About IABC Ottawa
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a diverse global community working to advance the profession, create connection and develop strategic communicators. IABC Ottawa, established in 1976, is a community for professional communicators who want to thrive in their career. We’re a local organization with a global network to connect you to opportunities, resources, people and insights you need to drive business results.
IABC Ottawa is a fun, non-profit organization run by volunteer leaders. To connect the local community we offer a number of career development opportunities to help you learn and connect including: professional development events, networking events, special interest groups for members, Jobline, The Voice podcast, volunteer opportunities and more. This is your community, come join us!
Learn more about the learning and recognition opportunities offered nationally and internationally.
IABC Ottawa, established in 1976, is a community for professional communicators who want to thrive in their career. We’re a local organization with a global network to connect you to opportunities, resources, people and insights you need to drive business results.
Our members work across a variety of industries, from software to healthcare, and sit in junior and senior roles across communications, marketing, PR and more. IABC Ottawa is a fun, non-profit organization run by volunteer leaders. To connect the local community we offer a number of career development opportunities to help you learn and connect including: professional development events, networking events, special interest groups for members, Jobline, The Voice podcast, volunteer opportunities and more. This is your community, come join us!
Local and international volunteer opportunities to build your leadership skills, share your talents and create connections. Opportunities include serving on the chapter board, planning local professional development events, judging awards, being on an international committee to name a few.
About IABC International
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication.
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a diverse global community working to advance the profession, create connection and develop strategic communicators. Established in 1970, IABC serves members in more than 70 countries for networking, career development and personal growth. Find out more about the benefits of being part of IABC on our Membership page.
“An organization with excellent internal communication will run smoothly, allowing its members to progress toward a mutual goal, which will ultimately affect the quality of external communication.”
Meet the 2023–2024 Board of Directors
IABC Ottawa is run by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Sherry Aske, President
Manager, Social Media Communications, Environmental Monitoring Centre
Elections Canada
Sherry Aske is an innovative digital communicator who advises on social media strategy and countering false information in the online environment. She joined Elections Canada in 2018, after spending six years as a multimedia journalist at CBC Ottawa, producing radio, television and online news. She hosted and produced IABC Ottawa’s The Voice podcast for three years and is honoured to be serving as the Ottawa chapter’s president this season.
Lauren has eight years of professional experience in communications. She graduated from Carleton University with a BA Honours in Communication Studies in 2014 and has held various communications positions at Carleton University, the British High Commission, and Colliers International. She currently works at ACFO-ACAF, a federal public service union for accountants, as the Manager of Communications and Membership Engagement. She is also a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0) instructor and holds a Professional & Personal Coach Certification from Concordia University. Her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation is in progress. In her spare time, she loves to read, travel, and jog!
With an extensive communications skill set and rich international experience, Anu Sharma has over 13 years of expertise in public relations. Some of her experiences include media relations, digital marketing, crisis, event and reputation management. Her analytics-driven approach and strategic thinking have contributed to her leading multiple award-winning PR campaigns across various sectors, including education, automotive, healthcare, technology, sports, consumer packaged goods, government and entertainment. In 2019, she was one of PR Moment India’s “30 under 30,” recognized for her contributions to the public relations profession. She is a proud ACPR (Algonquin College Public Relations) alum. Apart from her commitment to the communications world, travelling, dancing, cooking and spending time with her family make Anu happy.
Alisha Crawford, Vice President, Finance
Senior Manager of Marketing, Communications, & Brand
CBC Ontario
Alisha is an accomplished and dedicated leader with over 14 years of experience crafting innovative strategies that deliver impactful results. As the Senior Manager of Marketing, Communications, & Brand for CBC Ontario, she collaborates with local and national news and communication teams to implement data-driven marketing and creative communication strategies, with the goal of promoting the CBC brand and expanding audience.
Alisha’s passion for community building drives her to foster strong connections and collaborations within and outside CBC. She demonstrates a firm commitment to continuous growth and professional development, as exemplified by her Master’s degree in Public Relations, her undergraduate degree in Communications, her certificate in Prosci Change Management, and her active involvement as an IABC Ottawa board member and mentor.
Born and raised in Vernon, BC, Alisha has also resided in Kelowna, Vancouver, Saskatoon, and Calgary. She’s excited to embrace her new Ottawan identity and has been relishing the city’s cycling routes, paddleboarding spots, dog parks, and scenic small-town road trips since her arrival.
Sacha is a vibrant individual with a unique educational journey that meandered through the worlds of communications, sociology, and art direction. Her academics began at the University of Ottawa and culminated in a Master’s degree from the University of the Arts London, where her passion for creative expression and human-centred design took off.
Sacha thrives on strategy, effective communication, and design that resonates with people. Sacha is an advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, always striving to make sure everyone is included and heard.
When they’re not immersed in their professional endeavours, you’ll find Sacha out hiking in the great outdoors, practicing yoga, enjoying live music gigs, and indulging in life’s sweet delights (especially gummy bears).
