Advisory Committees

Tony Botelho is the Managing Director of the UBC Career Centre. He was formerly the Director of Simon Fraser University’s nationally recognized Career & Volunteer Services. He is a past recipient of the Rob Shea Research Award by the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) for his research on the role of career education in the contemporary university environment (2014). Tony also co-led (and co-chaired) the development of CACEE’s first research committee. In 2019 he was awarded the Stu Conger Award for Leadership by the Canadian Career Development Foundation.

Shalini Sharma is an economist with a specialization in urban economics and urban labour markets. At present she provides research consulting on a freelance basis for various NGOs in workforce development. Her background includes the position of Director, Research & Policy at the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity (CCYP), an erstwhile federal government–funded organization dedicated to youth workforce development and youth well-being under the YES strategy. She has extensive experience dealing with youth career aspirations having taught at the University of Toronto for 18 years.

Lorena Camargo contributes to contemporary, forward-looking research projects about labour market issues in Canada as a Principal Researcher at the Labour Market Information Council. Her expertise includes innovation policy and global markets.

Lorena brings a variety of interdisciplinary skills and lenses to her research from working internationally with different levels of government, as well as the private sector. She has a master’s degree from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy where she co-wrote a report on economic development and innovation policy that has since been approved for publication in the Oxford Journals’ Socio-Economic Review in 2022.

Lorena understands the value of multi-culturalism and loves languages! She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and speaks intermediate-advanced French.

Lorena is a Certified ScrumMaster. In her spare time, Lorena enjoys getting lost in a good book, dance classes, and when possible, travelling.

Élodie Chevallier, PhD, is a researcher and consultant specializing in the topic of the meaningful work.

Her research focuses on the causes and processes of loss the meaning of work and their impact on career development. She holds a PhD in education and is an Associate Researcher at the CRIEVAT (Center for Research and Intervention on Education and Working Life) at Laval University, as well as at the CRTD (Center for Research on Work and Development) at CNAM in Paris.

Élodie’s commitment extends beyond academia into practical application; she collaborates with institutions and organizations to create environments that foster meaningful careers. Through her consulting work, she applies the results of her research to improve career development practices and address the challenges and opportunities of today’s workforce.

Tannis Goddard is the CEO of MixtMode Consulting and provides training and consultation services to governments and career agencies regarding the design and implementation of career services, with a specialization in online and blended career services. She has over 25 years of experience operating career centres in Canada. Tannis led the launch of the first federally funded online career counselling program in 2004 and has since led the successful delivery of online services to a full range of client groups. With keen interest in seeing this delivery option grow in our field, Tann is has been involved in research projects, including her PhD studies, and has presented on this topic all over the world.

Dr. Jeff Landine is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of New Brunswick and a Licensed Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick. He has worked as a counsellor in the public school system, with UNB’s Counselling Services and in private practice for a combined 25 years. His teaching and research interests include employability, self-concept, identity development, career development and career counselling, as well as professional ethics.

Roxy Merkand is a Research Science Specialist at the McKinsey Health Institute of McKinsey & Company. The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) is an enduring, non-profit generating entity within McKinsey & Company – founded on the conviction that, over the next decade, humanity could add as much as 45 billion extra years of higher-quality life (roughly six years per person on average – and substantially more in some countries and populations). MHI’s mission is to catalyze the actions needed across continents, sectors and communities to realize this possibility. Roxy works on several research projects – designing and collecting health-related data from respondents around the world, translating this data to insights, and bringing these insights to clients to drive change at scale that is good for employees, for business and for broader communities.

Roxy earned her PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Waterloo (UW) in 2022 – focusing her research on the disclosure of invisible disabilities during job search and at work. Roxy worked for UW’s Centre for Career Action throughout her graduate studies, where she learned first-hand about the vital role career development practitioners can play for students. Roxy is currently pursuing her MBA at Wilfrid Laurier University. Roxy is passionate about weightlifting, sustainable food sourcing, trying new recipes and snuggling with her two dogs – Frankie and Myra.

Magdalena Mot is the Senior Manager of Work-Integrated Learning at Capilano University. She was formerly the WIL Co-ordinator at KPU’s Melville School of Business. She is a past recipient of the Presidential Award by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) for her research and work dedicated to career development at an international level (2023). Magdalena is also a Director-at-large on ACE-WIL’s Board of Directors, chairs NCDA’s Global Connections Committee, and is a member of CERIC’s Practical & Academic Research Committee. 

Alison is a PhD student in Higher Education at OISE, specializing in education policy and international comparative education. She has a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree in finance. She has worked for several years in the field of education and finance across three countries. As an educational administrator, she has been instrumental in setting up and running undergraduate and graduate programs in higher education institutions. However, she is most proud of her work on immigrant students, which was the topic of her master’s thesis.

