2024 CCHC Board Member Candidates

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

20 years professional experience in finance and accounting as well as several years in the health sector. Health sector projects include applications to the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, to establish Family Health Teams, funded remote care monitoring programs, palliative care units, diagnostic imaging projects and more. Additionally, I have been part of several not-for-profit Boards for multiple years nationally, provincially and locally.

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region.

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Access to government policy and decision makers Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board...Connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities

• Newcomer communities

• 2SLGBTQI+ communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Accounting/Finance

• Administration

• Advocacy/Community Involvement

• Communications/Marketing/Public Relations

• Fundraising

• Governance/Policy

• Health Care

• Human Resources

• Technology/Multi-media

• Volunteer

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Corporate

• Public Sector

• Health Care

• Non-Profit/NGO

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

• I grew up in small-town rural Ontario.

• As a student I worked in different healthcare settings, including pharmacies and hospitals.

• I received a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

• In 2005, I decided to switch my career trajectory and moved to Ottawa to attend law school.

• I received my law degree in 2008 and have practised law with the federal government over the last 15 years.

• My work with the government has included practising labour law with the Canada Revenue Agency, and acting as in-house counsel with the Department of Justice.

• I have previous board experience acting as a member and secretary with the AIDS Committee of Ottawa.

• Over the last few years I have been actively involved in the Government's Workplace Charitable Campaign.

• More recently I have volunteered as a festival volunteer with Capital Pride and would like to get more involved in my community.

• I've lived in Centretown for the last 12 years, and have benefited both directly and indirectly from the great work of the CCHC.

• I'd be honoured to give my time and support to this important organization.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

• I am a cis man in my 40s and I use the pronouns he / him / il / lui.

• I am gay and identify as gay or queer.

• I am an Anglophone, with intermediate abilities in French (C/B/C levels with the Government).

• I identify as white, and have Irish and Jewish heritage.

• I grew up in a religious (Protestant) household, but now identify as atheist / agnostic.

• I recognize my privilege and am interested in anti-racist / anti-oppressive movements.

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region.

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board...connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• 2SLGBTQI+ communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas... 

• Advocacy/Community Involvement 

• Governance/Policy

• Government Relations
  

• Health Care

• Human Resources 

• Legal

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

• Most importantly, I believe in and appreciate the important work that the CCHC does for the community.

• I believe I can assist with that work through volunteering with the Board.

• My legal background, government policy work, and experience with human resources management could be an asset.

• I've used some of the resources at the CCHC and have greatly appreciated that they are there for those in need.

• I care about the mission of the CCHC and the health of those in my community.

• I would be honoured to be a member of the Board.
  

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

• I'm a trained primary care physician with almost a decade of hospital experience and extensive experience with health promotion, patient advocacy, and community health outreach initiatives.

• I would add value to your board members by leveraging almost a decade of clinical experience managing and co-managing diverse patients with various physical and mental health disorders.

• Furthermore, my exceptional interpersonal skills and capacity for respectful teamwork enable me to work productively with diverse stakeholders, articulating ideas clearly and building consensus among board members, management, and staff.

• With my experience in marketing and communications strategies, I am well-equipped to amplify Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC) Ottawa's impact and assist in writing proposals to secure financial support for its initiatives.

• I possess proficient writing skills and have been featured with popular publications such as Harvard Medical Blog, British Medical Journal, LiveScience Healthline Media, SERMO and other health and wellness brands.

• I am eager to contribute my expertise, passion, and commitment to Centretown Community Health Centre's mission, goals and vision.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

I identify as a heterosexual black male in my 30s without disabilities. I am a Canadian immigrant and permanent resident (I will soon become a Canadian citizen).

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board...connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Newcomer communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Communications/Marketing/Public Relations 

• Health Care

• Publishing/Journalism Volunteer

• Health Care

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board:

• Commitment to service

• Collaborative leadership

• Vast clinical knowledge and experience in community health

• Integrity and ethical conduct

• Teamwork

• Dedication to CCHC's mission and goals

• Continuous improvement and lifelong learning commitment

• Creative problem-solving

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

• Director at CitySHAPES, a non-profit focused on building better cities.

