications, program management, and organizational capacity building.
- Spearheaded comprehensive arts administration, successfully acquiring more than \$395,000 of participatory arts program funding from 2022-2024 through strategic grant writing for various community-focused projects, in addition to securing and administering an additional \$120,000 advertising budget.
- Increased online engagement in 2024 to generate more than one million impressions and more than 100,000 visitors to program platforms.
- Incubated a diverse team atmosphere of more than 15 artists, students and community-based researchers, professional development for working artists was prioritized alongside mentorship opportunities for students and local residents.
- Innovative programming led to enhanced community engagement and empowerment, directly addressing youth development within the arts and recreation sectors. From 2022-2024 more than 30 emerging artists and youth have participated in training and development.
- Delivered multiple presentations for conferences and institutions suchs as the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, University of Victoria Community Based Research Lab (2022-2024), Arctic Change 2020, ArcticNet 2021 Annual Scientific Meetings, the Auviqsaqtut 2022 Inuit Studies Conference, Arctic Science Summit Week 2021 and 2023, the University of Minnesota Duluth Distinguished Speaker Series in 2023 and convening a special session for the 2024 Arctic Congress in Bodø, Norway with support from the University of the Arctic and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship and Master of Arts in Creative Leadership Programs.
Founding Member and Producer
Arviat Film Society | June 2010 - June 2021 (11 years 1 month)
- Co-founder and media mentor of the Arviat Film Society and Arviat Television, demonstrating a strong commitment to participatory media and performing arts training, enhancing community engagement and resilience through artistic expression with Inuit youth, artists and community members.
- Designing and delivering participatory arts, research and media skills training and mentorship programs that successfully integrated youth, artists, researchers, educators, Elders, and community members.
- Delivering media arts and cultural programming to support training and establishing Arviat TV, in partnership with Isuma TV's Digital Indigenous Democracy Project since November 2013.
- Supporting the design, delivery and collaboration for more than 50 community-based participatory research, arts, health and wellness initiatives, mentorship and media training for projects such as the Atii! Let's Do It! Youth Media Team and Building Healthy Bodies, Positive Impacts of Climate Change, the Nanisiniq Arviat History Project and many community theatre and performing arts projects.
- Harnessing film, television and performing arts for youth engagement, developing effective communication strategies, and supporting the securing of funding for community-driven programs involving groups of 25 ranging from 12-66 years of age.
Public Affairs Officer
Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Research Institute | 2008-2017 (9 years)
- As the inaugural Public Affairs Officer reporting directly to the President and the Board of Governors, played a crucial role in establishing and leading the College's first Public Affairs Office.
- Responsibilities encompassed providing comprehensive communications and media relations support across three regional campuses, 25 Community Learning Centres, the Sanatuliqsarvik Nunavut Trades Training School, the Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural Learning Centre, and the Nunavut Research Institute.
- Tasked with managing and supporting program staff and representatives in effectively disseminating information. This included speechwriting, ministerial statements and briefing notes for interviews to ensure clear and impactful communication of key messages to various audiences.
- Providing consultative advice and guidance to the Board of Governors, the President, and senior management on communications-related matters, proactively addressing any communication gaps and challenges affecting the College's public relations.
- Leading the development and execution of internal and external strategic communications, outreach, and promotion of post-secondary education and training opportunities throughout the North. Created a diverse array of communication materials, including press releases, media briefing documents, social media content, speeches, ministerial statements, radio spots, newspaper advertisements, public service announcements, general ad campaigns, and articles for publications.
- Collaborating closely with staff, the Registrar's Office, the Department of Education, other government departments, external organizations, and agencies, coordinated communications to market and promote a variety of degree and diploma programs. These included Nunavut Teacher Education, Nursing, Environmental Technology, Office Administration, Social Services Worker, Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship programs, Inuit Language and Culture, Jewellery/Metalwork, and Adult Basic Education.
Manager, Communications
Gov. of Nunavut, Economic Development & Transportation | 2007 - 2008 (1 year)
- As the Manager of Communications for the Policy, Planning, and Communications Directorate within the Department of Economic Development & Transportation, Government of Nunavut, instrumental in shaping and executing the department's strategic communications initiatives.
- Role involved developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to promote a wide array of public programs and services, including business development, tourism, arts and culture, resource development, and transportation.
- Led the entire lifecycle of communications materials, ensuring that strategic planning, content creation, production, and publication adhered to departmental standards, budgetary constraints, and deadlines.
- Managed a communications and advertising budget of approximately \$200,000, strategically allocated resources to optimize impact and efficiency.
- Handled media relations, addressed inquiries from news media and the public, and developed media releases, backgrounders, and announcements. Crafted ministerial statements for the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, significantly enhancing the department's public engagement and visibility.
