I am a legally-educated human rights researcher, community justice advocate, project manager and progressive thought-leader. I am also a mother and a feminist. I believe wholeheartedly that we can create a more just, equal and sustainable world — and that everyone of us has a role to play in the pursuit of that better world.
My Story
I started freelance consulting in order to connect with community leaders, not-for-profit organizations, research teams, and social entrepreneurs needing assistance to participate fully in policy change initiatives. I bring to the table a niche expertise: the ability to work directly with community members on a wide range of legal and human rights issues, while also being comfortable with legal documents and academic research. ("Plain language" is a specialty!) I fill capacity gaps so that important initiatives don't fall to the wayside for lack of time or expertise.
My Vision
Thriving communities where diverse citizens can participate, engage, and live dignified lives, unencumbered by poverty, inequality and injustice.
My Mission
To enable progressive social change and community empowerment by providing specialized research, writing, advocacy and project management services.
My Values
- Embrace complexity; life is not simple and important ideas cannot always be expressed in a sound bite or #hashtag.
- Respect community expertise; individuals are experts in their own lives and experiences.
- Pursue progressive social transformation by changing policies, laws and institutions.
- Diversity makes our lives richer, our advocacy stronger and our decisions better.
- Prioritize the needs of the most marginalized, vulnerable and excluded; support different forms of leadership and expression.
- Work with integrity, in accordance with your personal values and human rights principles.
- Innovate, be creative, continually learn and adapt.
- Rely on research findings and substantive analysis to inform decision-making.
- Protect the planet and co-create an economy based on caring, not extraction or accumulation.
Professional Experience
For over twenty years, I have worked in the not-for-profit sector — as a researcher, policy analyst, educator and manager. I have advocated at local, national and international levels, and contributed to many interdisciplinary coalitions and projects. Issues that I am particularly passionate about include women’s rights, health, globalization, equality and poverty eradication.
I have held management positions with the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC), and project leadership roles with the HIV Justice Network (HJN), Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) and Rainbow Railroad.
Formal education
- Honours BA, University of Guelph (International Development)
- Law degree, University of Toronto
- Masters in Law, New York University (International Legal Studies)
Publications
Click on the button at the right to read about my publications and videos.