Who is Debbie?
I grew up in Kitchener, completing my primary and secondary school education here, and my first university degree at WLU. I proudly live in Ward 9 with my husband, Peter, where we raised our family together. Most of our lives have been spent in Kitchener working and studying.
I currently teach at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Departments of Political Science and Global Studies. I have been actively involved in the local area both as a leader and a participant.
To the table I bring knowledge and experience from a variety of endeavours. These include having been operations manager at one of the largest wholesale gift and craft companies in the country, a university instructor of courses in urban politics and sustainability, the president of a neighbourhood association for 5 years, and member of two different City of Kitchener community advisory committees. In addition, I have engaged extensively with a variety of different ethno-cultural communities in the Region.
These involvements have given me a broad understanding of the diverse aspects of life in the City. In particular, my understanding of inclusion goes beyond words and is based on action. As your City Councillor I will draw on my experiences to represent Ward 9 as best as I can, involving all members of our community in decision making and change.
An Extensive History of Community Involvement
Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association, Former President
Cherry Festival Organizing Committee Member
Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee, Kitchener
Cycling and Trails Community Advisory Committee, Kitchener
One KCI, Community Representative
About Face, Waterloo Region, Founding Coordinator
Bailey’s Local Foods, Member
Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association, Executive Committee
Waterloo Regional Labour Council, WLUFA Delegate
Canadian Federation of University Women, Member
Global Community Centre, Board of Directors
iHelp International, Board of Directors and Consultant
Good Global Citizenship Think Tank, Participant
Spanish Cultural Society of Waterloo Region, Member
Education
PhD in Political Science – University of Western Ontario, London (2009)
MA in Political Science – York University, Toronto (2002)
BA in Political Science/ Sociology – Wilfrid Laurier (2001)
