L. Janelle Ellis

Global Community Development Specialist & PhD Candidate

Ottawa, CA.

About

Highly accomplished Global Community Development Specialist with over 30 years of hands-on experience in newcomer support across 8 Canadian cities and international programs in Japan, Egypt, and Australia. Currently a PhD candidate at USQ, researching institutional equity barriers, I leverage expertise in anti-oppression frameworks, cross-sector partnerships, and project management to drive impactful social change and translate complex data into accessible presentations for diverse stakeholders.

Work

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

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PhD Research: Communities & Social Performance

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

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Summary

Conducting doctoral research on institutional equity barriers and community engagement, involving extensive fieldwork in Australia and South Africa to analyze intangible social impacts.

Highlights

Executed in-depth fieldwork across Australia and South Africa, meticulously collecting qualitative data to investigate intangible impacts on community engagement.

Analyzed complex social dynamics to identify and articulate institutional equity barriers, contributing original insights to the field of community development.

Developed advanced research methodologies for examining social performance, enhancing understanding of community resilience and participatory processes.

Independent Consultant

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Training & Community Engagement Specialist

Global, N/A, N/A

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Summary

Led global community development initiatives, managing stakeholder relations and delivering specialized training across 12+ countries to foster intercultural competence and drive social impact.

Highlights

Cultivated strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and industry stakeholders across 12+ countries, significantly expanding program reach and impact.

Directed comprehensive project lifecycles from planning to revision, ensuring timely delivery and successful execution of community development initiatives.

Designed and facilitated impactful training programs in intercultural competence, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and systems navigation for diverse international audiences.

University of Victoria

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Communications & Community Engagement Specialist

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

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Summary

Managed communications and community engagement for ocean science networks and educational initiatives, overseeing special projects and large-scale events at the University of Victoria.

Highlights

Directed community outreach and special projects for ocean science networks, significantly increasing public engagement with critical educational initiatives.

Coordinated successful events, trade shows, and conferences, enhancing the university's profile and fostering key stakeholder relationships.

Managed the production of annual reports and exhibitions, effectively communicating research outcomes and institutional impact to diverse audiences.

ICEM – Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada

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International Communications & Event Manager

Saanich, British Columbia, Canada

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Summary

Orchestrated international communications and high-profile event management for the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, including a significant diplomatic visit.

Highlights

Spearheaded international communications and event logistics for high-stakes diplomatic engagements, ensuring seamless execution.

Successfully coordinated multiple federal departments, the Japanese Consulate, and DND/security for the Japanese Emperor's Science Visit on July 12, 2009.

Managed all aspects of event planning and execution, upholding diplomatic protocols and enhancing Canada's global scientific reputation.

Volunteer

Special Project & Development Support

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Community First Development

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Provided strategic project and development support for First Nations communities, contributing to culturally sensitive initiatives.

Highlights

Contributed to special projects focused on First Nations community development, supporting initiatives that align with self-determination principles.

Facilitated development support, aiding in the implementation of programs designed to enhance community well-being and sustainability.

Care Coordinator & Referral Specialist

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Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

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Provided comprehensive care coordination and critical referral services for asylum seekers, addressing housing, legal, employment, and health needs.

Highlights

Coordinated essential housing, legal, employment, and health referrals for asylum seekers, directly improving access to vital support services.

Managed complex care coordination, ensuring holistic support and advocacy for vulnerable populations.

Streamlined referral processes, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in delivering critical aid to asylum seekers.

Education

University of Southern Queensland

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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PhD Humanities & Communication Grade:

Royal Roads University

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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MA Communication Grade:

York University

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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BA (Hons) Communication & Culture Grade:

Languages

English

Certificates

Mediation - Level 1

DRB, Australia

Fundamentals of Public Participation

IAP2, South Africa

Social Impact Assessment

University of Strathclyde, UK

Social Accounting & Auditing

Social Audit Network Ltd, UK

Community Relations at Exploration

UQ, Australia

Conflict Mediation

Fundacíon Magnolia, Spain

Certificate IV in Training & Assessment

South Metropolitan TAFE, Australia

Skills

Community Development

Newcomer Support, Anti-Oppression Frameworks, Cross-Sector Partnerships, Institutional Equity, Community Engagement, Social Impact.

Project Management

Planning, Tracking, Revision, Program Management, Initiative Leadership.

Training & Facilitation

Training Design, Training Delivery, Intercultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI), Systems Navigation, Adult Education.

Stakeholder Engagement

Government Relations, NGO Collaboration, Industry Partnerships, Diplomatic Coordination, Community Outreach.

Research & Analysis

Qualitative Fieldwork, Social Performance, Impact Assessment, Policy Analysis, Data Translation, Academic Research.

Communications

International Communications, Report Writing, Policy Presentation, Annual Reports, Exhibitions, Public Relations.

Event Management

Conference Planning, Trade Show Coordination, Diplomatic Visit Logistics, Exhibition Management, Event Execution.

Social Support & Advocacy

Asylum Seeker Support, Care Coordination, Referral Services, Housing Support, Legal Aid Navigation, Employment Support, Health Referrals.

Legal & Compliance Training

OHS (Occupational Health and Safety), Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property (IP), Privacy, Conflict Mediation.

Cognitive Science

Human Cognition, Learning Theory, Behavioral Insights.

Interests

International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA)

Professional Affiliation.

IAP2 International Association for Public Participation

Professional Affiliation.

People First Community

Professional Affiliation.

World Council on Intercultural and Global Competence

Professional Affiliation.