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 2021–2022 Board of Directors
IABC Ottawa is run by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Alexandra Sebben, President
Digital Content and Communications Specialist
CARLETON UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND DESIGN@alexandrasebben
Alexandra is an award winning communications professional with a specialization in digital marketing. She has created and executed successful digital strategies for high-profile organizations by creating innovative content campaigns. Alexandra holds a Master’s in Professional Communication and a BA in Media Production from Ryerson University’s internationally acclaimed RTA School of Media. She is an avid consumer of pop and internet culture and a self-proclaimed Twitter nerd.
With an extensive communications skill set and rich international experience, Anu Sharma has over 12 years of expertise in public relations. Some of her experience includes media relations, digital marketing, event management 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 and government. In 2019, she was one of PR Moment India’s “30 under 30,” recognized for her contributions to the public relations profession.
Kayla Isabelle is the CEO of Startup Canada, the national rallying community supporting and giving a voice to Canada’s 3.5 million entrepreneurs. Kayla has dedicated her career to supporting entrepreneurs, both in Canada and internationally. Kayla is an award winning strategic communications consultant and change management facilitator, and is passionate about leveraging the power of storytelling in the entrepreneurial community. An advocate for women in leadership, Kayla is also the host of the Startup Women Podcast focused on providing resources to women entrepreneurs across Canada.
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!
Kim is a seasoned communications professional with an aptitude for technology change and a passion for user experience. As Manager, Content Design her focus is transformation and adoption; translating complex technical and process changes into language and learning solutions that people can understand.
She holds a diploma in Business Administration from Algonquin College and professional certifications in User Experience, Change Management and Information Visualization. An avid baker, craft beer enthusiast and proud dog owner, Kim also volunteers for the NCR chapter of Women in Communications in Technology.
Adam is an experienced communications professional with expertise in developing and implementing communications strategies, with a particular focus on digital media. A graduate of both Carleton University and Algonquin College, Adam began his career as a consultant with NATIONAL Public Relations, one of Canada’s largest public relations firms, where he worked with clients in a wide variety of sectors, including non-profit, international development, agriculture, and defense, among others. A dual Australian-Canadian citizen, he also spent time at the Australian High Commission in Ottawa, where he managed their public diplomacy efforts. Currently, he is a Communications Advisor at Seaspan Shipyards, a Canadian leader in shipbuilding and ship repair & modernization.
Cassidy Charron , Vice President, Professional Development
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
CANADA REVENUE AGENCY@CassidyCn
Cassidy is a motivated, strategic communications professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies from Carleton University. She has built her communications experience through her work at various Government of Canada Departments, and she currently works at the Canada Revenue Agency as a Communications Officer focusing on communicating to the Agency’s 45,000 employees. Cassidy is excited to be continuing with the IABC Ottawa Board for a second year, now focusing on continuing to bring exciting and valuable professional development programming to the communications community in Ottawa.
Rafael Dezordi is a communications professional, specialized in international communications and stakeholder management within the academic and scientific fields, with a focus on promoting positive change and handle complex global information issues. He has an extensive experience in digital marketing, content creation and brand amplification, through graphic design, web content design, social media outreach, e-newsletters, video editing and podcast broadcasting/publishing. He holds a M.A. in International Affairs, with a specialization in International Economic Policy, from The Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) at Carleton University and an LL. B. (Bachelor of Laws) from the Federal University of Parana.
Melissa Adey, Vice President, Leadership Development
BRAND AND MARKETING OFFICER
CANADA MORTAGE AND HOUSING CORPORATION@3EightyCreative
Melissa is a dynamic Communications professional with a blend of project management, branding know-how and natural aptitude for storytelling. She has worked for both public and private sectors in creative and marketing and communications roles. Her strengths include building relationships and connections with others with an eagle eye for details. She holds a Bachelor of Professional Arts with distinction in Communication studies, and a Diploma in Graphic Design. In her spare time, you will find Melissa travelling, on the golf course, reading, or trying a new dish.
Sherry Aske, Vice President, Digital Programming
SOCIAL MEDIA ADVISOR & PROJECT COORDINATOR
ELECTIONS CANADA@SherryAske
Sherry is an innovative digital communicator who advises on social media best practices and emerging trends in online storytelling. She joined the federal public service in 2018 after working for six years as a multimedia journalist at CBC Ottawa, where she produced radio, television and online news. Sherry has been asked to speak publicly on issues connected to social media regulation, the future of journalism and reporting in the Canadian media industry. She loves popcorn, podcasts and kickboxing.
Paroma Datta, Vice President, Website
DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA@ParomaDatta
Paroma is a cross-functional digital strategist and an experienced marketing analytics specialist with a tech background. She holds an MASc. degree from Carleton University and a diploma in digital marketing specialization. Paroma has worked in the space of marketing technology and strategy in various sectors of Ottawa. She is passionate about data-driven decision strategy and evidence-based policy making.
In 2017, Paroma worked with Wingd Canada – an award winning digital media agency comprised of first generation immigrant millennials of Ottawa. She was credited as a publicist in An Insider’s Guide to Canada’s Capital, Wingd’s maiden publication venture released on the occasion of #Canada150.
Outside of work, Paroma can be found photographing, hiking and collecting Rubik’s cubes. As an immigrant woman of colour, she also works to create equal opportunities for Canadian newcomers & QTBIPOC folks by serving as a mentor with OCISO and WCT, and volunteering with Media Action. She is a strong advocate for accessibility, digital transformation and creating safe queer spaces.
Meet our Volunteers
A number of volunteer roles are available, offering you the flexibility to fit your needs and availability.
Director of Internal Communications, Leadership Development Team
As a member of the Leadership Development portfolio, you will support the VP in engaging volunteers through initiatives like volunteer appreciation events, engagement surveys, regular communication with volunteers, and awards.
