GRAHAM DONALD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director, Community Engagement
Jennifer Powell has 13 years of experience working in the post-secondary sector in areas that include communications, marketing, admissions, student recruitment, student services, work integrated learning, career development, event planning and stakeholder relations.
During her time at Durham College, she also was a member of the Board of Governors.
Prior to joining the sector, Jennifer worked at a national not-for-profit that represented the interests of both grocery retailers and foodservice distributors across Canada in both event planning and public policy positions.
Jennifer holds a diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming as well as post-graduate certificates obtained through Ontario Tech University and Ryerson University and a micro-credential through the Brainstorm Strategy Group Inc.
Joanne is the resident Brainstorm number cruncher. She joined the team following a career of more than 25 years as a health and social science researcher, program evaluator, and senior-level manager in Canadian government and non-government organizations (NGOs). She is trained and experienced using both qualitative and quantitative research methods and has taught university classes and presented to academic conferences on research methods. Joanne has authored and co-authored more than 30 research publications using administrative and survey data including an impact evaluation of closing 50 small hospitals is one Canadian province.
Joanne has an MA in Medical Anthropology from the University of Saskatchewan. She is a certified Lean Yellow Belt, a huge fan of Crucial Conversations tools and methods, and a trained facilitator and negotiator. She was using SPSS before her computer had a mouse and the program had a GUI window user interface.
Joanne is respected by colleagues for delivering results and for the positive energy she brings to demystifying data collection, analytics, and statistical concepts. Balancing out her work life, Joanne is a Registered Yoga Teacher, mother of two grown sons, and an avid golfer, traveller and cyclist.
Julie Rahmer brings over 25 years of experience to the field of career development and campus recruitment to her role as Senior Consultant at Brainstorm where she supports the creation of innovative research and professional development aimed at providing career professionals and employers with the tools to engage and attract students and new graduates.
Prior to working with Brainstorm, Julie was the Director of the Career Centre at York University. While at York, Julie was responsible for implementing strategic priorities, leading an inspired team, and fostering partnerships with senior leaders, employers, and alumni to provide students and new graduates with the skills and confidence to pursue successful careers. Julie also served as the university's Experiential Education Strategy Lead where she developed a business case to launch a new department, the YU Experience Hub, aimed at expanding experiential education across all Faculties and enriching community and employer partnerships.
Job Titles:
- Director of Technology
- Web Developer and Designer from Dublin
Luke Balbirnie is a web developer and designer from Dublin, Ireland with extensive experience in full-stack web development, web design, brand identity, and graphic design.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Consultant
Margaret is a bilingual Human Resources Consultant with 15+ years of experience. As a true generalist, she translates industry best practices into customized HR solutions that meet a client's unique needs. Margaret is an advisor to business owners and managers on strategic and tactical HR matters and is straightforward and down-to-earth in her approach. Through her career, she has added business value in both union and non-union environments in a variety of private and public-sector industries.
In addition to her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation, Margaret holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Guelph, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management from Humber College, a Master's Degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources from the University of Toronto, and a Certificate in Private Investigation from the Canadian School of Private Investigation and Security Ltd.