Meet the Board

---

Amanda is the Indigenous Relations Lead for the Prairie region at WSP Canada Inc. She is an engagement professional with a passion for community development and environmental management. She is IAP2 trained and has over 13 years of experience working with Indigenous communities on land, resource, and infrastructure management. She has developed and delivered engagement and training programs across Canada with a focus in Alberta. As President, Amanda connects with her peers across Canada, the National Office, and is an active participant on the Finance Committee.

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

Brittany is a Senior Planner for WSP, currently based in Calgary, however in the past has worked within WSP’s Winnipeg and Regina offices. Brittany’s work primarily focuses on municipal planning and land development in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Yukon, with a significant focus on public engagement. Brittany is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planner and is a Registered Professional Planner. Brittany has been on the IAP2 Board for two years as Secretary. 

Connect with Brittany on LinkedIn

Haris is a medical student and public policy analyst based in Calgary. With over a decade in organizing and nonprofit governance, he champions inclusive public participation. Through Amnesty International Canada, he has led national youth engagement, governance reform, and regional solidarity. He also founded two community empowerment initiatives: Zero Food Waste and Stars for Scholarly Youth. As Vice-President and National Liaison, Haris helps connect practitioners across Canada to foster ethical and community-driven engagement.

Connect with Haris on LinkedIn.

Jesse is the Director of Corporate Communications for the City of Fort Saskatchewan and has 15 years of experience in communications and advertising. After completing IAP2 training in early 2023, he found a new passion for public participation. Jesse is eager to move beyond traditional surveys and polls, focusing on building stronger, more meaningful connections with residents. By embracing innovative engagement strategies, he aims to create more inclusive and authentic conversations that truly reflect the needs and voices of the community. As Treasurer, Jesse participates on the Finance Committee. 

Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn.

Mabel is a consultant with MNP's Indigenous Services Consulting group in Calgary. Her current role as a Senior Consultant has provided the opportunity to engage with First Nation clients across the country in a variety of engagements, including working on a Comprehensive Community Plan, hosting open houses, and engaging in interviews, surveys, and hearings with nation members. Mabel is new to the Board this year and is passionate about continuing to build her skills in the public participation and engagement field.  Mabel contributes to the Board as the Events Committee Lead 

Connect with Mabel on LinkedIn.

Kiara is from a small farming community in Southern Ontario, moved to Cochrane over two years ago for new opportunities. As Rocky View County's Digital Media Coordinator, she leverages her skills in communication, engagement, and marketing to benefit 40,000 residents. With an honours degree in business administration and certifications in emergency management, digital communications, and engagement, she is pursuing her APR. In her second year on the IAP2 Wild Rose Chapter Board, she aims to bring fresh perspectives and represent young professionals. Kiara participates on the Events Committee.

Connect with Kiara on LinkedIn.

Karen lives and works in Calgary, and is in her second year on the IAP2 Wild Rose Board. She works as Manager, Community Engagement at the Calgary Board of Education. This role provides an opportunity for her to pursue her passion for learning, community engagement and change leadership. Karen earned an IAP2 Certificate in 2012, is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and has been an IAP2 Canada member since 2015. Karen contributes to the Board as the Communication Committee Lead. She also volunteers on the IAP2 Canada Professional Development and Training Committee and with various Calgary arts groups.

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Maia is an experienced strategic communications and  engagement manager with a background in the public, private, and  non-profit sectors. She has developed and executed successful communications  strategies for The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the UBC Sauder  School of Business, and multiple Indigenous organizations and  communities across Canada. In addition, Maia has led and managed digital and content projects which included content strategy development, website development and design, printed materials, video content, and event management. Maia contributes to the Board as the Membership, Partnership and Volunteer Committee Lead.

Connect with Maia on LinkedIn.