In the Spotlight

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 This month we connected with Lindsay to talk to her about her career in P2, being a CP3 and more. Below is some of what she had to share.

What is a song or movie title that best describes your career in P2?

The first song that comes to mind for me is “The Truth Comes Out” by Corb Lund. It feels like a pretty good metaphor for public engagement: the truth is going to surface eventually, whether we make space for it or not. Our work is about creating the conditions for those truths to come out in ways that are constructive, thoughtful, and actually useful -- rather than rushed, reactive, or showing up sideways later.

How did you get into the field of P2 and into your current position?

I have a background in anthropology and environmental studies, which took me to Calgary, where I completed my master’s in environmental design. I’ve always cared deeply about the intersection between people and place—how our environments connect to our culture, how our culture connects back to our environments, and how they shape one another. When I graduated with my master’s, I was looking for a role that bridged those two interests.

An opportunity that came up early after graduation was a consultation advisor role with ATCO Electric. Within my second or third month on the job, they sent me to IAP2 training for public participation. I loved it and began pursuing that.

I currently work for myself as a community engagement consultant and own Tilia Consulting, focusing on engagement projects with non-profits, municipalities and organizations navigating complex decisions that affect people, communities and systems. 

What's the most interesting project you've worked on so far?

The project that stands out most for me is We Belong In Jasper Place. We just wrapped up our three-year involvement in this project with the Stony Plain Road Business Association in Edmonton. Through extensive engagement, the concept of belonging emerged as the central theme. With further input from the community, we developed a micro-grant program that invited residents to submit ideas for projects that would strengthen social connection in the area. 

What made this project especially meaningful was seeing the leadership of the business association—recognizing gaps in their community, taking ownership, and creating space for residents to lead local, place-based change themselves. Over time, it was incredibly rewarding to watch community members step forward and collectively support and carry the work forward.

What advice do you have for P2 practitioners?

My advice would be to be yourself. In facilitation roles especially, it’s easy to look at other facilitators and try to emulate what they do. In my experience, that rarely works. It’s far more effective to show up authentically and fully as yourself.

Trying on a persona that doesn’t fit is like wearing clothes that don’t fit properly—people can sense it, and it affects how they perceive you and how they engage with you. Authenticity builds trust, while inauthenticity can create distance.

What does it mean to have your CP3 designation? And do you have any advice for people who might be thinking of applying?

My CP3 helps legitimize the work that I do. Engagement is sometimes viewed as a “soft skill,” or as work that lacks rigor. In reality, engagement is grounded in clear standards, ethics, guidelines, and values, and having my CP3 allows me to demonstrate that.

On a personal level, the CP3 process itself was intensive and time-consuming, but incredibly valuable. I completed it while working as an employee within an organization, and compiling my experience became a major confidence booster. Seeing my work laid out clearly helped me recognize the depth of my experience. That clarity and confidence ultimately gave me the footing to transition into working for myself. 

Do you know someone in the field of public participation who you think should be our next member in the spotlight? Email your suggestions to info@iap2wildrose.ca