Highly motivated and dedicated professional with a strong track record in community development, energy services, and governance. Skilled in fostering relationships and creating opportunities for Indigenous communities in the energy sector. Known for excellent communication and public relations skills and the ability to create a welcoming environment for clients, industry partners, and staff. Energetic, responsible, and quick to learn new skills. Experienced in project management, policy development, and strategic planning. Possesses technical proficiency in Windows and Apple platforms, Microsoft Office, Adobe software, website development (WordPress), social media, graphic design, and photography. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Business Administration in Indigenous Business & Leadership and have completed various related educational programs. Combines creativity, leadership, and a strong work ethic to contribute to the success of any organization.
Paula Ward
Summary
Overview
Work History
NSMTC
Job overview
- Support the NSMTC Energy Services team in identifying, pursuing, and fostering opportunities for participating First Nations in the New Brunswick energy sector.
- Organizing community engagement events and facilitating Indigenous inclusion and participation in the clean and renewable energy sector.
- Work closely with elected community leaders and post-secondary institutions to bridge education and capacity gaps.
- Maintain a resource database and facilitate opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the energy sector.
- Represented NSMTC in various industry forums and supported funding initiatives.
- Assisted with negotiations in equity investment models.
- Consulted with teams on established best practices and process improvements.
- Built and maintained relationships with nuclear industry organizations.
North Shore Micmac Tribal Council
Job overview
- My current career path with NSMTC began with being hired as a Governance Coordinator on a national pilot project to work on governance and policy development for all 15 First Nations in NB regarding Health Transformation and Economic Development/Entrepreneurship
- Evolved into working on community development projects, including the Small Modular Reactor Initiative, working with NB Power, Moltex Clean Energy, and ARC Clean Technology to bring equity ownership into the technology for our communities, as well as supply chain business development
- I have quickly built a name for myself in the nuclear industry and have been asked to sit on committees and panels to discuss Indigenous involvement and engagement in future development projects
- Liaise between federal & provincial government departments and our community leadership to create economic opportunities and access funding for equity investments.
Marlin Travel Miramichi
Job overview
- Currently working in a part-time capacity as an outside agent after working full-time in the office for two years.
- Providing well-informed advice to clients about travel
- Handle any issues that may arise in a timely manner while clients are travelling.
- Manage the company's social media pages, website, and blog, as well as answering phones and training new agents.
- Maintaining operational proficiency in coordinating international and domestic travel accommodations for customers, arranging for airfare, hotel and rental car reservations, and assisting with any travel visa applications required for the destination.
- Supervised payments via credit and debit cards and handled sensitive information with professionalism and discreteness.
Towne Auto Group
Job overview
- Maintained a social media presence for the company for all 3 business locations (Towne Ford, Towne Mazda & Towne Auto Group)
- Updated the 3 websites for used vehicle inventory weekly, and captured new customers by optimizing business strategies.
- Worked with a variety of people, including co-workers in the sales & service departments at each location, sales representatives from local radio & print publications, and strategists from head offices for online reputation management.
- Coordinated local events that the company sponsored for client loyalty and acquisition.
- Continually maintained and improved the company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Devised content strategy to engage target audiences effectively.
- Improved website visibility through the development and implementation of SEO strategies.
- Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
Eel Ground First Nation Eel
Job overview
- Endeavored in economic development opportunities for Eel Ground First Nation own-source revenue generation.
- Worked with entrepreneurs to advance skills and enhance their businesses
- Continually participated in training & education in areas pertaining to economic development
- Business plan writing, searching for funding options, proposal applications, and working with other EDOs and professionals to develop strategic plans, among many other tasks.
- Built and maintained relationships with strategic community and business leaders.
- Responded to public inquiries and complaints.
- Conducted research to prepare plans by holding interviews, preparing questionnaires, reviewing various documents, and handling field observations.
NSMDC - AAROM
Job overview
- Developed and implemented youth science programs and activities for Eel Ground First Nation
- Planned and operated a summer science day camp and supervised the summer student employees
- Created applications and guidelines for the student employees who worked with other organizations (Let’s Talk Science and Worlds UNBound) to raise science awareness in the community’s youth.
- Advised students on educational information, organized information sessions with DFO to promote jobs, and more.
- Utilized grant writing skills to secure additional program funding.
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with the public.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to summer student staff members.
Education
Simon Fraser University – Segal Graduate SchoolVancouver, BC
University Overview
Currently enrolled in the Indigenous Business & Leadership executive MBA at Simon Fraser University, a hybrid in-person and online degree program specifically for Indigenous students from across Canada, the only one of its kind in the world. Coursework will be complete in March 2024 with graduation in June 2024.
- GPA 3.56
- Completed Coursework: leadership, accounting, project management, entrepreneurship, data analysis, policy, governance, sustainability, and more.
University of New Brunswick - Saint John CollegeSaint John
University Overview
Completed an energy fundamentals program designed for professionals in the energy sector with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of complex energy and related industries.
St. Francis Xavier University - Coady InstituteAntigonish, NS
University Overview
This course is grounded in relational practices and guided me to identify and connect with cultural values, build upon already trusted leadership capacities for community-led, community-driven development, and create spaces for social change. This seven-week course has provided me with opportunities to learn and explore the abundance of strengths and gifts that live within myself and the communities I serve. This course reflects Indigenous teachings, relational leadership models, and approaches. Principles and tools are also shared.
Banff Centre For Arts And CreativityBanff
University Overview
Exploring new and creative ways to move beyond standard Western models of governance to embrace culturally grounded models of Indigenous governance. Learning the principles of good governance while understanding how they can be incorporated into your teams.
Banff Centre For Arts And CreativityBanff, AB
University Overview
The Inherent Right to Indigenous Governance course illuminates foundational principles of effective and responsible governance. We discovered historical and contemporary Indigenous governance models while reflecting on our gifts, responsibilities, and entitlements rooted in law and policy. We can imagine and identify concrete actions to implement in current roles.
University of New BrunswickFredericton, NB
University Overview
- Completed three years of Bachelor of Arts, focusing on Political Science and Economics as well as Aboriginal Studies.
Skills
- Excellent communication/public relations skills
- Excellent typing (75 wpm)
- Expertise with Windows & Apple
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Software
- Website development
- Graphic Design
- Social Media management
- Photography
- Public speaking
- Leadership
- Creativity
Affiliations
- Women in Nuclear (WiN)
- Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE)
- CNS member
- CNA member
- CANDO member
Timeline
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