- Provided critical research and advisory support to the Deputy Minister, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and senior management. This included analyzing information technology issues, planning and developing the annual systems services budget, and preparing fiscal forecasts. Strategic insights and recommendations were essential in guiding departmental decisions and supporting the overarching communication strategy.
Coordinator, Communications and Information
Gov. of Nunavut, Economic Development & Transportation | 2006 - 2007 (1 year)
- As the Coordinator of Communications and Information at the Government of Nunavut's Economic Development and Transportation Department, played a pivotal role in advising and supporting management, staff, and various internal and external stakeholders in the dynamic field of Internet and Intranet technologies.
- Responsibilities included providing expert guidance on communications-related issues and offering research and advisory services to senior decision-makers, including the Deputy Minister, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and Senior Management.
- Addressed critical information technology issues affecting the department and actively participated in planning and developing the annual systems services budget and fiscal forecasts. Insights and recommendations helped inform strategic decision-making and ensured efficient resource allocation.
- Proactively researched, monitored, and evaluated emerging information technologies. Identified and recommended cost-effective solutions to meet the department's IT needs, staying abreast of technological advancements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Instrumental in planning and coordinating major technical web projects, providing support and guidance to team members and colleagues.
- Managed the publication and dissemination of internal and public materials across media, print, and online platforms. Role involved marketing and promoting public programs and services in areas such as business development, tourism, arts and culture, resource development, and transportation, ensuring effective communication and outreach.
Media Producer and Webmaster for Army News
Dept. of National Defence / Ministère de la Défense nationale | 2005 - 2006 (1 year)
- As a Media Producer and Webmaster for Army News, part of the Army Transformation Program in the Directorate of Army Public Affairs, played a crucial role in advancing the Canadian Army's communication strategy through innovative multimedia projects and effective website management.
- Utilized creativity and technical skills to design and produce compelling multimedia content that showcased the Army's mission, values, and achievements. This included developing interactive projects, engaging case studies, and informative surveys, all aimed at enhancing the Army's online presence and engaging its audience.
- Worked closely with cross-functional teams to implement advanced communication methods for the Army's website. By integrating visual elements, interactive features, and strategic messaging, successfully communicated the Army's key messages to diverse stakeholders.
- As a primary webmaster, responsible for the development, maintenance, and optimization of multiple Army websites. Ensured their seamless functionality through regular updates, enhancements, and adherence to best practices in web technology, focusing on user experience and performance improvements.
- Efforts significantly strengthened the Army's brand image, expanded its digital reach, and enhanced public engagement. Through high-quality multimedia content and effective web management, played a key role in supporting the Army's communication objectives.
Content Development and Quality Assurance
Dept. of National Defence / Directorate of History and Heritage | 2005 - 2006 (1 year)
- Made significant contributions to the completion of a substantial web-rejuvenation project for the Directorate of History and Heritage's web portal.
- Primary focus on writing and editing content summaries, also provided crucial support for Quality Assurance (QA) and Configuration Management (CM) processes.
- Crafted compelling content summaries that effectively communicated historical information and showcased the mission of the Directorate of History and Heritage.
- Actively supported the Quality Assurance (QA) and Configuration Management (CM) efforts of the project. Ensured compliance with Common Look and Feel standards, as well as relevant Government of Canada policies and standards (DND, DHRIM, DHH Web Publishing guidelines).
- Contributed to the successful rejuvenation of the Directorate of History and Heritage's web portal through diligent efforts in content development and quality assurance.
Ebusiness and Process Consultant / Metadata Developer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) | 2004 - 2005 (1 year)
- Integral to advancing the Council's web-based service delivery initiatives through effective process management.
- Applied IT project management practices to refine and implement strategies that enhanced overall efficiency in information management.
- Led the development and implementation of comprehensive processes and strategies. Utilized strong communication and writing skills to conduct thorough research, collaborating with stakeholders and team members to design and document clear, actionable procedures.
- Played a crucial role in defining and standardizing policies and procedures for managing and leveraging information assets.
- Contributions significantly improved the Council's process efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
Systems Administrator and Intranet Developer
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada | 2004 - 2005 (1 year)
- Played a crucial role in designing, developing, updating, editing, and maintaining intranet websites within the Missions Operations department.
- Ensured the effective dissemination of information and seamless communication within the organization through technical expertise and creative approach.
- Primary responsibility was the design and development of user-friendly and visually appealing intranet websites. Leveraging skills in web development, created engaging interfaces and implemented intuitive navigation.
- Responsibilities included maintaining technical information and standard operating procedures, making them readily accessible to Canada-based staff and Foreign Service Information Technology Professionals.
- Organized and updated crucial documentation, facilitated efficient knowledge sharing and streamlined processes for IT professionals within the organization.