• Author of 2 weekly newsletters on municipal policy reform: Fix Your City; the 613

• Over 2 decades in public finance, at Finance Canada and as Chief Economist of the G20's Global Infrastructure Hub Expert in corporate and non-profit governance

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Access to government policy and decision makers

I bring to the Board...connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Newcomer communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Accounting/Finance 

• Administration

• Advocacy/Community Involvement 

• Governance/Policy

• Government Relations 

• Publishing/Journalism

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Public Sector 

• Neighbourhood/Geographic Location 

• Non-Profit/NGO

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

• Over 25 years experience in the financial services sector with a strong emphasis on a public service mandate

• Previously being on the Board of CCHC, the Ottawa Community Loan Fund and a City of Ottawa community advisory committee. Thus a reasonably good grasp of issues facing the Centre, the neighborhood and the context those issues must be grappled with

• Deep-rooted personal experience of being a newcomer while dealing with challenging personal and familial issues including mental health; chronic illness and disability

• A wish to serve my Community which has faced unprecedented challenges in the last 5 years, more so than before, and support the work of an organisation that stood by my family and I in very difficult times.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

I come from a mixed South Asian and African background, one being my ethno-cultural background and the other my geographic. As a straight, birth gender male with a reasonably privileged economic background but a highly challenged social and health situation, I recognise the barriers for challenged groups. Though I make no claim to speak on their behalf, I would try my hardest to understand how their lived experiences can be bettered - whether through the centre's work in the community or my own actions.

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board...connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities 

• Newcomer communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Accounting/Finance

• Administration

• Fundraising

• Governance/Policy

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Corporate

• Public Sector

• Non-Profit/NGO

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

Every member of our communities should have access to the services they need to maintain their desired level physical, mental and economic well-being. If we can make the Centre the place they trust when needing those services, then it would be my contribution in helping to make sure the Centre's operations optimise providing those services.

The above is the mission statement I would give myself, whether I volunteered for a specific program or served on the Board.

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

I have a BA in Criminology and an MA IN Conflict studies. I have extensive experience in strategic planning and project management that will be useful to help CCHC achieve its mandate. I am an Executive with the federal government and have also experience in a non for profit organization. I currently sit on the Board of Governors at Saint Paul University.

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Experience using French services provided by CCHC

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

• Connection to the francophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board...connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities

• 2SLGBTQI+ communities

• Gender diverse communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Administration

• Human Resources

• Organizational Change related to Equity and Inclusion

• Volunteer

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Public Sector

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

• Fairness and equity

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

As a gay Latino nurse with experience working with indigenous communities, marginalized groups, and in mental health, integrating into Centretown Community Health Center's mission comes naturally. My diverse background and expertise align perfectly with the center's commitment to providing comprehensive health and social services to all members of the community. In my role, I can offer culturally sensitive care to individuals from various backgrounds, including those who speak languages other than English and French.

My understanding of indigenous cultures and marginalized communities allows me to bridge gaps in healthcare access and provide tailored support to those who need it most.

Moreover, my experience in mental health equips me to address the underlying conditions that impact individual and community well-being. Whether through one-on-one sessions, personal development groups, or community engagement initiatives, I am dedicated to promoting holistic health and empowerment.

As a foreigner, I bring a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for diversity, enriching the efforts to respond to local needs. Overall, I am enthusiastic about contributing to Centretown Community Health Center's mission and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

I am a cisgender 35 gay male, born in Brazil. I am a non-white latino man.

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board... (please check all that apply) connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities

• First Nations communities

• Newcomer communities

• 2SLGBTQI+ communities

• Gender diverse communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Administration 

• Health Care 

• Social Services

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Health Care

• Neighbourhood/Geographic Location

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

• Diversity and Inclusivity

• Cultural Sensitivity

• Community Engagement

• Holistic Health

• Empowerment

• Social Justice

• Language Accessibility

• Collaboration

• Education and Advocacy

• Adaptability

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

A career public servant with 18 years of experience at Service Canada, addressing the diverse needs of Canadians across local, regional, and national contexts. This includes navigating economic downturns, natural disasters, and pandemics in an ever-changing socioeconomic landscape. Committed to service and volunteerism, I co-chair the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research's Legacy Project for Ottawa and serve as the director of marketing and communications for Out at Camp, a nonprofit.

As a human rights and social justice advocate, I support movements like the Rainbow Week of Action, organized by Queer Momentum and Capital Pride. My strong respect for democracy, people, integrity, and stewardship is demonstrated through managing taxpayer resources, business planning, and forecasting for Service Canada's grants and contributions programs.