Sandra Caya, Vice President, Professional Development
Director, Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
Canadian Institute of Actuaries
Erica Principe, Co-Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Marketing and Liaison Coordinator
University of Ottawa
Erica is a dynamic and driven marketing and communications professional. With a passion for marketing and digital communications, she is powered by creating content that is both compelling and that effectively reaches target audiences. Erica values building positive interpersonal relationships and finding ways to translate innovative thinking & ideas into results-driven tactics.
Currently, Erica works as the Marketing and Liaison coordinator at the Telfer School of Management where she develops marketing strategies to recruit top students and is the bridge between prospective students and the university.
Erica holds a diploma in Public Relations from Algonquin College and an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Public Relations from the University of Ottawa. She is a bilingual communicator and self-proclaimed expert coffee drinker and multitasker – passionate about continuous learning, volunteering, and all things food!
Emily Wager, Co-Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Senior Manager, Communications
Spark * Advocacy
Emily brings a range of experience from working in both the corporate and non-profit sectors in digital marketing and communications. Currently, Emily works as the Senior Manager of Communications and Social Media Strategy at spark*advocacy, a public affairs, communications, and digital marketing agency in Ottawa. Prior to this, Emily worked at The National Ballet of Canada and, more recently, Sunwing Travel Group, where she managed the company’s social media for its numerous brands, both customer-facing and internal.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from McGill University and a post-graduate certificate in public relations from Humber College. Emily loves writing, a skill she’s honed over the years through her career, education, and volunteer experience.
Tinsae W., Executive Secretary
Marcela Diaz, VP Membership
Marcela Diaz is an etiquette expert focused on women, work, and well-being. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese & Italian, Marcela’s international career in communications spans Tech, Associations, Tourism, and Government.
Born in Chile, she studied communications at Concordia University and has worked in Europe North and South America, always cultivating her appreciation for different cultures and customs, laying the foundation for her globetrotting life.
In Ottawa, you’ll find Marcela organizing cultural activities, supporting the arts, exploring vintage shops, and cooking for the “aperitivos” she loves to host.
Fabiana Ferraresso, VP Leadership Development
Assistant Communications - Adjointe, communications
Canadian Institute of Actuaries - Institut canadien des actuaires
Fabiana Ferraresso is a multiple award-winning, multilingual professional based in Ottawa with international experience. She has worked in various industries, such as financial institutions, and the education sector for more than 15 years in Brazil. She has a diploma in public relations and a post-graduate diploma in business management. Fabiana worked at Algonquin College as a social media and marketing assistant and is currently the assistant communications at the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.
Fabiana has always been committed to community engagement and inclusion. She has been actively involved with organizations such as IABC Ottawa, serving as Executive Secretary and now as VP of Leadership Development. Fabiana has volunteered her time and skills throughout her professional journey. She supported refugees through photography work with ADUS Brazil and promoted diversity and inclusion at Rabobank Brazil, as their D&I coordinator.
She enjoys riding her bike along the Rideau Canal and going to the movies in her free time.
Fabiana Ferraresso is passionate about communications and relationship building. She is willing to continue to make a positive impact in her field and beyond.
Meet our Volunteers
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Ottawa is a fun, non-profit organization run by volunteer leaders. To connect the local community of communicators, we offer a number of career development opportunities to help you learn and connect, including professional development events, networking events, special interest groups for members, Jobline, The Voice podcast, volunteer opportunities and more.
This is your community; come join us!
Volunteer at IABC Ottawa
Form for Volunteer applications
Kate Tenenhouse,
Director, Events Strategy
Annette Kam Mui Pun,
Director, Leadership and Development
Kam Mui Pun, who goes by the name of Annette, was an educator for 18 years before relocating to Ottawa. She has a Bachelor of Art and a Postgraduate Diploma of Education from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Hong Kong. She has rich experience in discovering, developing and stretching young leaders’ potential, having been in charge of different mentorship and leadership programs in her previous career.
While teaching full-time, Annette also worked briefly as a part-time research assistant at the University of Hong Kong and a writer for Marshall Cavendish Education. She was also seconded to the Education Bureau of Hong Kong for a year, during which she worked with her colleagues to refine the English curricula of different schools, conduct centralized professional development workshops, and produce the department’s quarterly newsletter.
Annette is currently a second-year public relations student at Algonquin College. She aspires to put her leadership, organization and multilingual communication skills to good use in a new career in communications and public relations.
Annette is a chocoholic and huge dog lover. Her new-found passions after moving to Canada include ice hockey and hiking.
Mariia Dias,
Graphic Design Lead
Mariia Dias is a Ukrainian Canadian with over six years of experience as a hotel manager in Kremenchuk, Ukraine. That is how she discovered her passion for Communications. A proud Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskiy National University graduate with a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and Computer Technology, she decided to pursue a Communications career at Algonquin College after moving to Canada. Mariia knows how important it is to give back to the community, so she volunteers at the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) as a Workplace Language Trainer.