Technical Communicator and UI Designer for Defence Systems
Dept. of National Defence / Land Software Engineering Centre | 1998 - 2004 (6 years)
- Shaped user experiences and delivered high-impact technical documentation and training materials essential for tactical systems development for applications including interoperable indirect fire control systems, close combat, electronic warfare, and information management.
- As the first member of the User Interface/Help System Designer (UI/HSD) team, defined numerous roles and responsibilities that became the standard across entire project and documentation lifecycles.
- Contributed to several high-stakes projects critical to military operations. For over four years, developed user interfaces and training resources for indirect fire control systems, ensuring the system was reliable and user-friendly.
- Work also supported the design and development of computer-aided range safety mapping, improving range safety protocols for field artillery training.
- Provided expert guidance and training to clients and junior team members on effective interface design for tactical systems, graphic design, and multimedia applications.
- Frequently liaised with project clients and stakeholders to gather and translate user requirements into practical, user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive technical documentation.
- Adherence to high standards, including compliance with ISO-9001:2000 Quality Systems, ensured all deliverables were consistent and reliable.
Media and Event Coordinator
Ottawa Carleton Research Institute | 1997 - 1998 (1 year)
- Ensured OCRI's online and multimedia communications were engaging, effective, and aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.
- Focused heavily on event management and coordination/planning. Designed and produced print and web-based content for various seminars, trade shows, technical conferences, and special events.
- Notable projects included New Media North, Zone5ive, Technology Executive Breakfast, Ottawa SPIN, the Ottawa Technology Showcase, and OCRI's Annual General Meeting.
- Managed the conversion of printed promotional material between print and electronic formats for events like New Media North, the Canadian Conference on Broadband Research, Ottawa Technology Showcase, and Tech Rocks!.
- Designed and produced multimedia presentations, conducted digital video capture and editing, and managed multimedia web-casting for special events.
- Liaising and communicating with clients and stakeholders, ensured that the final production met the needs and requirements of assignments and initiatives.
- Role often involved liaising with various content providers and systems experts, contributing to the resolution of business problems and coordinating the resolution of technical issues.
- Provided advice and counsel to clients on the appropriate and effective presentation of web documentation.
Marketing Officer - Community and Student Affairs
Algonquin College | 1996 - 1998 (2 years)
- Played a central role in elevating the college's digital and marketing presence through strategic multimedia design, production, and communications.
- Critical aspect of role involved the design and production of multiple editions of the College's online Continuing Education catalogue. Strategically developed and presented this catalogue to prominently feature diverse programs and courses.
- Provided comprehensive communications and public relations support for conferences, festivals, and special events. Developed and executed communication strategies, managed media relations, and coordinated promotional activities.
- Serving as a trusted advisor, offered expert guidance on the design, presentation, and production of interactive marketing and communication projects.
- Managed the college’s corporate website, ensuring its functionality, usability, and alignment with branding guidelines. Oversaw regular updates, resolved technical issues, and implemented improvements.
Reporter-Photographer
Atikokan Progress | 1994 - 1995 (1 year)
- Encompassed a wide range of duties essential for comprehensive news coverage and publication for a community newspaper.
- Responsibilities included news writing, reporting, and photography for local events, court reports, business, government news, and human-interest stories.
- Required extensive desktop publishing and page layout experience in a client service-oriented publishing environment.
- Utilized initiative, tact, and judgment to gather local, national, and international news through interviews, investigation, and observation.
- Responsible for receiving, analyzing, and verifying news and other submissions, ensuring their accuracy before publication.
- Arranged and conducted interviews as part of research process. Specialized in reporting developments in fields such as medicine, science, and technology.
- Produced feature columns, photo essays, and stories on specialized topics. Also wrote editorials and commentaries on current issues.
- Trained and familiarized other staff members with digital photo scanning and editing techniques.
- Photography duties involved developing camera film, composing shots, and handling the PMT and printing processes.
- Responsible for the page layout and design for news articles, advertisements, business cards, brochures, special inserts, and custom orders.
Systems Administrator
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry | 1992 - 1993 (1 year)
- (Detailed description for this role was not provided in the PDF snippet. This is a placeholder description.)
- Managed and maintained computer systems, networks, and servers.
- Provided technical support to users and resolved hardware/software issues.
- Implemented security protocols and data backup procedures.
- Assisted with system upgrades and new technology implementations.
Education
Interactive Multimedia, Communication and Media Studies
Algonquin College | 1996
Comprehensive program focusing on digital media production, web development, and interactive design. Covered aspects of communication theory, visual design principles, and multimedia storytelling.
Journalism
Algonquin College | 1993 - 1995
Focused on comprehensive news gathering, reporting, and writing for various media platforms. Included practical experience in journalistic ethics, interviewing techniques, and media production.
Get In Touch
I'm always open to new collaborations and interesting projects. Feel free to reach out!