| Job Title: | Program Officer, Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement |
| Employer: | Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) |
| Grad Year: | 2011 |
| Degree(s): | M.A. Political Science |
| Major(s): | International Studies |
| Expertise: | International Affairs |
| Industry: | Philanthropy |
What makes you a good mentor?
I am passionate about this Mentorship Program because it gives me a great opportunity to give back to Carleton, a community that has been so fundamental in my career journey. Carleton was my first impression of Canada, my first home in Canada, and the reason why I came here. I am forever grateful for the $15,000 exchange scholarship I received from Carleton - an opportunity without which I wouldn't have made my way to Canada. I love Carleton so much and will do anything I can to contribute to the success of this university!
About Petronila Michael
I am a proud Carleton alumna, currently working as a Program Officer with the Social Innovation and Community Development Directorate at Employment and Social Development Canada. I am passionate about knowledge sharing and supporting people in exploring their career paths.
Most recently, I worked as a Senior Project Officer at Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT). I was privileged to work with a movement of young social innovators from across the world, who are brave, smart and determined to address social-economic issues in their communities. In this role I learned about social innovation, human centered design approaches to problem solving and deepened my project management and intercultural competencies. Previously, I worked as a Recruitment and Public Engagement Officer at Veterinarians without Borders (VWB) where I coordinated technical assistance needs for a volunteer sending program operating in Laos, Ghana, Vietnam, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Prior to VWB, I spent almost five years at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, supporting implementation of the Caribbean Local Economic Development Program (CARILED) from inception to closure.
Outside of work, I am a community service enthusiast. I have been involved at diverse capacities with various community and international organizations including moderating and facilitating events and conferences, speaking on various topics including education, women’s rights, career advancement and intercultural competency. In 2018, I received a Community Builder award through the Black History Ottawa community, recognizing my dedication to inspiring positive change.
In 2017, I took on the challenge to become a Mentor under the Carleton Alumni Mentorship Program. My mentee and I worked together to explore her career passions and options and finally landed an overseas placement with Cuso International. We had an amazing experience together and I am hoping to replicate this experience with my new mentee (s). I am excited to share my over 10 years of diverse career experiences with Carleton students.