Deborah Drever
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Advocacy and community engagement professional with over a decade of experience fostering strategic partnerships and driving policy change. Notable for successfully sponsoring legislation that enhanced protections for vulnerable populations, while leveraging a trauma-informed approach to support individuals facing complex barriers. Committed to equity, inclusion, and sustainable community empowerment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Coordinator - Graduated Rent Subsidy Program (GRSP)
CUPS Calgary
Calgary, Canada
01.2024 - Current
- Support individuals and families transitioning to long-term housing stability through individualized planning and community resource coordination.
- Conduct outreach and build trusted relationships with clients experiencing complex barriers.
- Advocate for clients while collaborating with community agencies, municipal partners, and service providers.
- Assess needs, identify solutions, and coordinate supports that promote long-term stability.
- Maintain detailed documentation while ensuring compliance with organizational and funding requirements.
- Apply trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centred practices in all interactions.
Program Manager & Employment Resource Coordinator
MCG Careers
Calgary, Canada
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Led employment and workforce development programs serving diverse Albertans.
- Supervised staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Built and maintained partnerships with employers, community organizations, and industry stakeholders.
- Conducted outreach and developed strategies to improve client engagement and employment outcomes.
- Identified systemic barriers and connected clients with appropriate community resources.
- Delivered presentations and represented the organization at community and employer events.
Employment Specialist
CDI College
Calgary, Canada
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Guided students through career planning, employment preparation, and job placement.
- Established strong employer relationships that expanded employment opportunities.
- Coordinated student progress and maintained accurate documentation.
- Delivered workshops and coaching sessions on employment readiness and professional development.
Advisor, Public Relations & Communications
Alberta Counsel
Calgary, Canada
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed communication strategies supporting stakeholder engagement and public awareness initiatives.
- Built productive relationships with community leaders, media representatives, and organizational partners.
- Managed confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Prepared communications materials, briefings, and reports for internal and external audiences.
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Calgary, Canada
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Represented thousands of constituents by advocating for community needs and resolving complex issues.
- Built collaborative relationships with municipalities, community organizations, advocacy groups, and government partners.
- Successfully sponsored and passed Bill 204 - Safer Spaces for Victims of Domestic Violence Act, strengthening protections for vulnerable Albertans.
- Led community engagement initiatives, public consultations, and stakeholder meetings to inform policy development.
- Managed a constituency office while supervising staff and overseeing daily operations.
- Served on legislative committees responsible for policy review, stakeholder consultation, and government accountability.
- Developed consensus among diverse stakeholders while balancing competing priorities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Mount Royal University
Calgary, Alberta06-2021
Skills
- Advocacy & Public Policy
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Government & Community Relations
- Community Organizing & Engagement
- Campaign & Community Outreach
- Program Leadership
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Leadership & Team Development
- Collaboration & Consensus Building
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Public Speaking & Presentations
- Report writing
Training
- ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Mental Health First Aid
- MANDT
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Indigenous Awareness I & II
- Suicide Assessment & Intervention
- Standard First Aid Level C
Timeline
Housing Coordinator - Graduated Rent Subsidy Program (GRSP)
CUPS Calgary
01.2024 - Current
Program Manager & Employment Resource Coordinator
MCG Careers
01.2022 - 01.2024
Employment Specialist
CDI College
01.2022 - 01.2023
Advisor, Public Relations & Communications
Alberta Counsel
01.2021 - 01.2022
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
01.2015 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Mount Royal University