Community Safety and Well-being
About Me
My education and professional career has been far from linear. I still have a hard time answering that age old question, "What do you want to be when you get older?", but there is one thing I know for sure – do what you love! This will never steer you wrong.
My background includes: Public Service/Bureaucratic roles (Municipal, Provincial and Federal), Researching, Not for Profit and Community Service Agencies. I started in a Temp Agency position (4 weeks) at the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. I used my networking skills to cultivate a relationship and later found myself re-hired a few months later. Almost all of my positions have been through word-of-mouth, and I strongly believe in the importance of a first impression.
I can share my government and industry experience and insight to help give you advice to achieve your professional goals. I am skilled in Public Inquiries, Policy/Program Analysis, Office Administration, Research, and Community Outreach. I appreciate mentees who come to meetings prepared with questions and will follow through on our discussions. I’m excited to be part of this program and I’d be happy to chat!
Industry: Community Engagement; Community Development; Government Administration
Location: Toronto, Canada
Languages: English, French, American Sign Language (ASL)
Experience
- Désirée currently works as the founder and lead researcher at Kaunda Consulting.
- She also works as a coordinator for Correctional Services of Canada at the Downtown Toronto Parole Office.
- Previously, Désirée worked as a coordinator with the City of Brampton where she focused on community safety and well-being.
- She also worked on the Black Community Vaccine Plan for the City of Toronto, and at the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
- View Désirée's LinkedIn Profile
- Read a UTM story about Désirée's career here
Education
- Master of Public Health (Social and Behavioural Health Sciences), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, U of T, 2021
- Honours Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Sociology, French), 2017, UTM
- Pre-Interpreter, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies, American Sign Language and Communications, 2010, George Brown College
- Police Foundations Diploma, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Canadian Law Enforcement Training College, 2007