Katimavik’s Team

She has worked for some of Canada’s largest and most respected companies across a number of industries with the majority of her career focused on advancing the responsible development of Canadian energy on the global stage. Heidi currently leads business communications for the gas and pipelines division of ATCO Energy Systems.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Calgary.

During her studies, Heidi focused on sustainability with a special interest in how traditional ecological knowledge can work in tandem with the responsible development of Canada’s oil and gas resources, and how sustainable business practices translate into shareholder value.

Heidi is most happy at home in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. She is a passionate downhill skier with a goal to find wintry conditions worldwide so she can ski all 12 months of the year. She is a proud mother of two sons and has loved watching their progression into adult life.

Christina has worked and lived in Paris, Amsterdam, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Hamilton and London, Ontario. She is culturally adept, fluently bilingual and an excellent communicator and motivator, who is stimulated by new challenges.

Christina was Global Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Internal Communications at WSP, one of the world’s largest engineering and design firms, with its global head office in Montreal.

Prior to that, Christina worked internationally and locally for British American Tobacco (also Imperial Tobacco Canada) in a variety of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs roles. She has spent nine years in the public sector, including five years in the Prime Minister’s office. Christina graduated with a Masters in Political Science and Honours BA in Journalism, and started her professional life as a print reporter.

Christina is excited to contribute her time and expertise to Katimavik because of its focus on helping youth across Canada and fostering tolerance throughout society.

She lives in Montreal with her husband, Robin, and travels regularly to visit family in London, Ontario and Chicoutimi, Quebec. She is an avid reader of literary fiction, enjoys yoga, and has taken up tennis as a new hobby.

She has extensive experience in fundraising, brand management, financial analysis, budgeting, talent development, volunteer management and not-for-profit governance.

Wendy was President of the Hearing Foundation of Canada for four years and Vice-President for over 20 years, leading Fund Development, Marketing and Communications of two large multi-level national charities, CNIB and the MS Society of Canada, where she was responsible for assessing, integrating and developing programs, processes and staff.

She concluded her charitable sector career with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada where she was engaged to lead the creation of a national fund development strategy.

As of 2010, she is the Elections Ontario Returning Officer for the electoral district of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. In 2020 she was appointed by Elections Canada as the federal Returning Officer for Parkdale-High Park electoral district.

She is a former member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and past Board member of Youth Employment Services and Age-related Macular Degeneration Alliance International.

On a personal note, Wendy and her husband Rob live in Mississauga with two crabby Scottish Terriers. They enjoy traveling (well maybe not this year) and spending time in their PEI vacation home. She is currently taking a York University English literature course, rewriting outdated condominium rules and preparing for a potential snap federal election.

In her role she leads transformative initiatives to forge strategic partnerships and advance meaningful community engagement.

A seasoned policy strategist and an international human rights lawyer, she is dedicated to building resilient communities and driving impactful change worldwide.

Her extensive career includes serving as a civil servant in Ontario’s Ministry of Education, where she shaped critical education policies. Before her Canadian government role, Diana held a prominent position at Dell Technologies, driving key policy engagements and business enablement initiatives in the technology sector.

With experience across four continents, Diana has worked with diverse stakeholders, including political leaders and former heads of state, managing complex projects that bridge policy and diplomacy. She has made significant contributions to track-two diplomacy, advising governments on conflict resolution, environment, and international law. Her work includes groundbreaking research for the High-Level Panel on Water and Peace, collaborating with former heads of state from 15 countries to influence international policy.

Diana has also worked with renowned organizations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF-ASEAN), the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (UNICTR), UNICEF, the Strategic Foresight Group (SFG), the Supreme Court of India, and Independent Diplomat in the USA.

Diana holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School, U.S.A and a Bachelor of Laws (B.A. LL.B.) from Symbiosis Law School in India. Actively involved in social and community-building initiatives, she serves on the boards of various non-profits across the U.S., India, and Canada. Fluent in four languages, Diana is also passionate about photography, hiking, music, and adventure sports.

He's focusing on advancing legislative, regulatory, and policy changes, funding partnerships, and profile-building initiatives.

Conal is currently Senior Manager of Public Affairs at Walmart Canada, where he is responsible for the development and execution of the company’s federal and Ontario government relations strategies. He has worked as an account director and consultant lobbyist for a national government relations firm, as a political consultant, and as a federal civil servant.
He was named one of Ottawa’s “Forty Under 40” by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade, as well as an “Emerging Leader” in politics and government by The Peak.
Conal has long been interested in youth empowerment and civic engagement, whether as a lobbyist, a volunteer, or in his personal life. Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, he now lives in Ottawa with his wife and two young daughters.

John-Frederick began his career with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada where he led his department through tremendous growth. He went on to hold a series of senior leadership positions in his field, including Head of Development for the former Institute for the Prevention of Child Abuse, National Director of Development & Government Affairs for the Ballet Jorgen Canada, Vice-President, Development & Communications with Youth Employment Services (YES), Senior Vice-President with The Healing Cycle Foundation for Palliative Care and National Director, Development & Communications with Canadian Crossroads Int’l to name a few.