A longtime agent of change, I was the first person to come out at 14 in Elmvale, Ontario, the first male to compete in the fall fair ambassador contest, and brought a same-sex partner to prom. I firmly believe that all persons are equal and that healthcare is a human right.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

• I identify as a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community,

• neuro distinct (ADHD), 

• and Francophone (FSL two years).

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Access to government policy and decision makers

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

• Connection to the francophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board... (please check all that apply) connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities

• First Nations communities

• Newcomer communities

• 2SLGBTQI+ communities

• Trans communities

• Gender diverse communities

• Two-Spirit communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Accounting/Finance

• Administration

• Advocacy/Community Involvement

• Communications/Marketing/Public Relations

• Fundraising

• Governance/Policy

• Government Relations

• Human Resources

• Organizational Change related to Equity and Inclusion

• Quality Improvement/Evaluation/Accreditation

• Social Services

• Technology/Multi-media

• Volunteer

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Corporate

• Public Sector

• Non-Profit/NGO

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

Energetic and empathetic leader with 18+ years of experience serving Canadians and their communities. Specializing in human-centered service design and delivery, I have excelled in frontline roles and operations management at local, regional, and national levels. Renowned for leadership, creativity, and a positive attitude, I have a proven track record in business planning, forecasting, and resource modeling. As a developer of client-centric strategies, I transformed service delivery at

Employment and Social Development Canada. With expertise in managing complex issues, I successfully implemented service transformation plans for operations with over 1,500 employees and budgets exceeding $95M.

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

I have a breadth of intersectional, intersectoral (employment, academic, and board governance), and lived experience that I feel would be an asset.

I am a man and mixed person of colour, who has surmounted adversities to achieve positive outcomes for myself and others, by dedicating myself to health and equity files, even early in my career.

I am now a Policy Analyst with Master's Degree that works at Health Canada measuring performance for brain research, I have a plethora of experience providing strategic advice on issues related to federal disability programs and accessibility regulatory standards, homelessness data management and analysis, grant funding for Black Canadians' non-profits, and more. I also currently sit on the Board of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Chapter. I also serve on the Governance Committee of The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.

Furthermore, I was a co-recipient and knowledge user on a Canadian Institute of Health Research project analyzing recidivism in emergency rooms for mental health reasons towards a better understanding of triaging within communities, amongst other findings.

As a human being, I take an inclusive and pragmatic approach to engaging with others. I am polite, progressive, and optimistic in my dealings professionally and personally.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

• Young progressive straight man of Indo-Canadian descent who lives with a disability.

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Access to government policy and decision makers

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board... (please check all that apply) connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Mental Health, Disability & Policy

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Administration

• Advocacy/Community Involvement

• Governance/Policy

• Quality Improvement/Evaluation/Accreditation

• Volunteer

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Public Sector

• Neighbourhood/Geographic Location

• Non-Profit/NGO

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

The mandate of the CCHC aligns perfectly with my values and skill sets, and service to both my own and adjacent communities, and health and equity groups is part of my raison d'etre. Having served on ACAT years ago under Simone Thibault, I have an organizational awareness of CCHC's advocacy and operations, but have now gained significant asset experience to better serve it.

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills, demonstrated through successful project management and program/ working group/committee leadership at a not-for-profit organization in the public sector.

• Project management experience Business Management certificate Strategic planning experience

• Volunteer at a local food rescue non-profit organization, fostering relationships with diverse community members and understanding their needs

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with community members and stakeholders. Passionate about community service and committed to improving the quality of life for all residents

• Member of CCHC Grassroots' Group

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

• Black

• Afro-Caribbean

• Female

• Lesbian

• Millennial

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board... (please check all that apply) connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities

• 2SLGBTQI+ communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Administration

• Advocacy/Community Involvement

• Governance/Policy

• Government Relations

• Volunteer

• Supply Chain and Logistics

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Corporate

• Public Sector

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

Interest:

• Community engagement

• Community development

• Public health and awareness
  

Values:

• Integrity and respect

• Collaboration and teamwork

• Accountability and responsibility of own's action
  

Principles:

