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.

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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.

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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.  

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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

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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)

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