John-Frederick is a previous appointee to the Government of Canada’s Youth Advisory Board, which led the Federal Governments participation in the United Nation’s International Youth Year Program. Throughout his career he has been a staunch advocate and activist for youth empowerment.

He has served on the Board for a number of charitable organizations and is a former member of the national Board of Directors of the Council of Canadians. Further, John-Frederick’s activism led him to organize and moderate a number of public forums in an effort to influence public policy.

John-Frederick is passionately committed to social justice issues and to active public engagement as a means to drive social change.

In his spare time you will find him in the gym training hard or enjoying the outdoors kayaking and white water rafting.

He is Professor of Indigenous Studies and Director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent and Professor in School of Business Administration.

His research interests focus on the development of modern Indigenous society.

Colin holds a Bachelor’s in History and Religious Studies from Mount Allison University, and a Master’s in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University.

He represented Canada in its junior and senior rugby programs, playing in over 20 tournaments, including the 1998 Commonwealth Games, and has been capped for his country seven times.

Colin has lived in four provinces and five cities across Canada, and now lives with his wife and two teenage boys in Montreal, Canada.

Initially joining the Royal Canadian Navy as Naval Signalman, Mr. West sailed on the East coast in a number ships, and throughout his career in the navy he deployed numerous times with NATO and the UN.

In 1990, he was accepted for an occupational transfer to the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator. As an operational flyer, he flew in Maritime Patrol Squadrons, Flight Test Unit, and Maritime Helicopter Squadron. He served as a crew lead, Project Officer, and Standards and Training Warrant Officer to name a few.

As a senior leader he held numerous leadership and staff position within 1 Canadian Air Division and National Defence Headquarters. In June 2006, Mr. West was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) and posted to Canadian Forces Air Navigation School as the School CWO.

In June 2007, Mr. West was appointed as the first Non-Commissioned Member Commandant of the Chief Warrant Officer Robert Osside Profession of Arms Institute at the College Militaire Royale de Saint Jean.

In July 2009, Mr. West was posted to Trenton as the 8 Wing Chief Warrant Officer. In 2011, he deployed as the Joint Task Force-Afghanistan Air Wing CWO. Upon return from Afghanistan he served in the RCAF Staff as the Special Advisor to the RCAF Command CWO.

Mr. West was appointed as the RCAF Command CWO in November 2012. In 2013 he was selected as the 12th Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer. Mr. West held this position until his retirement in July 2018.

Mr. West was inducted into the Order of Military Merit in 2011; he has also been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation, Commander of the Canadian Army Commendation and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Commendation.

Mr. West holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University.

Jenny spent 13 years in institutional equity research in Canada. As an award-winning research analyst, she covered oil and gas companies of all sizes, published thousands of pages of research, led dozens of marketing campaigns, facilitated over C$1 billion of small and micro-cap energy company financings, and supported numerous M&A mandates and due diligence processes.

Jenny also lived and worked in Europe, where she spent several years in management consulting for the industrial and energy sectors. She led and supported a variety of strategic, operational and functional projects in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

Jenny currently serves as Managing Partner at Quester Advisors, an independent consulting company specializing in strategy, corporate development and capital markets advisory services.

Jenny holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance (with Distinction) from the University of Calgary in Canada; an International MBA from the IESE Business School in Spain; and is a CFA charterholder.

She is currently serving third term on the Board of Directors of the CFA Society Calgary.

From serving as a Rotary Youth Ambassador in Australia at the age of 16 to pursuing a successful career in fashion modeling across Europe and Asia, and later, navigating the challenging waters of the lower North Shore of Quebec, the Great Lakes, the Arctic, Northern BC, and the Maritimes as a merchant marine, Tom’s journey is a unique tale that makes him skilled at adapting to diverse environments, communication and understanding humans.

During his time at sea, Tom played a crucial role in delivering essential goods to remote communities in Canada. He also brings over a decade of experience in experiential marketing and holds a Master’s in Management from EM Normandie Business School in France.

Tom firmly believes that venturing outside your comfort zone is not only an opportunity for personal growth but also a path to making a positive impact. He is steadfast in his belief that together, we can contribute to a stronger and more united Canada.

Tom sees his experience as a youth ambassador as a triggering element and wants to be involved in helping the youth create lifelong memories, connections, and abilities that will help them shape the Canada they desire.

Originally from Algeria, Adel followed his passion for finance by earning a bachelor's degree in financial sciences from the University of Algiers. Eager to further his education, he continued his studies in Canada, obtaining a graduate diploma in specialized studies from ESG UQAM in 2024.

For him, finance is much more than just numbers: it is a lever to support organizations like Katimavik in their ambitions for social change.

Still adapting to the Canadian cold after the heat of North Africa, Adel finds balance in new technologies and high-adrenaline activities. Curious about everything, he continues to explore, inspired by every experience and challenge along his path.

John-Frederick began his career with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada where he led his department through tremendous growth.

He went on to hold a series of senior leadership positions in his field, including Head of Development for the former Institute for the Prevention of Child Abuse, National Director of Development & Government Affairs for the Ballet Jorgen Canada, Vice-President, Development & Communications with Youth Employment Services (YES), Senior Vice-President with The Healing Cycle Foundation for Palliative Care and National Director, Development & Communications with Canadian Crossroads Int’l to name a few.

