What is your current position?
Policy Planning and Project Advisor at City of Toronto, Toronto Court Services
What attracted you to your program of study at the BSIA?
My attraction to the Master of International Public Policy program at the BSIA stemmed from a combination of personal background and academic aspirations. Growing up in an inner-city community in Kingston, Jamaica, I was taught that education is the key to success.
From then, I knew I wanted to pursue a higher education but, I never thought I would have obtained a master’s degree because it seemed like an unattainable goal. However, with the encouragement of professors during my undergraduate studies at York University, I became interested in pursuing a master’s degree, particularly the Master of International Public Policy program offered by BSIA. I saw this program as a natural progression that would complement my academic background and equip me with the skills needed to make a tangible impact on a global scale. The program’s emphasis on international policy resonated with my passion for addressing the needs of marginalized communities and underserved populations in Jamaica and around the world. BSIA’s reputation as an institution that offered both theoretical and practical approaches to public policy, as well as an interdisciplinary lens on international public policy issues, made it an ideal place for me to gain a comprehensive understanding of global public policy processes and challenges.
What was the most impactful experience you had while completing your graduate degree?
The most impactful experience during my graduate fellowship program was undoubtedly the opportunity to co-author a policy brief titled “Post-COVID-19 Possibilities: The Beginning of a New Relationship with Asia?” for the foresight team at Global Affairs Canada. This project, which focused on Canada and China’s bilateral relationship in the aftermath of the pandemic, allowed me to synthesize my research findings into a comprehensive and forward-looking document. I got the opportunity to engage with policymakers at Global Affairs Canada and understand the complex geopolitical relationship between Canada and China by offering a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities that emerged in the post-COVID-19 era.
Additionally, my graduate degree allowed me to work as a Junior Professional Consultant with the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, specifically working with the Gender team on transformative gender programming across the region. One project that stood out was my involvement in the development and implementation of the Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) Learning Series. I project managed 18 webinars focusing on preventing, mitigating and responding to gender-based violence in crisis situations. This experience broadened my perspective on the role of international organizations in advocating for gender equality and social justice for the world’s most marginalized. It also underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from sociology, psychology, and public policy to address the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence.
Tell us about your job, what do you do?
As a Policy Planning and Project Advisor at Toronto Court Services, my role is crucial to the efficient functioning of the division. Court Services provides administrative and support services to the public using the Provincial Offences Courts in Toronto and three (four starting March 2024) of the City’s adjudicative boards to ensure access to justice. My role duties and responsibilities include:
1. Strategic Planning: Leading strategic planning efforts for the division by ensuring the division’s long-term goals and objectives align with the overall mission of the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario. I also conduct research on embedding an equity lens into the administration of court services and analyze the division’s input on Citywide Equity-Focused Strategies.
2. Corporate and Council Reporting: I act as the liaison between the Deputy City Manager’s Office and the division for all reports and items going to the committee and city council. I am responsible for issue management, writing, compiling, organizing, and presenting information to support decision-making at the corporate and council levels. This requires effective communication and coordination skills.
3. Project Management: I provide project leadership and support to major initiatives such as the Courts’ Digital Transformation, Administrative Penalty System Expansion, and Multitenant Housing Licensing Tribunal. This includes planning, execution, monitoring, and completion of these projects, ensuring they align with division goals.
How does your work help make a difference?
As a Public Servant working for the municipal government in Canada’s largest city, my role allows me to make a significant difference in my community. One way in which I contribute to positive change is by actively participating in the development and implementation of policies and programs that directly impact the lives of residents. For instance, in my previous role, I was able to help shape and influence the City’s approach to inclusive economic development by contributing to a coordinated policy that would improve the economic outcomes and opportunities for Torontonians including indigenous, black and equity-deserving groups. My work also involved addressing key economic and social challenges in Toronto, such as combatting economic inequity and planning for neighbourhood revitalization in one of Toronto’s most marginalized neighbourhoods. By playing a role in the formulation and execution of policies related to social and economic development, and more recently social justice, I am contributing to the creation of a more equitable and accessible Toronto for all residents.
What are the next steps in your career progression… where do you see yourself going?
The next steps in my career involve pursuing a role within the federal public service to gain valuable experience at the national level. This will provide me with a broader understanding of policies, programs and initiatives that impact the entire country. My goal is to enhance and hone my experiences and skills by focusing on areas relevant to international development and diplomacy. I am also open to exploring roles in international development, reflecting my passion for contributing to positive change on a global scale. Working for a development organization in my home country, the Caribbean or Africa is a long-term aspiration, and it aligns with my commitment to making a meaningful impact in these regions.
Overall, my dream job is to become a diplomat at Global Affairs Canada or work in a leadership capacity in a multilateral organization such as the United Nations. To accomplish this goal, I will leverage the diverse experiences I’ve gained from working at the City of Toronto, the Ontario Public Service, and on the Quantum Technology project at BSIA. I also recognize that my journey may unfold in unexpected ways, and I am open to embracing new opportunities that align with my professional growth and contribute to my dream of making a difference on the international stage.
What advice do you have for a potential student looking to complete their degree at the BSIA? Or for someone looking to work in Global Governance and International Policy?
If you are planning to complete your degree at BSIA, my advice to you is to make the most of all the opportunities available to you. Approach the experience with an open mind and take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. Apply for research assistant positions, seek mentorship from professors, and learn to communicate effectively, so you can showcase your skills and experience. BSIA offers a great network of future policymakers and trailblazers, so it’s important to network with your peers and stay connected with your cohort as you all progress in your careers.
As for those looking to work in Global Governance and International Policy, I recommend taking advantage of local policy opportunities to build your skills and experience. Many provincial and municipal governments offer plenty of policy job opportunities for students and recent graduates, such as the Toronto Urban Fellow program and Ontario Internship Program. These opportunities at the municipal and provincial levels of government, as well as local non-profits, can provide the experience you need for international policy opportunities.