The Public Relations program at Algonquin College helped her to acquire theoretical and applied knowledge while gaining real-world experience working with not-for-profit organizations, like Parkdale Food Centre, Community Deathcare Ottawa, and Ottawa Riverkeeper, to help them reach their target audiences. Mariia enjoys the Public Relations program, combining theory with hands-on experience in writing, editing, visual communications, communications planning, time/resource management, research and measurement, public speaking, teamwork, media monitoring, and social listening. She believes that all the skills and knowledge that she has gained will help her make our world a better place one day!
Brett Norbury,
Web Communications Advisor
Brett is a hardworking and active person, with a wide variety of interests, hobbies and experiences. Being a keen user of all forms of web communications, he has a particular interest in the different ways we communicate online, and how this affects our lives. Originally from Vancouver, he studied Political Science and French at Simon Fraser University before moving to Ottawa in 2021. A Francophile and fan of travel, Brett worked, lived and studied in France for two years during his academic studies. This included working as a Tour Guide on Canadian historic site Juno Beach, and studying for two semesters at Sciences Po Strasbourg.Currently working at Elections Canada, Brett has just begin to delve into the word of communications having previously worked in many other diverse fields. Brett enjoys many outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, backcountry skiing in the winter, and backpacking in the summer. When trapped indoors, he enjoys web design, travel, music and reading.
Shamiul Hossain,
Social Media Lead & Event Assistant
Shamiul Hossain is passionate about digital storytelling and loves connecting with new people. He worked as a newspaper copy editor for more than eight years, collaborating with various stakeholders and gaining insights into audience needs, all while honing his written communication and creative thinking skills. He holds a master’s degree in English Literature.
Shamiul wants to travel more as he finds inspiration in diverse cultures and perspectives. He also enjoys strolling around new places during his free time.
Shamiul is currently enrolled in the public relations program at Algonquin College. He combines his expertise in communication with a strategic understanding of public relations for a more impactful storytelling experience. He can be reached at shamiulbdnews24@gmail.com.
Jillian Desjardins,
Social Media Lead
Jillian (Jill) Desjardins is a public relations and communications student who is pursuing her education in public relations. She has completed two years at the University of Ottawa in an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, and is now finishing up her joint program working towards a Diploma at Algonquin College in the same field.
In addition to her role at IABC, Jill has been an Advanced Aquatic Instructor and Supervisor with the City of Ottawa for five years, educating youth about lifeguarding and first aid skills, and is striving to bring that passion and drive for learning and communicating into her work with IABC.
Alexa McGannon,
Digital Marketing Lead
Alexa moved to Ottawa from Calgary in 2019 to attend Carleton University. Now, she currently works for spark*advocacy as a digital marketer and is finishing her degree in Global and International Studies, hoping to pursue a career in digital marketing. Alexa has a passion for communications, travel, and music.
Sadia Sumona,
Junior Consultant, Digital Programming (Podcast Team)
Past Presidents of IABC Ottawa
2020-2021 – Kayla Isabelle
2019-2020 – Kristina Martin
2018-2019 – Samantha Rae-Ayoub
2017-2018 – Kaleigh Maclaren
2016-2017 – Dominique Jolicoeur
2015-2016 – Sherrilynne Starkie
2014-2015 – Tara Lapointe
2013-2014 – Jennifer Birch
2012-2013 – Kelly Rusk
2011-2012 – Kerry Mortimer
2010-2011 – Sandra Markus
2009-2010 – Sandra Markus
2007-2008 – Doug Wotherspoon
2005-2006 – Gord McIntosh
2004-2005 – Malcolm Bernard
2002-2003 – Isabelle Perreault
2003-2004 – Stephen Goban
2000-2001 – Katherine Power
2001-2002 – Wendy Cherwinski
1998-1999 – Stephen Boissonneault
1999-2000 – Beth Green
1996-1997 – Mark Giberson
1997-1998 – Ellen Henderson, ABC
1994-1995 – Darrin Shewchuk
1995-1996 – Kate Low
1992-1993 – Sue Rutherford, ABC
1993-1994 – Moria King
1990-1991 – Christine Tausig
1991-1992 – Cathy Sabiston
1988-1989 – Peter Johansen
1989-1990 – Freda Fraser
1986-1987 – Don Reimer, ABC
1987-1988 – Mark Giberson
1984-1985 – Richard Chambers
1985-1986 – Rick Green, ABC,MC*
1982-1983 – Catherine Mason
1983-1984 – Oxana Sawka, ABC
1980-1981 – Dave Esler, ABC
1981-1982 – Christopher Bunting, ABC, MC, IABC Fellow*
1979-1980 – Jan Logan
1978-1979 – Joel Levesque
1976-1977 – Lorne Darlington
1977-1978 – Rick Green, ABC, MC*
1975 – Lucille Tessier
1976 – Lorne Darlington
*deceased
ABC = Accredited Business Communicator
MC = Master Communicator
Join Us
We are an organization of professional communicators who work toward advancing careers of individual members as well as advancing the communications field as a whole.
Membership with IABC/Ottawa includes access to a network of local members, professional development workshops, meet-ups, webinars and more.
JOIN NOW
