• After working in provincial communications for several years, I recently started a position as a communications and engagement specialist. In this role I work primarily with local governments and First Nations to support public engagement processes. Every community is experiencing rapid change and facing what seems to be increasingly complex challenges, from the impacts of climate change to tackling deep-rooted systemic inequities. I believe the role engagement plays in public decision-making and fostering community understanding will just become more and more important. As a relatively new public engagement practitioner.
• I am excited by the prospect of helping connect IAP2 members across BC and the Yukon to learn from each other and with each other to help make the communities we work in more equitable, more accessible, and more connected.

• I’m pleased to serve the IAP2 BC/Yukon Board in the role of Vice President.Over the past six years, I’ve lead and supported dozens of public engagement initiatives from small-scale infrastructure projects to large-scale projects in the Central Okanagan and the Lower Mainland. I’ve demonstrated leadership, creativity and innovation to engage residents and stakeholders. I intend to bring these same principles to the IAP2 organization to help achieve the vision and goals set out in the IAP2 BC and Yukon Chapter’s strategic plan.
• My vision is to grow the community of P2 practitioners, create opportunities for professional development in the field and advocate for inclusive practices.
• I look forward to connecting and engaging with you.

• My passion for public participation stems from the desire to advance the standardization of engagement practices that are fully accessible, inclusive, and have a focus on reconciliation. I’m honoured to help lead this shift in focus that IAP2 has been championing, while learning and growing alongside the team. I’m incredibly grateful for the skills I’ve learned, and continue to learn, through IAP2 that have advanced my practice.

• Indigenous Engagement and Consultation Specialist, WSP 
• I believe that my background in Indigenous engagement and my commitment to collaborative practices will significantly contribute to the mission of IAP2, ultimately supporting public participation more inclusive and effective for all communities.

• Authentic and meaningful engagement is what truly drives me. Over my 16 years working in local government, I’ve seen tremendous opportunity to amplify public voices in the decision-making process.
• Throughout my career, IAP2 and its membership have been consistent source of knowledge, guidance and support – helping me navigate the complex landscape of planning and implementing effective engagement. Drawing on the organization’s values, vision and network has provided a strong foundation for my professional growth and inspired greater creativity and innovation in my work.
• I would now love the opportunity to give back, in some small way, to the organization that has given me so much.

• Since January of this year I have been the Civic Engagement Manager at the City of Coquitlam, with a team of two staff. I am most proud of the recent unanimous adoption of the City’s first-ever Community Engagement Framework. I’m looking forward to participating on this board because I am keen to grow relationships with my local peers in the P2 community. I also want to contribute to growing and shaping this rapidly-evolving practice and the work of the BC/Yukon chapter.

• I have more than twelve years of experience in communications, marketing and community relations for complex projects, primarily with public engagement. I see public engagement as a fast evolving area of specialization with the potential to offer high value to municipalities for better decision making and building public trust. I am excited to be on the board to help guide best practices and identify emerging trends for practitioners.

• From my early days as an engagement coordinator to my current role overseeing complex engagement programs, I’ve had the opportunity to work across most levels of the IAP2 spectrum. I’ve been involved in diverse engagement initiatives and projects and worked with inspiring practitioners from all over Canada.
• As a Board member, I will continue to advocate for P2 across all industries and support initiatives that inspire the new generation of practitioners.

• I am the Engagement Coordinator, Regional District of Nanaimo and have served, provincially on the Wild Rose and BC YT board. During my time as a member of the BC YT board for six years until 2018 I was a director at large and then president.  I also Co-Chair the 2018 IAP2 NAC in Victoria.
• Listening and connecting with people are both a personal and professionl passion for me. I have been a certified IAP2 practitioner and active member of |IAP2 Canada since 2007 in both Alberta and B.C. I value being part of a professional organization that brings together a diverse audience of like-minded individuals that support transparent and authentic public engagement. By rejoining the IAP2 BC YT Board I would hope to help grow our chapter and bring value to the existing and new members.

Proprietor, O’Rourke Consulting Group

I’m excited to rejoin the IAP2 BC YT Board of Directors to contribute to our community’s growth and practice. I look forward to working with fellow board members to advance the IAP2 mission and make a positive impact.

• With over a decade of experience, I’ve developed tools like an engagement risk matrix and led industry consultations on complex regulatory changes.
• I’m passionate about meaningful engagement and proud to support the advancement of our profession.
• I’m honoured to bring my experience and energy to the Board and help deepen the impact of public engagement.

• In my professional career, I’ve supported transportation projects that bring people together to shape decisions that could impact their daily travel and make it easier to choose alternative transportation choices.
• I’m looking forward to connecting with and supporting engagement professionals at all stages of their public engagement journey and to share knowledge.
• Growing up, I didn’t know public engagement could be a career, and I want to help promote the profession while amplifying the voices of underrepresented and equity-deserving communities.