She is an Open Education Fellow at the Open Education Group, where she studies ways to achieve social justice through the use of open education resources. She has been awarded the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the Graduate Student Researcher Award by the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services, the Dr. Roxana Ng Memorial Scholarship in Equity, the Diversity and Feminism Research Award, and the Azim Premji Foundation Fellowship for her research work. She has served as a co-chair of several educational-related committees, that focus on mentorship, mental health and accessibility.

Aziz Mimoudi is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Education, Sherbrooke University since September 2020. He is a researcher-member of the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology (OBVIA).

His research topic focuses on the development of skills in training platforms assisted by artificial intelligence.

Since October 2022, he has been a research assistant in the “Global Smart Disruptive Learning” a GSDL/UNESCO project, an intelligent learning system redesigned for all, and research assistant in the Research Institute of Artificial Intelligence in Université TÉLUQ, Canada.

Dinuka Gunaratne is the Director of Career Development and Experiential Learning for Northeastern University. Since 2007, Dinuka has worked at six post-secondary institutions across Canada in student services, fundraising, alumni relations and career development. As a former international student from Sri Lanka and a new immigrant to Canada, he is passionate about supporting immigrants and international students while advocating for system-level change for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and dismantling racism in higher education. He is also a facilitator of Anti-Racism Response Training (ART).

Over the past six years, Dinuka has specialized in supporting the career development of graduate students (Master’s, PhD and Postdoc) and is recognized for his expertise in the field. He holds leadership positions with the Canadian Association of Colleges and University Student Services (CACUSS) Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network (GPDN) and the Graduate Career Consortium (GCC). A graduate of the University of Guelph, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and is an avid gardener outside of work.

Holly Linkert resides in the Region of Waterloo, ON where she is a high school guidance counsellor and co-operative education teacher at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Through both roles, she is able to help students find their groove, passions and interests as they explore their future pathways in life. She co-coaches the dance groups where she believes that students should expand their minds and explore ways to be creative thinkers. As a leader she chairs the Integrated Arts Program teacher meetings where they plan, organize and manage the IAP program. As a member of the provincial brainstorming team for the new Career Studies curriculum in Ontario (2018), she helped to add financial literacy and updated job application methods to the curriculum.

As a lifelong learner, Holly has created new material and assessments for dance and drama classes that include equity, diversity and inclusion principles and ideas. She has a diverse career background starting as a professional singer/dancer with Jean Ann Ryan Productions (Florida), member of a retail management team for Reebok Canada, a guidance counsellor with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), dance educator with Carousel Dance Centre, and a former volunteer for Ballet Creole (Toronto) and Dance Ontario. She holds a BA Honours history degree from Kings University College at Western University, a post-graduate Career Development Practitioner certificate from Conestoga College, a teaching certificate from D’Youville College (NY), and a jazz/tap teaching diploma from ADAPT.

Akshay Arora has experience in the co-op and career development landscape with Canadian post-secondary institutions supporting international and domestic students. His portfolio includes leading teams in the work-integrated learning setting, supporting students with post-graduate employment, change initiatives in communication and operation strategies, developing resources and implementing impactful projects to inspire student populations.

With a vision to empower students by providing resources, and strategically achieving career objectives and goals, Akshay being an international student himself, deeply understands the diverse challenges students encounter. Career development for him is empowering individuals to overcome challenges and opening doors of possibilities, fostering self-efficacy and being a hope and pillar of support. Ensuring students’ success is not just responsibility; it’s a profound commitment for him.

Nordia Bogle is a dedicated professional with a profound commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change within organizations. Currently serving as an Executive Director for a non-profit organization, Nordia plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission forward. Additionally, she excels as a personal brand strategist and executive coach, focusing on empowering immigrant women and service-based professionals to unlock their full potential, embrace their ambitions and confidently step into the next version of themselves.

As an immigrant woman herself, Nordia possesses first-hand understanding of the challenges and uncertainties associated with navigating new territories, cultural practices and professional expectations. Her personal journey has fueled her passion for lifelong learning and development, motivating her to support others in their pursuit of career advancement.

Nordia holds a MEd in administration & leadership and has accumulated expertise in leadership development, strategic planning and change management throughout her career. Nordia aims to foster positive changes within organizations that employ immigrant women by advocating for their access to influential executive roles. Recognizing the unique perspectives and talents that immigrant women bring to the table, Nordia is dedicated to ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions are valued. Through her expertise and compassionate approach, she endeavours to make a lasting impact on the lives and careers of those she serves.