John-Frederick is a previous appointee to the Government of Canada’s Youth Advisory Board, which led the Federal Governments participation in the United Nation’s International Youth Year Program. Throughout his career he has been a staunch advocate and activist for youth empowerment.

He has served on the Board for a number of charitable organizations and is a former member of the national Board of Directors of the Council of Canadians. Further, John-Frederick’s activism led him to organize and moderate a number of public forums in an effort to influence public policy. John-Frederick is passionately committed to social justice issues and to active public engagement as a means to drive social change.

In his spare time you will find him in the gym training hard or enjoying the outdoors kayaking and white water rafting.

Graduating with a Master’s in Management Sciences from the Institut Universitaire Catholique Saint-Jérôme in Douala, Cameroon, Patrice ENGUELLE entered the professional world in July 2013 as a financial auditor and accountant at an accounting firm.

To date, he has accumulated 10 years of experience in both accounting firms and humanitarian organizations. For the past 3 years, he has worked as a senior accountant at an international consulting firm and has contributed to the completion of several projects through his involvement with the finance team in the various entities where he has worked.

Andréanne is passionate about helping others and the intercultural field. Her professional background is also marked by a love for travel, which has allowed her to discover and appreciate different cultures. After moving abroad to work internationally, she leveraged her adaptability to gain diverse professional experiences.

Joining Katimavik is an opportunity for her to contribute to a cause close to her heart: social engagement, particularly with youth. She is thrilled to bring her skills and experience to an organization that values experiential learning and personal development.

Certified in project management, Adim has served on multiple non-profit boards. He has partnered with numerous national and regional organizations, specializing in group, youth, and community development on three continents. Adim advocates for solutions-based communication processes, striving to overcome dualities and meet the needs of all stakeholders effectively.

Adim’s tenure with Katimavik began in 2005 as a participant in the National Experience. He swiftly transitioned into staff roles, serving as Project Leader, Project Supervisor, and Communications & Development Manager until 2012. Subsequently, Adim became the Director and operational lead at a prominent outdoor education centre in Squamish territory, where he managed over 100 staff and achieved record-breaking client satisfaction and KPI metrics.

After gaining additional experience through internships on several farms nationwide, Adim returned to Katimavik full-time in 2017 to relaunch the National Experience. Since then, he has overseen Katimavik's operations, including its innovation and HR departments, and was instrumental in launching the FuturePerfect program.

Having recently retired from a decade of competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Adim now maintains an active lifestyle by engaging in outdoor activities, swimming, and attending community events of all types and sizes.

During his placement, he supported grassroots initiatives in Calgary and Winnipeg, gaining firsthand insight into the positive impact of community-led service.
Currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Zachary is passionate about civic engagement and youth empowerment. His academic and professional focus is grounded in a commitment to public service, whether through policy work or direct involvement in the non-profit sector. In 2024, Zachary enlisted in the Canadian Army Reserve, driven by a dedication to service and national well-being.

Estela she grew up in Brooks, Alberta, a small town southwest of Calgary (on Treaty 7 territory). From a young age, she has always had a philanthropic spirit — from volunteering to leading community events, she has consistently valued making a tangible difference in her community and in the lives of those around her.

With a background in history, philosophy, and community engagement, she places great importance on understanding people and their contexts in order to connect with them openly and without bias. She approaches life with optimism and an eagerness to learn.

She now resides in Calgary, where the sun seems to always shine, the people are vibrant, and life moves at a slow and simple pace. She takes advantage of the nearby mountains and the beautiful outdoors whenever she can — but more often, you can find her enjoying art, music, and good food!

She is passionate about community organization and radical community care, with a focus on an anti-racist approach to inclusion. Her experience includes gender and sexual-based violence prevention and awareness, promoting safe-sex practices, harm reduction initiatives, and building community resources.

His background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration from Vancouver Island University, along with hands-on experience in administration, coordination, marketing, and team leadership. Having worked across diverse industries including retail, security, and sales, Devan has developed a practical understanding of workplace expectations and the skills employers are looking for.
Outside of work, he is a licensed private pilot and an active volunteer member of the Nanaimo Flying Club where he serves on the club's executive team. In this role Devan helps support general aviation within the community and guides the direction of club decisions. He also volunteers with the local civil air search and rescue association chapter as a trained spotter, assisting in aerial search and rescue operations around the mid island region. Other than that, he is an avid hiker and nature photographer who loves exploring the trails around Vancouver Island.

She navigated through various marketing roles in Paris before realizing her true passion lay in making a tangible, positive impact on society. Fueled by her love for travel and connecting with people, Delphine embarked on a journey to Canada, where she discovered Katimavik. Now, as she uses her marketing expertise to empower Canadian youth.

Delphine continues to explore the world around her, finding inspiration in every cityscape, landscape, and encounter along the way.

Afterwards, she held many different roles in the organization, including Finance Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Regional Manager for the Quebec-Atlantic area, Program Director, and Director, Finance & administration.