Marsha-"Yolaine" Kirlew
Casselman,ON
Summary
Professional Profile: Specialist with particular interests in Alternative Dispute Resolution, inter-governmental relations, stakeholder relations, gender equity and communications. A keen socio-political and justice advocate.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Constituency Assistant- Remote
Legislative Assembly of Ontario -Constituency Office for MPP Mamakwa
01.2019 - Current
- Socio-political issues management
- Collaborated with government agencies to resolve constituent issues in a timely manner, ensuring effective communication throughout the process.
- Streamlined office procedures, implementing efficient filing systems and database management for accurate record-keeping of constituent information.
- Boosted community engagement by organizing and promoting local events that fostered positive relationships between constituents and elected officials.
- Enhanced constituent satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and concerns through phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings.
- Intergovernmental correspondences creator
- Speech writing & delivery.
- Protected confidentiality and used discretion in order to comply with policy and safeguard data.
- Tracked, managed and filed correspondence and other electronic and hard copy records using Populus software.
- Participated in professional development initiatives for consistent improvement and up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and best practices.
- Supported legislators with various tasks and ad hoc requests.
- Established and maintained regional socio-political relations.
- Researched issues of concern to businesses, organizations and constituents.
Facilitator/Qualified Mediator
Consultant
01.2013 - Current
- Investigated and resolved 50+ issues and service concerns for multiple parties.
- Conducted background research
- Attended pre-conference and conference briefings
- Developed approaches and facilitated workshops
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help mitigate, manage and resolve conflicts between individuals, organizations, and communities.
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Worked well in team setting, fast paced while providing support and guidance.
- Used excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Planned and facilitated health education workshops in accordance with Indigenous curricula, employing varied methods to maximize attendance
Constituency Assistant
Constituency Office For Chandra Pasma
07.2023 - 09.2023
- Managed governmental system navigating
- Advised MPP on emergent issues
- Managed meetings between MPP & Constituents
- Managed over 30+ constituents case load
- Managed calendar, shuffling meetings to prioritize MPP appointments.
- Provided administrative support and research on regional governmental issues.
- Tracked, managed and filed correspondence and other electronic and hard copy records using Populus Ontario
- Assisted up to 60 constituents with questions and concerns, tracking down requested information when not immediately available
- Maintained polished appearance and professional demeanor to represent office in communication with constituents
- Protected confidentiality and used discretion in order to comply with policy and safeguard data
- Wrote correspondence and other communications to resident voters
- Researched issues of concern to 60 constituents of Ottawa-west Nepean.
- Provided key administrative assistance to senior management
- Compiled documentation, ensuring accuracy and detail for MPP
Director of Corporate Communications
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority- Moose Factory
05.2020 - 10.2021
- Recommended & advised executive leadership, all orders of government on communication and strategic partnership business in the region.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired 15+ employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Booked guests for on-air interviews for in house media forums and productions.
- Evaluated company documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Managed daily corporate communication between staff, executives, clients/patients and stakeholders.
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
- Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
- Facilitated meetings with staff to discuss creation and production of department objectives.
- Directed live broadcasts, recordings or non-broadcast programming for stakeholders, staff and public education.
Interim Director of Public Health & Partnerships
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, Moose Factory
03.2020 - 07.2020
- Identified issues, analyzed health information and provided solutions to problems.
- Organize and lead health teams to create COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
- Established and managed stakeholder relationship.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems with team.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Director of Special Projects and Partnerships
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, Moose Factory
03.2020 - 06.2020
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Identified issues, analyzed health information and provided solutions to problems.
- Organize and lead health teams to create COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
- Established and managed stakeholder relationship.
- Cultivated positive rapport with employees, and stakeholders to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Formed strategic partnerships and connected with stakeholders and communities.
Community Wellness Facilitator/Consultant
Equay-wuk, Women’s
09.2016 - 10.2019
- Travel to 20+ remote reserve communities to deliver workshops.
- Perform client 200+ intake.
- Implemented practices and procedures to improve service delivery.
- Provided forecasting, analysis and quality assurance to support clients, ministry and Board of Directors.