Michael Ford brings a diverse background to his career development work, teaching and studies. He has over 40 years’ experience in multiple professions and industries, including communications, healthcare, the arts, education and international business. Currently, he is the International Co-op Coordinator at Simon Fraser University (SFU).

Michael is particularly interested in the shifting dynamics and trends of the workplace and jobs, labour market information, career adaptability, work/life transition and the future of work in times of uncertainty and rapid technological change. Around these topics, Michael has presented multiple times at the Cannexus conference.

Michael holds an MA in educational psychology at SFU with a focus on career development and education along with a BA in communications and a post-baccalaureate in counselling and human development. Previously, he was an instructor in SFU’s Career Development Practitioner Program. 

Annika Gilgen has several years of professional experience in labour market development, professional advancement and in post-secondary institutions, including responsibility for managing funding agreements, project co-ordination, program development and evaluation. In her current role with the Government of Yukon, she works on the planning, development, delivery and evaluation of a wide variety of programs, initiatives and strategies in a multi-stakeholder environment to enhance Yukon’s labour market.

Trina Maher is the President of Bridging Concepts, an Indigenous human resources consultancy with the vision to see “Indigenous peoples enjoy meaningful careers in Canadian workplaces.” Since 1999, Trina has been helping people and ideas connect to accelerate Indigenous workplace inclusion by providing cultural competency training, management coaching and strategic guidance, which assists companies in building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities to reach mutually beneficial outcomes for employment. She is a dedicated Indigenous career development practitioner who provides training to career practitioners across Canada to help them better engage and support Indigenous youth and adults to prepare for the world of work. She often is called upon to her share her insights and experience for projects and initiatives to support Indigenous peoples’ engagement and create space for Indigenous voices in workforce development. Trina is an Advisor for the Canadian Aboriginal Human Resource Management Association, Certified Business Member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Council member of the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario, Council member for the Career Development Practitioner Centre, and a member of CERIC’s Content & Learning Committee.

Amanda Assi is a current graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary. She also holds a Master of Science in Neuroscience from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology with a Cognitive Science Minor from the University of Waterloo. Amanda brings extensive experience supporting and working alongside various individuals across their lifespan. She has a strong background in supporting families and individuals living with disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders by providing behavioural intervention, standardized psychological assessment and counselling support. Amanda is dedicated to leveraging her expertise to ensure that career opportunities are accessible to those who face discrimination or require additional support. Her current professional and research interests surround the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion in career recruitment, particularly within the realm of first responders across Canada. Amanda has a deep commitment to making meaningful, positive changes that reflect the needs and values of Canadian communities.

Akosua Alagaratnam is the Executive Director of First Work. Prior to joining the organization, Akosua worked as a senior public affairs professional, primarily focused on policy affecting marginalized communities and youth. During her tenure with the Provincial Minister of Children and Youth Services, Akosua led the Youth Justice and Youth Opportunity policy and also worked directly with multiple agencies, as well as frontline staff, to advocate for marginalized youth. As a senior policy advisor with the Provincial Minister of Finance, Akosua effectively advised on policy and legislation spanning a diverse portfolio, including labour, children and youth services, community and social services, correctional services, and Indigenous relations. With over six years of experience in government, combined with seven years as the board representative for the Region of Peel Women’s Centre – Interim Place, Akosua is an established driver of effective policy-making, communications, public and government affairs, and community engagement.

Valérie Roy is the Executive Director of AXTRA, l’Alliance des centres-conseils en emploi, which brings together 95 organizations across the province of Quebec. Their mission is the job market integration of all people. Valérie works with AXTRA’s members and partners to develop best practices, and a body of knowledge in the employment and training sector to contribute to a more inclusive labour market. She also sits on numerous boards and committees in Quebec and Canada.

Keka DasGupta is a 20-year award-winning PR and communications strategist, a TEDx speaker, executive trainer and an entrepreneur. Keka began her career at IKEA and served with the company for seven years, managing all national PR and communications programs. She also served as the company’s media and crisis spokesperson. She then moved onto the reputed PR firm, DDB Public Relations (DDB PR). After becoming a new mom (she now has two boys), Keka established her own boutique consulting firm, Precision Marketing Group Inc.

Keka continued to consult with DDB, as a freelance VP of their PR division. In 2016, Keka and her DDB team were awarded the Oscars of the PR industry with the Agency of the Year designation in the global Gold Quill competition, by the International Association of Business Communicators. Keka has worked with such globally recognized brands as: IKEA, Nike, Disney, American Express, Schwarzkopf, Johnson & Johnson and many other Fortune 500s. She has worked in recruitment marketing for over a decade, co-founded a corporate L&D company, Enkompass Consulting, and served as an instructor at the Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC), York University.