• Commitment to ethical decision-making

• Advocacy for equitable access to healthcare resources

• Dedication to continuous improvement, learning and growth

• Focus on long-term community benefits

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

Growing up as a child of immigrants, I've experienced firsthand the challenges and struggles of adapting to a new environment. Working with the grassroots group at CCHC has deepened my understanding of the issues people face and the advocacy efforts they want to engage in. Through my direct connection with individuals who are themselves grappling with various hardships, I've gained a unique strength and perspective to empathize with their struggles on a personal level. This firsthand knowledge equips me to advocate effectively for marginalized groups and ensure CCHC's initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the community's needs. My empathy, my insight as well as my commitment would make me a valuable asset on the Board of Directors.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

• Age: 27

• Gender identity: Woman

• Background: Canadian-Cambodian (second generation immigrant)

• Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Access to government policy and decision makers

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board... (please check all that apply) connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities

• Newcomer communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Administration

• Advocacy/Community Involvement

• Communications/Marketing/Public Relations

• Volunteer

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Corporate

• Non-Profit/NGO

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Community empowerment: my experience working with the grassroots group demonstrates my commitment to empowering communities to address their needs.

• Collaboration and partnership: my work with grassroots group, my connections with other organizations and stakeholders. I have a collaborative mindset and I am constantly seeking partnerships and alliances to amplify social impact and reach.

• Advocac y

• My capacity for empathy and compassion
  

At CCHC we value personal experience as much as professional experience. Please describe your experiences and strengths that would be relevant for CCHC members to consider when electing new Board members. You may wish to draw upon your life, volunteer, work or education experiences.

• Child of immigrants so familiar with challenges faced by newcomers

• Lifelong interest in health and wellbeing, personally and for supporting others

• Lived in Centretown, Vanier and Wellington Village since 2000

• Almost 30 years in public service in variety of roles, including health communications, international development, labour market policy, humanitarian and refugee protection policy

• At work, led efforts to address anti-racism, diversity and equity (including LGBTQI+), to contribute to department's and government's commitments

• Active member in women's network and persons with disabilities network

• Volunteer experience with youth, including after-school programs, tutoring, and Big Brothers Big Sisters program

• Volunteer experience with newcomers, including refugee sponsorship, mentoring, and health support

• Extensive strategic policy development experience

• In-depth knowledge of socioeconomic, humanitarian and immigration (including settlement) policy and program issues

• Exceptional collaboration, communications, time and people management skills

• Proven ability to work effectively, collaboratively and enthusiastically in dynamic situations

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and written and oral communication skills

• Effective knowledge sharing and engagement abilities to promote collaboration with variety of stakeholders

• Action, people and financial management competencies

• Experience in managing budgets, human resources and integrated business plans; evaluations.

As the CCHC wants to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, please list all groups with which you identify (i.e. based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno- cultural/geographic background, disability, etc.).

• I am a parent with a young child who is neurodivergent and has learning disabilities

• I am also a daughter who has managed and is managing my parents' complex health issues

• I am a wife, supporting my husband's mental health challenges

• I am middle-aged, getting close to retirement

• I am the child of Polish immigrants, with strong ties to Poland and the local Polish communities (in Ottawa, Cornwall, Toronto)

• I have mental and physical disabilities

I bring to the Board...Communities served by CCHC are either in the catchment area (Centretown, Glebe, Old Ottawa South), citywide or in the Champlain region:

• Access to community leaders and groups

• Access to government policy and decision makers

• Connection to the Anglophone community CCHC serves*

I bring to the Board... (please check all that apply) connection to other cultural communities within the city:

• Racialized communities

• Newcomer communities

• 2SLGBTQI+ communities

I bring significant experience from the following areas...

• Accounting/Finance Administration

• Advocacy/Community Involvement

• Governance/Policy

• Government Relations

• Health Care

• Human Resources

• Organizational Change related to Equity and Inclusion

• Quality Improvement/Evaluation/Accreditation

• Social Services

• Volunteer

I bring significant experience from these sectors...

• Corporate

• Public Sector

• Neighbourhood/Geographic Location

Please list any interests, values or principles that you would bring to the Board

• I have always had a strong interest in justice and equity, plus health and wellbeing

• I have strong desire to continue to support newcomers and other vulnerable people to be able to thrive in our society

• I value family, community and collaboration to improve how we live and interact with each other

• I also value honesty, integrity, effectiveness and constant learning

• I believe in being understanding, kind, and patient, and working well with others to achieve shared goals

• And I like enthusiasm, humour and optimism to help in difficult situations