Leadership Experience

As far as I can recall, I have been self-determined (able to make decisions for myself) and embodied a need for justice and fairness. It remained important in my various roles, may it be as a union steward, manager, or leader of an organization.

I love challenges, thrive under pressure, and show courage and resiliency in the face of adversity. Creative and solution-focused, my preferred leadership style is one of Servant Leader.

Leadership Skills Applied at Work

I developed strong leadership skills while being a union steward for the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. I was involved on the executive committees at the local, regional, and national level. I was recognized by senior management and my peers, as demonstrated by a number of awards I received (see Qualification section for details).

When I became a manager, my leadership skills were again recognized. I provided expert advice and guidance to senior executives. I was tasked with a number of complex projects such as opening therapeutic units in two different institutions and integrating community and institution mental health services. I was provided with opportunities to act as Regional Manager and Assistant Warden. I was also recognized and given award. (see Qualification section for details)

Leadership Skills as a School Trustee

I maintained leadership roles outside of my work. As a school trustee for the Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF) (provincial francophone public school board), I was able to expand my leadership skills (first year as a school trustee, following three years a vice-president, and the last three years as President). This included overseeing the management of over 40 schools in the province of British Columbia, being the largest employers of francophones (over 1000 employees), and managing a budget of over 100 million dollars. I was called to testify to the permanent committee on Official Language of the House of Commons (three times) and in front of the Senate.

I was instrumental in including student school trustees at public Board meetings. I worked closely with architects and the community toward the construction of a new school. We developed partnerships and alliances with provincial, national and international school boards, First Nations as well as the Consulate of France and Japan. Different projects and partnerships were also developed with various francophone groups and organizations. 

Some of the improvements noted during that time include:

• An increase of almost 25% of the number of high school students while other school boards observed a decrease in their population;
• Signature of a new Enhanced Agreement to increase Indigenous Education, with an increase from 9 to 33 schools with an Indigenous Education committee;
• Initiated a pilot for early education, opening four classes of 4-year olds. Researchers from Quebec and France provided data, which indicated the success of the pilot. Improvements were noted in the performance of the students once they entered kindergarten.
• Having other public school board recognized the benefit of working with the CSF and how we all gained, especially the children, by working together.

Prior to becoming a school trustee, I was President of the Parent Association Committee. I developed, in collaboration with the city, a francophone summer camp which eventually extended to the holiday season and March break. Fifteen years later, it is still active. I also co-founded a preschool and after school care for our community, despite the fact that my own children were too old to benefit from it.

Leadership Skills in My Communities

Because of my leadership skills, my knowledge in governance, and my solution-focused approach, I was sought by some organizations to sit on their Boards of Directors.

Currently, I am actively involved on the following Boards:

• RésoSanté (network focusing on French-language health services in BC). I took the Presidency of the association in 2024 as we were opening Santé Ouest, the first francophone health clinic in British Columbia.  I also sit on the Policies committee and the Strategic Planning committee.
• Société Santé en français (nation-wide health cooperation network ensuring concerted efforts to improve French-language health services). I chair the Governance committee and also sit on the Finance committee. 

Previously, I was also involved with those organizations.

• I was a board member of the Fédération francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, an organisation that represents over 40 francophone associations, 73 000 francophones and over 300 000 francophiles in British Columbia. We strongly advocated for the modernization of the Official Language Act and continue to advocate for French-Language services policy in British Columbia. A book was published for the 75th anniversaries of the Federation to recognize the contribution of 75 francophones. The project, which had begun 2 years prior, was completed within six months under my leadership.
• At the Conseil culturel et artistique francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CCAFCB) (spokeperson for the Francophone arts and culture in British Columbia), I took on the role of Treasurer and Vice-President. Different activities were developed to promote  various art forms from francophone artists in British Columbia.
• I was Vice-President of Le Relais, a Cooperative that plays a vital role in facilitating the settlement and integration in British Columbia of francophones immigrants.
• I was also on the regional and local executive for Toastmasters International.