As her passion project, Keka also delivers keynote speeches and runs interactive Gratitude workshops for corporations across North America, focused on increasing employee productivity, happiness, loyalty and retention. Keka has also created a program for school students (Grades 7 to 12), focused on using gratitude to proactively tackle bullying environments. Keka is a professional member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS).

Trevor Lehmann is a student services professional with over 9 years of experience advising post-secondary students on academic and career decisions at the University of Manitoba. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Trevor volunteers with the Manitoba Association of Career Development (MACD) where he chairs the professional development committee to co-ordinate workshops and presentations to MACD members. He also assists with the annual Let’s Get to Work Conference.
Beyond career development, Trevor works to assist adults through other life transitions. As a volunteer with Palliative Manitoba, he assists clients through life transitions and associated loss and grief. He also maintains a private practice running groups and workshops to assist with mental health concerns related to climate change and ecological loss.

Alastair MacFadden is the Assistant Deputy Minister with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). He was formerly the Director of Executive Education at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and Interim Academic Director for the school’s University of Saskatchewan campus. He served previously as Deputy Minister of Immigration and Career Training (2018-2020) and Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour Market Development (2013-18) for the Government of Saskatchewan, and in other roles in government and the non-profit sector. As a senior official in government, Alastair reconciled labour market agendas for Canadians and newcomers, he negotiated investments in workers and businesses, and he worked to improve the results of labour market activities through collaborative planning with business, labour and others. His time as a senior official saw Saskatchewan rank among the top-performing labour markets in Canada, based on areas like the employment rate of under-represented groups, job tenures and the average period of unemployment. His work with other governments led to the formation of collaborative strategies among immigration officials and labour market officials, including the formation of a national non-profit known as the Labour Market Information Council of Canada. 

Adriano Magnifico has taught senior high school English and Career Development for 35 years. He is the creator of the Career Internship Program, a multi-award-winning venture that meshes career development with traditional courses, and which flourishes to this day in high schools. He works or has worked with executive/leadership teams with CERIC, LMIC, the Canadian Cyber Defence Challenge, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Manufacturing and Exporters (CME), and the Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He serves as a director on the boards of the Osborne Village Resource Centre and the Canadian Professional Logistics Institute.  Adriano actively volunteers with Junior Achievement, Special Olympics Manitoba, Harvest Manitoba and has coached hockey and baseball in his community for the past 30 years. He is Co-president of the Manitoba Association of Teachers of English and has worked on teams developing summer literacy programs for marginalized elementary students. Adriano publishes articles on career development, writes a regular column for the Winnipeg Free Press Community Review, and has won awards for his short stories, one of which was turned into a short film. He invented the LEAN Career Design Canvas, a big picture personal narrative tool, and shares it with CDPs in Canada and various countries. He hosts the podcast Adventures in Careerland with a team of dedicated high school students. He is happily married to Vicki, has three boys (all moved out!), and two rescue dogs, Maggie and Mighty.

Sophie Turner is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning 25+ years in innovation, marketing business development, entrepreneurship advising, executive coaching and career coaching. She brings extensive experience in value creation and developing talent within corporate and academic environments. Sophie designs and implements career-focused education and experiential learning initiatives for various working professionals. Her specialty lies in empowering business leaders, entrepreneurs and seasoned storytellers who are ready for disruption. She guides them to reframe their narratives, shape their unique value propositions and innovate their approaches, enabling them to discover new brand value that aligns with their career aspirations and personal visions.

She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Management in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MMIE) from Queen’s University. Sophie is passionately working towards establishing a new ecosystem to support young adults in their journey towards mental wellness. During the early stages of her design thinking process for new programs or initiatives, Sophie can often be found transforming her dining room window as an ideation whiteboard, covering it with post-it notes.

Deepti Mhaske is a dedicated Student Development Officer at the College of North Atlantic, boasting 9 years of extensive experience in recruitment across IT, BPO and Development sectors. She excels in career development, with a proven track record of successfully hiring for diverse roles globally. Deepti’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to support newcomers in Canada, growing a community from 10 to 1,000 members in a year and launching the impactful platform www.mimarathi.ca. Specializing in client support, work search, resume analysis, skills matching and employer engagement, Deepti is adept at managing end-to-end recruitment processes and collaborating with cross-functional teams. She holds a master’s in employment relations from Memorial University and serves as the CEWIL Atlantic Newfoundland and Labrador Representative. Passionate about guiding careers and advocating for international students, Deepti brings her wealth of expertise and is committed to enhancing career development practices and supporting diverse communities.