About Us

Mark is a modern Renaissance man that oversees the programming at EHRC. He has managed research and programs to transfer skills from regulated occupations into unregulated occupations while minimizing job seeker retraining. Mark’s extensive experience covers a range of skills and geographies, including sub-Saharan Africa, Taiwan, and across Canada. As a result, he has a robust set of professional talents and strong opinions about tea.

Mark holds a BA in Government from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY and an MA in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. In his spare time, Mark volunteers with organizations such as the Foundation Fighting Blindness, QuickStart Autism and Chairs the Autism Family Advisory Committee at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. The German Eurodance group SNAP! once said “rhythm is a dancer“, and so is Mark.

Merertu has over 10 years of experience in developing strategies and tools for organizations in the private, public and not-for profit sectors to create inclusive workplaces, and is a Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP). In her spare time, she mentors internationally trained professionals, providing support and guidance to help them achieve their career goals in Canada.

Merertu holds a Masters degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa. She has also earned a Bachelor degree in Joint Specialization in Anthropology & Sociology from the University of Concordia in Montreal. Merertu is the reigning office champion of being able to pull off bright colours and statement pieces that the rest of us can only dream of.

Marie has over 30 years of experience in business development, marketing and communications, strategic planning, project management, customer service, human resources, accounting principles, management and government relations. Her key areas of interest and professional practice include stakeholder engagement and large-scale communications and public relations planning.

Marie is a graduate with honours of the Algonquin College Marketing program. She’s been awarded both National Account Executive of the Year and Top Performer for her work. She also has a strong history of volunteering the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa, CHEO, GCWCC workplace campaign, and the Canadian Country Music Association. Marie is both a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n roll.

Anita is EHRC’s Calgary-based Project Manager and Cowgirl-at-Large for Western Canada. She brings a strong background in non-profits and research, along with a passion for making a difference with her work. Anita supports EHRC’s projects focusing on diversity & inclusion, helping all Canadians to participate in our economy. In addition to project management, Anita has years of experience in strategic development, stakeholder relations, communications, and public relations.

Anita holds a Masters degree in International Relations and Political Diaspora from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, as well as an Honours degree in Political Science, with a Minor in French from Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada. She’s got the same talents and air of international-person-of-mystery as James Bond, but with a much healthier attitude about gender roles.

Jenna is a communications professional with diverse experience in the non-profit sector. She has worked with small teams and smaller teams to effectively connect message to audience and edit with an eagle eye. Jenna's an active volunteer and traveler, having worked around the world from Beaubien to Budapest. At EHRC, Jenna supports the marketing team on digital media, events and outreach.

Jenna is a graduate of McGill University, and marketing is just something to pass the time until country roads take her home, to the place she belongs: West Virginia, mountain mama—take her home, country roads. Look for Jenna's bluegrass fiddle album to drop on Spotify any day now.

Kim MacLaren brings over 14 years in workplace skills development and competency analysis to our team as Project Manager for the National Occupational Standards and Functional Analysis Project. A consistent and calm communicator, facilitator and researcher, her collaborative approach and straight-forward thinking allows her to effectively partner and engage with people of all walks of life.

Kim holds a Master of Organizational Management (M.Org.M.) degree from Crandall University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Prince Edward Island. She is also a certified DACUM Facilitator and Essential Skills Analyst. Additionally, she has completed training in Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Design, Occupational Language Analysis, Basic Test Development and Project Management. When the Renaissance has a renaissance, Kim is your go-to woman.

Chelsea joins EHRC straight from school as our Claims Coordinator, supporting Empowering Futures and the Green Jobs Program. She has international experience in administration and information management that she applies to ensure claims are addressed promptly and accurately.

She graduated with honours from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, with a degree in Mathematics and Economics, where she spent a semester abroad Czech-ing out Prague. Despite studying the nerdiest subjects in school, Chelsea is very active and her love of cycling will no doubt lead her to the Tour de France; look for her breaking ahead of the peloton in 2024.

Paige is a grants administration and cultural services professional with diverse work experience in the non-profit sector. Through previous employment opportunities in federal and non-profit granting programs, she has unique skills in project management and client relations. She thrives in providing exceptional program support and in facilitating meaningful connections through everyday interactions. This makes Paige an excellent Project Manager for the Discovering Potential Program.

Paige holds a Master of Arts degree in Canadian History from Carleton University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree from King’s University College at Western University. Between spending a decade as a historical re-enactor and binge-watching reality TV shows, Paige truly lives for drama.

Maria Shirokov is EHRC’s Administrative Coordinator, keeping our many ducks in a row. Maria brings her varied experience and great attitude from work in sales, corporate retail and education. Her world travels and trilingualism in English, French and Russian bring a wide perspective to her work. Her degree may say “Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University”, but her Instagram says “jet-set influencer”. Klassnoye foto, Masha!

When she’s not working at EHRC and visiting every far-flung corner of the world, she spends her time spinning (on a bike, not on her feet) and raiding Sephora.

Alex has over 10 years of experience in research and postsecondary education specifically, in Physics and Renewable Energy. As a researcher, Alex has worked on the development of efficient and durable energy harvesting systems. In his role as an educator, he has actively participated in committee meetings working on curriculum development to suit current governmental policies as well as enhance student readiness for post-secondary education.

Alex holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, a Masters of Science in Physics from the University of Buea, Cameroon and a Bachelors of Science in Physics from the University of Douala, Cameroon. He speaks six languages and is a chronic over-achiever, but that’s what happens when you have eight siblings.

Venus is a marketing student going into her third year at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. A co-op student, Venus joins the EHRC team as a Program Assistant, helping to conduct research about human resources in Canada’s electricity sector and quickly becoming the MVP of the office by working closely with EHRC’s CRM database.

An avid traveller, Venus has lived in three continents so far. Outside of work, studies and travel, Venus enjoys meeting new people and playing tennis.

James is a third-year undergraduate student of human resources management at the University of Ottawa. He is a mature student with many years of varied life and work experience in customer service, office administration, managing projects and leadership. When he moved to Canada, James decided to pursue a new career in human resources management, although he holds BSc and MSc degrees in architecture from the University of Nigeria.

For James, living life to the fullest means pursuing your dreams and not being afraid to try something new. At EHRC he works as a Program Assistant, processing wage subsidy claims on the Empowering Futures Program, but every weekend he serves as a volunteer minister and life coach in his local church RCCG.

Zarina Mujanovic is EHRC’s Administrative Coordinator, keeping everything organized! Coming from a diverse experience of education in Political Science and European Studies as well as many travels, Zarina is a vibrant and kind individual who is passionate about community building and sustainable development.
Zarina brings a strong background in Administration in both the private and public sector as well as experience in client relations. Seeing everything from a global lens, Zarina loves to help and learn about people from all walks of life and is never shy to say hello and welcome!
During her spare time, you will find Zarina reading up on Historical fiction, planning a new adventure, or attending her spin classes!

“ Let the beauty of what you love be what you do”- Rumi

Born and raised in Belgium, Grace is a leading expert in innovative public-private multi-stakeholder governance models, from shaping social initiatives and regulatory frameworks for social entrepreneurship initiatives and impact investing. She has consulted with various public and private institutions on strategy.

Grace holds a Bachelor of Sciences, International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa and is fluent in four languages (English, French, Dutch and Lingala).
She loves reading fiction and autobiographies, travelling the world, and food.