Melissa Erin O'Rourke Email & Phone Number

Saint John, Nb, Ca

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

The McKenna Institute fuels economic growth and social progress by advancing the use of digital technologies in New Brunswick. The Institute collaborates to accelerate our talent pipeline, nurture ideas and enable all New Brunswick communities to thrive in a digital world.

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

The Action Canada Fellowship brings together groups of outstanding young Canadians whose talents and perspectives represent the mosaic of our country. Overall, the program aims to build better policy leaders through immersive shared experiences in communities across Canada. The theme of the program was sustainable transportation.

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

The Innovation Ecosystem (IE) Program funds major collaborative initiatives that will ignite Canada's ocean economy. Supported projects create and grow ocean companies, develop our ocean R&D resources, and foster inclusive talent attraction and transformation. Responsibilities include: • Managing the project review and selection process (from idea submission to board approval);• Contracting projects (e.g. negotiation of deliverables, milestones, committee structures, etc);• Monitoring the program portfolio and reporting progress to senior leadership;• Developing project ideation and evaluation tools (e.g. templates, assessment scorecards, etc.);• Representing the Ocean Supercluster on IE project steering committees;• Organizing regular engagement meetings and workshops with ecosystem stakeholders; and• Support refining program strategy, developing call criteria, drafting board materials, etc.

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

The Summer Institute is a three-month accelerator that provides education, mentorship, and funding to entrepreneurs who want to pursue an innovative new business idea. Responsibilities included:• Managing 15+ entrepreneurs and contract staff;• Managing the start-up recruitment and selection process;• Curriculum design and in-program coordination;• Program financial management and budgeting;• Program marketing and media relations;• Liaising with external stakeholders on funding, mentorship, and experimental learning;• Developing program milestones and key metrics;• Researching industry standards and best practices; and• Event planning for the final celebration / demo day.

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Energia Ventures is a three-month accelerator that supports seed stage ventures operating within the energy, cleantech, and cybersecurity space. Responsibilities included:• Providing strategic input on program design (curriculum, recruitment, operations);• Facilitating industry and mentor connections for the participating cohort; and • Mentoring entrepreneurs on design, pitching, and business strategy.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The Global Accelerator Network (GAN) Residency offers an international learning experience by immersing participants in another startup community. My residency was with ABC Accelerator based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. I worked with their seed stage ventures on pitching and business strategy.

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Communications, research, and administrative support with the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) and later Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB). Responsibilities included:• Preparing briefings and legislative materials for the Minister;• Tracking legislation and responding to house matters;• Managing appointments for boards, agencies, and commissions;• Processing officer for right to information requests;• Media monitoring for communications division (ONB); and• Research support for policy and planning division (RDC).

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Officer with the Department of Economic Development that collected and analyzed regional labour market information. Responsibilities included:• Promoting government programs to employers;• Researching emerging labour market trends;• Conducting employer interviews and identifying skills gaps;• Maintaining a database of regional job opportunities; and• Finding custom human resource solutions for SMEs.

Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

Chief elected representative tasked with advancing the educational, social, and personal concerns of students. Responsibilities included:• Management of the executive team and union employees;• Strategic planning and setting organizational goals;• Public spokesperson on issues pertinent to students;• Lead on external advocacy (government + administration);• Setting and adhering to the union budget; and• Policy and internal governance development.

Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

Co-producer and co-supervisor of the spoken word department. I ensured news content was critical, fair, accurate, and unique to the community.

Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

Master Of Public Administration

Bachelor Of Arts