- Created and developed detailed work plans to meet organizational, communities and individual clients priorities and needs
- Created monthly workshops and resource allocations for approved projects.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Analyzed problematic areas to provide program recommendations and solutions.
- Cultivated positive stakeholder relationships.
- Collaborated with provincial and regional teams to define, strategize, and implement new program strategies.
Municipal Councilor
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout
11.2014 - 12.2018
- Chair/Co-chair council public & in camera meetings.
- Deliberated on all matters regarding municipal public interest.
- Reported to council and public on portfolio issues.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with community members, organizations, and strategic partners.
- Advocated for municipal interests, investments, infrastructure to private and public funders.
- Attended 200+ public forums, events and informal meetings.
- Signed contracts, ordinances and other official documentation to execute orders of office.
- Shaped solutions and approaches in council and region.
- Lead regional and national initiatives for change.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Deputy Mayor
Municipality of Sioux Lookout
01.2017 - 08.2018
- Lead/chair council for public & in camera meetings.
- Lobbied 100+ provincial and federal leadership for municipal funding.
- Deliberate on all matters regarding municipal public interest.
- Reported to council- public on portfolio issues.
- Communicated with media regarding municipal issues and interests.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with community members, organizations, and strategic partners.
- Attended & Advocated at public forums, events, and informal meetings.
- Represented municipality at industry conferences and events.
- Signed contracts, ordinances and other official documentation to execute orders of office.
- Shaped solutions and approaches in council.
- Lead regional and national initiatives for change.
Education
Master of Arts - Professional Communication
Royal Roads University
Vancouver, BC06.2025
Master of Arts- MA - Conflict Resolution
Saint Paul University
Ottawa, ON06.2012
Bachelor of Arts- B.A., Hons - Comparative Politics, International History
Carleton University
Ottawa, ON12.2006
Skills
- Intergovernmental Relation
- Conflict Resolution
- Facilitation/Mediation
- Strategic Communication
- Media Relation
- Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder & Public Relation
- Community Development
- Parliamentary Procedure
- Speech Writing & Delivery
- Client Correspondence
- Public Issue Awareness
- Advocacy & Lobbying
- Policy Research & Analysis
- Program Evaluation
- Researcher
- Program/Project Management
- Computer Savvy
- Motivational Speaker
- Anti-Racism/Cultural & Diversity Awareness
- Constituent communication
- Public issue awareness
- Document drafting
- Gender-based analysis
Affiliations
- 2013- Present Member- ADR Institute of Canada Inc.
- 2013- Present Member- ADR Institute of Ontario Inc.
- 2022- Present Member- Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution
Certification
- Certified Workplace Health & Fairness Assessment , ADR Institute of Ontario - June 2022
- Certified Third Party Neutral, Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution - November 2012
Workplace Health & Fairness Assessment Certification ADR Institute of Ontario
Fully accredited to assist organizations and individuals with workplace health and fairness assessments.
Timeline
Constituency Assistant
Constituency Office For Chandra Pasma
07.2023 - 09.2023
Director of Corporate Communications
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority- Moose Factory
05.2020 - 10.2021
Interim Director of Public Health & Partnerships
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, Moose Factory
03.2020 - 07.2020
Director of Special Projects and Partnerships
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, Moose Factory
03.2020 - 06.2020
Constituency Assistant- Remote
Legislative Assembly of Ontario -Constituency Office for MPP Mamakwa
01.2019 - Current
Deputy Mayor
Municipality of Sioux Lookout
01.2017 - 08.2018
Community Wellness Facilitator/Consultant
Equay-wuk, Women’s
09.2016 - 10.2019
Municipal Councilor
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout
11.2014 - 12.2018
Facilitator/Qualified Mediator
Consultant
01.2013 - Current
Master of Arts - Professional Communication
Royal Roads University
Master of Arts- MA - Conflict Resolution
Saint Paul University
Bachelor of Arts- B.A., Hons - Comparative Politics, International History
Carleton University
- Certified Workplace Health & Fairness Assessment , ADR Institute of Ontario - June 2022
- Certified Third Party Neutral, Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution - November 2012
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