Freelance Writing
The Chronicle, Montreal's West Island community newspaper, Spotlight and News sections
The Chomedey News, Laval's community newspaper
Le Net Blues, web site/e-zine promoting Quebec's blues musicians
Publications
Parkdale/Liberty Tomorrow - wrote promotional document outlining a strategic plan to revitalize the social, economic and cultural environment of Parkdale, one of Toronto's oldest and most culturally-diverse neighbourhoods and its adjacent commercial/industrial zone, the Liberty District
(Contract with Parkdale/Liberty Economic Development Committee)
COMMUNITY ECONOMICS - wrote and edited articles and contributed photographs for 16-page provincial newsletter published three times/year; managed subscriptions and distribution; sold advertising; marketed newsletter at community events and conferences; archived newsletters on web site
(Contract with Ontario CED Alliance)
MAKING JOB CONNECTIONS newsletter - wrote, edited, designed and produced two 16- page newsletters highlighting the achievements of an Off-Reserve Aboriginal employment program delivered in several Friendship Centres across Ontario (also contributed photographs)
(Contract with Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres)
Native Co-operatives and Credit Unions in Ontario - developed contacts, interviewed and wrote report for a published study of the needs of Native co-operatives and credit union initiatives in Ontario
(Contracted by: Canadian Co-operative Association) (1996)
COMMUNITY Books&Resources® - sourced, marketed and distributed publications and other resource materials for community developers at events and conferences and by telephone, fax and email request
(1996 to 1999)
Projects
Neighbourhood Revitalization Project - implemented and coordinated a revitalization plan to improve the social, economic, cultural and environmental conditions in downtown Toronto's unique, multi-cultural shopping area, Kensington Market by developing local resources including citizen participation, providing administrative support to the Committee and managing the initiatives of several Task Groups; produced weekly email newsletter and regular organizational newsletters
(Contract with Kensington Market Action Committee)
Publications Distribution Outsourcing Project - researched, prepared business case and implemented outsourcing of the agency's distribution role of its publications and resource materials by for-profit and not-for-profit businesses and organizations
(Contract with Ontario Government, Ontario Women's Directorate)
Internet Service Provider Business Plan - researched and wrote a business plan to establish an Aboriginal-owned and operated Internet Service Provider in the Huronia area
(Contract with Barrie and Area Native Advisory Circle)
CEDIndex - A Database of Ontario CED Organizations - designed survey, developed sample, implemented survey, designed database, collected and entered data of CED (community economic development) organizations across Ontario
(Contract with Ontario CED Alliance)
United Nations' World Summit for Social Development, Ontario Consultation - coordinated event, managed budget and wrote final report for province-wide consultation
(Contract with Ontario Social Development Council)
South Simcoe Needs Assessment Project - designed and implemented survey, organized public "town hall" meetings and wrote final report of a research study to gather educational, employment and training needs of residents and service providers in six municipalities of Simcoe County (near Barrie, ON)
(Contract with Canada Employment and Immigration)
COMMUNITY CONSULTING® - developed, promoted and delivered professional consulting skills and services to help community-based groups and organizations fulfill their goals and objectives
(1991 to 2001)
Qualifications
Master of Social Work, Community Development/Social Planning
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON - 1991
Bachelor of Arts, Social Development Studies
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON - 1989
Professional Development
Journalism, Photography and French (Written/Conversational) courses
Concordia University, Centre for Continuing Education, Montréal, QC - 2001/02