Your responsibilities:
- Responsible for coordinating a team of up to 15 volunteers.
- Ensures volunteers are happy and engaged through initiatives such as events, and internal platforms.
- Plan and coordinate internal events.
- Develop and execute internal communications strategy.
Commitment: 1-2 hours a week/5-10 hours a month.
Want to volunteer at IABC? Please fill in this form and we’ll get back to you soon!
Erica Principe,
Director of Content Management & Website Analytics
Erica is a passionate and driven marketing and communications professional with 2 years’ experience in the field. She doubles as a full-time marketing and communications officer at the Telfer School of Management and part-time PR student at the University of Ottawa. Her interests include social media, content creation, digital marketing, events, and project management.
She holds a diploma in Public Relations from Algonquin College and is one semester away from completing her Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Public Relations. Erica is a self-proclaimed expert coffee drinker and multitasker – passionate about traveling, learning new languages, volunteering, and all things food-related!
Priscilia O. Kabengele,
Membership Engagement, Members Connect
Priscilia Odia Kabengele just received a specialized bachelor’s degree in public relations and communications from the University of Ottawa and College La Cité -with honors-. She will be pursuing her career in the Government of Canada. She likes reading and testing new technologies. She is interested in the contribution of new media to public and organizational communications. She will volunteer in the members Connect Program.
Prior to joining CPCS, Benoit was involved in strategic communications and change as part of the Program Management Office at the Royal Canadian Mint. Before that, he earned record-breaking media coverage for the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) by marketing studies and stories impacting Canadians.
Samantha Rae Ayoub, MA, CMP,
Director, Certification
Samantha is a seasoned communication professional with 15 years of experience advising organizations and senior leadership.
She has built her career working within organizations to improve their communication, planning and operational efforts, and has also worked closely with numerous CEOs, COOs, and scientific experts, coaching them on effective communication strategies and media relations.
She holds a Masters degree in Professional Communication and has obtained professional certification as a Communication Management Professional (CMP).
Fun facts: She is a wife, dog owner, restaurateur – yes it’s true! – and a member and avid volunteer of the International Association of Business Communicators.
Dozie Anyaegbunam,
Director of Content and Social Media
Dozie currently leads the content and social marketing program at UserGems, a B2B sales startup and finalist at the 2020 SaaS awards. He has extensive experience building and running high-performance content marketing programs across various verticals—from multinationals like Diageo Nigeria where he led the influencer and brand advocacy for major brands like Ciroc and Johnnie Walker to startups like Gidi Mobile (an edutech startup) where he built a content marketing program that got over 50,000 students to practice 11M exam prep questions in six months. He recently immigrated to Canada (experienced his first sub 20 winter, don’t ask me how it went) and was part of the Social Media Bootcamp at Miami Ad School, Toronto last fall.
Cecilia Reaburn,
Assistant Producer, Digital Programming
Cecilia is a Communications and Event professional and engagement enthusiast. She is known for her ability to connect with stakeholders and create impactful and lasting relationships. Building her career in the non-profit sector, she understands how valuable a strong community can be to accomplishing organizational goals, and uses that lens to inform her communications, marketing, and events strategies. Focusing on what connects us and pushes us forward together. Cecilia holds a bachelor’s in social science, from the University of Ottawa, and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Telfer School of Management.
Jennifer Bosch Gyuricska,
Director of Events
Jennifer Bosch Gyuricska began her career 20- some years ago as a radio disc jockey in small-town Alberta. She’s since worked her way across Canada and back again, received her Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communications Studies from Athabasca University, and become Certified as an Associate in Project Management from the PMI Institute. These days, Jennifer is at the helm of Prairie Telegraph Digital Marketing, providing project management, marketing strategy, and small business support so her clients can spend more time on the important things – like going outside, being with family and friends, and generally being unattached from their desk.
Patrick Burke,
Membership Engagement and Support
Patrick is a communications professional with nine years of experience. He has offered strategic counsel to Ontario cabinet ministers in crisis situations and led results-driven communications strategies for clients at a PR agency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped establish the Toronto Financial District Business Improvement Area (BIA) as a trusted advocate for business members and a reassuring source of information for their 250,000+ employees.
Patrick moved to Ottawa in 2020 and currently works for Fulbright Canada. He’s lived and worked in five cities throughout his career: Osaka, Japan; London, England; Toronto; Calgary; and now Ottawa.
Lubna Ahmed Hussein,
Content Moderator, Website
Lubna is a self-motivated, communications professional with 12 years of experience in journalism, community mobilization, outreach and public information in a developing country.
She pursued an interdisciplinary education that includes a postgraduate diploma in communication, B.Sc. (Honor) in Agriculture Sciences, a diploma in Public Relations and Press from abroad. Also, in Canada, she obtained a certificate from Algonquin College in Electronic Business Management. Now, she enrolled as a full-time PR student in the Public Relations program at Algonquin College.
Lubna is a life-long learner. After her move to Canada, Lubna started from scratch as her work experience was in a different language and environment. She worked as a language teacher with well paid, but she has not forgotten her first field.
Although Lubna holds a diploma in Press and Public Relations from abroad, she decided to redo it to update her knowledge and adapt technical skills to suit the new media and practice PR work in developed countries.
Lubna is interested in women’s human rights issues. She came to international attention in July 2009 when she was prosecuted for wearing trousers. Lubna has used her communication skills to get local and global media support to attack ridiculous restrictions on women’s rights in Sudan. She successfully directed one of the most effective campaigns to support women’s rights in her country of birth. Lubna speaks English and Arabic, and she enjoys gardening in the community gardens here in Ottawa.
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
