Anna-Maria Occhiuto
Montreal,QC
Summary
Accomplished social impact researcher with 7+ years of experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research, including 3 years in policy-advising roles, leveraging innovative approaches to generate strategic and actionable insights for policy initiatives.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Lead
Social Research Division, ESDC, Government of Canada
07.2023 - Current
- Leading national study on 2SLGBTQI+ Older Adults and Aging in Place as part of ESDC's commitment to the 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Action Plan.
- Overseeing project's conception and execution from start to finish.
- Engaging in consistent and ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of various project components.
- Increasing project's successful outcomes by developing a critical path, setting clear objectives and working in an organized and systematic manner.
- Coordinating roles and tasks of team members based on skills and strengths to deliver timely, robust results for internal and external dissemination.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Updating stakeholders and senior management on progress and roadblocks.
- Creating inclusive and respectful work dynamic, ensuring team member's wellbeing and motivation through recognition and effective communication.
- Optimizing resource utilization by accurately forecasting project needs and allocating resources accordingly throughout the project lifecycle.
Researcher
Social Research Division, ESDC, Government of Canada
07.2021 - Current
- Synthesizing large volumes of complex data and information, identifying knowledge gaps and key trends and patterns relevant to research objectives.
- Writing project proposals, developing data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, interview guides) and research protocols (e.g., ethical guidelines, consent, communications) for targeted at meeting project objectives.
- Promoting use of innovative research methods (e.g., Photovoice, Life Course Method, and Docent interviews) and data dissemination (e.g., storytelling, interactive and multi-media research products, GIS mapping).
- Working as member of integrated project team in highly collaborative work environment.
- Engaging in the collection of quantitative and qualitative data (e.g., recruited over 200 participants, completed over 150 in-depth interviews, developed 4 surveys, including one national survey).
- Applied ethical considerations throughout all stages of the research process, safeguarding participant welfare and data integrity.
- Analyzing large quantities of data using triangulation, coding, and thematic analysis.
- Writing high-quality research reports and briefing notes for senior management.
- Developing engaging and impactful multimedia and interactive dissemination tools, using audio/video editing and infographic design software.
- Presenting research findings a for internal and external audiences, raising the profile of the team and institution (e.g., presented to audiences of over 100 people, international conferences, and within scientific communities).
- Contributed to policy development based on evidence-based recommendations from extensive research analysis (e.g., The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Program; Home Equity and Retirement, Aging in Place Initiatives, 2SLGBTQI+ Older Adults)
- Co-developed an Employee Wellbeing Survey for the Social Policy Directorate that led to positive workplace improvements for employees.
- Co-lead of organizational working group on improving research practices within the department.
- Member of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tiger Team investigating the opportunities and risks that AI poses for research within the division, including consideration for research processes and ethical dimensions.
Research Assistant
ESDC, Government of Canada
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Engaged in the recruitment, screening, consent, data collection, transcription, and analysis for two qualitative projects including: (1) Impact of Canadian Child Benefit (CCB) on Low-Income Single Mothers; (2) Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Low-Income Single Mothers
- Conducted 75 in-depth qualitative interviews, completed 50 transcriptions, and supervised the completion of 50 financial journals and Photovoice exercises
- Adapted to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, making swift adjustments mid-project, while developing a new time-sensitive study to support policies related to COVID-19.
Course Lecturer
Concordia University
09.2018 - 12.2021
- Delivered weekly lectures (in-person and online) for 6 courses in anthropology and sociology (25 students per class).
- Created lesson plans and fostered learning that allowed students to develop a robust theoretical foundation and gain exposure to various sociological concepts.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Encouraged deep learning & critical thinking via the presentation, discussion, and application of course material.
- Helped students build life-long learning skills for continued academic success, including reading, writing and oral communication skills.
- Used PowerPoint and Google Classroom technology to give presentations to student classrooms.
- Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
Other Work Experience
- English as a Second Language Instructor, Berlitz Canada, 2018-2019
- Sociology and Statistics Tutor, Centre for Students with Disabilities, Concordia University, 2017-2018
- Entrepreneur (Owner/Manager) of Spawtopia Pet Grooming, 2009-2011
- Administrative Assistant/Purchaser at Artemide Canada, 2005-2008
- Customer Service/Credit Analyst at CIBC, 2002-2005.
Education
Master of Arts in Sociology -
Concordia University
01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Honours -
Concordia University
01.2018
Skills
- Leadership and project coordination
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
- Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
- Develop and align research and analysis objectives with strategic initiatives
- Research innovation
- External and internal stakeholder relations
- Write reports catered to audience and stakeholders
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Develop impactful multi-media research dissemination products
- Preparing presentations and public speaking
- Effective, precise, and empathetic communicator
- Organization and time management
- Fosters positivity and a growth-mindset
- Microsoft Office (Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, MsForms)
- MAXQDA & SPSS (data analysis software)
- Adobe Audition & Premiere Pro
Languages
French
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Limited Working
Awards & Achievements
- Assistant Deputy Minister's Award Finalist for Excellence in Leadership 2024
- Deputy Minister Award of Excellence in Innovation 2022
- ESDC Data Award Recipient for Analyzing Data for Insights 2021
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Masters Scholarship 2019-2020
- Canadian Italian Business Professional Association Bursary Recipient 2018, 2019
- Concordia Faculty of Arts and Science Graduate Fellowship Award 2018-2019
Volunteer Experience
- Ambassador for 2SLGBTQI+ Inclusion, ESDC, Sept. 2023-present
- GCWCC Ambassador, ESDC Charitable Campaign, 2021
- Co-Chair Sociology & Anthropology Graduate Student Association, Concordia University, 2018-2019
- Meditation Instructor - Community Wellness Centre, 2016-2017
- Fundraiser and Kitchen Assistant - The Salvation Army 2012-2013
Other work experience
- English as a Second Language Instructor, Berlitz Canada, 2018-2019
- Sociology and Statistics Tutor, Centre for Students with Disabilities, Concordia University, 2017-2018
- Entrepreneur (Owner/Manager) of Spawtopia Pet Grooming, 2009-2011
- Administrative Assistant/Purchaser at Artemide Canada, 2005-2008
- Customer Service/Credit Analyst at CIBC, 2002-2005
Timeline
Project Lead
Social Research Division, ESDC, Government of Canada
07.2023 - Current
Researcher
Social Research Division, ESDC, Government of Canada
07.2021 - Current
Research Assistant
ESDC, Government of Canada
11.2019 - 12.2020
Course Lecturer
Concordia University
09.2018 - 12.2021
Other Work Experience
Master of Arts in Sociology -
Concordia University
Bachelor of Arts - Honours -
Concordia University
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