Launched in 2023, &OR Collective is a Montreal-based sustainable lifestyle brand that combines cutting-edge technology with innovative environmentally conscious practices. Defined by a modern, value based supply chain, &OR is eliminating cut-off textile waste and solving for overproduction while encouraging a less is more wardrobe away from overconsumption & fast fashion without compromising quality or desirability. Utilizing a zero-waste manufacturing method, &OR produces high-quality apparel designed for longevity and minimal environmental impact while embedding circularity into the business through a strategic partnership with SuperCircle, New York based fiber to fiber recycler. &OR Collective’s commitment to innovative and sustainably made products will soon extend into new categories as the brand broadens - creating better things, better ways.

We founded August in order to work with dynamic, forward leaning brands and rebrand, reshape and sharpen, strategic communications programs. With over 15 years experience working in house in brand/communications for global brands, the team at August delivers strategic brand work for its clients. By collaborating with a collection of the freshest creatives and freelancers - August provides branding services all the way to go-to-market and channel strategies for its clients.Current clients range from a diverse range of industries, from startups in fashion, beauty and health/wellness space.

I was appointed by the Federal Government to join Own the Podium’s Board of Directors in April 2019 - bringing an established track record for brand communications, government relations, media relations and crisis management to the Board. Own the Podium, a not-for-profit organization, prioritizes and determines investment strategies to national sport organizations in an effort to deliver more Olympic and Paralympic medals for Canada. Own the Podium's largest contributor of funding is the Government of Canada with additional funding provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee/Canadian Olympic Foundation, the Canadian Paralympic Committee/Paralympic Foundation of Canada, along with the corporate community. For a full summary of Own the Podium initiatives and programs, including a breakdown of support and services by sport, please visit us at www.ownthepodium.org on the Internet.

Jumping into a senior leadership role at Aldo in 2015, I have driven results through clear, creative and thoughtful strategies in brand communications. My role has evolved throughout my time at Aldo allowing me to grow and excel - harnessing my ability to deliver strong brand communications strategies while also building and developing a winning team. My role is pivotal role in building awareness, consideration and fashion credibility for ALDO overseeing media relations, social media, product/celebrity placements, influencer/ambassador programs, sponsorships/partnerships and philanthropic activities. I am responsible for all external communications globally, and for managing the internal PR & Social Media teams as well as all international social, influencer, celebrity and pr agencies. Key focus on driving brand equity by amplifying all brand initiatives in order to elevate the perception of ALDO at large.

In the role of Director of Communications I was responsible for the development, management and execution of the overall strategic communication plans for Maybelline New York, Garnier, Ombrelle and Essie in Canada. This included:- Setting the tone and strategy for high level communications plans for the brands;- Creating measurable project objectives, managing timelines and evaluating results;- Developing/supervising the creative development/production of press materials for product launches and key events/announcements as well as all content for social media channels;- Management of PR/Social Media team along with substantive brand communications budgets;- Leading strategic outreach initiatives to increase editorial brand visibility in the media, including large scale media events;- Building and nurturing strong professional relationships with key media and outside partners;- Development of special editorial projects in collaboration with media partners;- Responsibility for all external PR agencies and lead artists;- Management of brand crises in collaboration with corporate communications, key partners and stakeholders;- Lead role in developing the strategy & execution for Maybelline New York at New York Fashion Week and World Mastercard Fashion Week in Toronto.

Hill & Knowlton is a global strategic communications consultancy, with a successful track record of providing high value public relations and public affairs support to companies, agencies, government ministries and organizations. I provided integrated communications and public affairs support to national clients. With a unique combination of past experience I was ably suited to provided strategic counsel, project management and communications support/planning. Having worked closely with media and all levels of government, I was an adept issues manager, with valuable insight in media relations, corporate communications, strategic messaging and government relations.

I spent three years at the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Games that were profoundly special professionally and personally. The role included intense, day-to-day front-line media relations and development of the strategic messaging for VANOC's executive team to help mitigate potential issues. My efforts also focused on the development of tactical communication plans for key milestone events such as the Mascot launch, the Vancouver 2010 ticketing launch, the advertising and thematic debut, the Vancouver 2010 motto reveal (With Glowing Hearts) and Torch Relay route unveil to name a few.In this role I was also responsible for leading communications activities with senior government partners. This included providing strategic guidance on a broad variety of initiatives, leading up to, and during Games-time as well as acting as a key liaison between governments and VANOC in order to forge and cultivate strong partnerships. During the Games, I worked closely with CTV and other key domestic and international media developing story ideas for her client group.I also supported VANOC's CEO on special projects involving media relations and event planning for events in Toronto/Ottawa - involving strategic planning for editorial boards, executive briefings, partner networking and on the ground pitching/media liaison/logistics.

Take a Hike partners with public school districts to engage vulnerable youth in a full-time mental health and emotional well-being program embedded in an alternate education classroom. As a volunteer, you help to support the mission of empowering vulnerable youth with the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school. This is done by engaging youth in intensive and continuous clinical counselling, regular outdoor adventures, and supporting youth in a safe and caring community.

Summa provides strategic counsel, government relations, research and communications services. They also deliver high quality event management and media relations strategies that get results. Summa has a record of success working with Canadian businesses, industry and health associations, environmental groups and joint ventures.Katie worked with Summa Strategies in Ottawa for over two years, gaining private sector agency experience as a consultant working on clients such as CTV Globe Media, Clean Air Foundation, Newfoundland Labrador Hydro and Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.