2019 AMCTO Conference Scholarship Recipients

Jaclyn Grossi graduated from the University of Guelph with her B.A. (Hons.) in Criminal Justice and Public Policy with a minor in Political Science. She worked four summers at York Region primarily at the Provincial Offences Office, Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket before beginning her career in the Office of the Regional Clerk after graduation. Jaclyn currently works as a Legislative Coordinator for the Town of Newmarket. She is looking forward to meeting new professionals in her field and excited to attend her first AMCTO Conference!

Aren Plante will be graduating from Redeemer University College in May with his B.A. (Hon.) in History and Political Science. Next year he will be attending the University of Western Ontario, where he will be pursuing his M.P.A. in Local Government. Aren grew up in Haldimand County and is currently in his fourth summer working for the City of Hamilton. Aren spent a semester at Oxford University, and as an avid traveller has visited more than 35 countries around the world.

Since my first experience in the municipal environment, as a student with the City of Brampton over 9 years ago, I knew the municipal world was the one for me. Throughout my service with the City of Brampton and now, as Deputy Clerk with the Township of Georgian Bluffs, my passion for public service has continued to grow, with a particular interest in all things Council and Committees. As a graduate of McMaster University and the Municipal Administration Program, I value advancement through education, however also believe learning is most impressionable through experience, with opportunities like the AMCTO Conference metaphorically rising above the rest. When I’m not busy minute taking or agenda formulating, I am exploring the outdoors, enjoying a latte or curling up with a good book on the beach at my home in Collingwood, Ontario. It is an honor to be a recipient of the 2019 AMCTO Conference Scholarship, congrats to all that were selected!

Brooklyn Winter has been working full time for the Township of Stone Mills for 6 months now. She started as a summer student in 2017, working in the office as an administrative assistant. Brooklyn graduated from St. Lawrence College in 2018 with a diploma in Business. She then was hired in May 2018 on a contract position with the Township of Stone Mills, working as an election assistant. The contract ended in October and Brooklyn was hired full time on November 2018 as an Administrative Assistant for Stone Mills. Brooklyn has now completed Unit 1 and 2 of her Municipal Tax Administration Course through Seneca College, the 3rd Unit is to commence this summer. She has also completed Unit 1 and 2 of her AMCTO Municipal Administration program and is working towards finishing the remainder of the Units and Programs through AMCTO.

I am a newcomer to the municipal field, having worked as a law clerk for 20+ years before switching careers. My past work in municipal, planning and real estate law has certainly helped make the career transition easier. I have an honours degree in Political Science and History (minor in English) from University of Toronto (Trinity College). I have also taught communications and law part time at Algonquin College, Perth Campus.

I live in Perth, am married with two children and a dog. We all enjoy spending our spare time outdoors on the lake or in the bush enjoying nature.

I will begin by stating that I am not your typical new professional. I am older than most, as I am a father of 4 children, one of whom is a university student, one is in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary school. I am also a husband to my wife, Shona, for nearly 22 years. I have lived predominately in Northern Ontario but also spent some time living in London and surrounding areas. I am also involved with a local charity, assisting with financial matters and property care.

I have held various positions, including custodian/caretaker, landscape worker, landscape yard office manager, accounts payable clerk, financial administrative officer and my current position as Treasurer of Strong Township. I am new to the municipal world, and continue to learn as I am enrolled in AMCTO’s MAFP Unit 1. Being a small township, my position is varied and never has a dull moment. A sample of items that my work entails includes all payroll, reporting, budgeting, capital asset management work, applications for funding, tax collections and general operations. Pertinent to my current position is my Honours degree of Business Administration – Accounting from Nipissing University in 2013.

Hamdi Jimale is a Masters of Public Policy Candidate at the University of Toronto Munk School. Hamdi earned a B.A Honours in Forensic Psychology from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, where she served as President of the Student Society.

Hamdi is the Director of Internal Affairs of the Toronto Youth Cabinet, the City of Toronto's official youth advisory body. Previously, Hamdi worked with the City of Toronto's Social Development, Finance and Administration Unit.

Hamdi is a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross as a Disaster Management Supervisor and a Director with Girls20. In 2018, Hamdi was the recipient of the UOIT President's Award of Excellence and Social Planning Toronto's Frances Lankin Leadership Award.

Eunice Kays will be graduating from the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy with her Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree. Eunice holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business & Society, Professional Certificate in Public Administration & Law, and Liberal Arts Diploma - she is a lover of education! Eunice co-founded the Indigenous Affairs Student Initiative at the Munk School and has been part of the collaboration between UofT and the Harvard Kennedy School for HKS's annual Black Policy Conference. She is very passionate about local government, and has spent over 4 years working with several municipalities.

Lisa worked in the private sector for 20 years with various large law firms on Bay Street with just a few years ago moving over to the public sector as the Senior Development Law Clerk with the City of Mississauga. Lisa is a key source of guidance and advice on all matters concerning development for both internal clients and external stakeholders. Lisa also takes a keen interest in her own professional development and she has excelled in the many formal courses she has completed to expand her skillset. Working with the legal team at the City of Mississauga has provided Lisa a great deal of respect for her work ethics and willingness to further her knowledge of municipal law and procedures through further education.

Currently, I am finishing a M.P.A. at Queen’s University. My B.A. at Western University included majoring in the Sociology of Population, Health and Aging, with a Practical French Certificate. I began my municipal career as an Intern to the CAO of Hastings County, and later worked as the Executive Assistant to the CAO of Frontenac County. I currently hold the position of Recording Secretary for the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus advocating for rural priorities, such as affordable housing and cellular broadband. This summer I am working for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as the Policy and Public Affairs Intern.

Tarandeep holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Statistics. Besides that, he has completed a Graduate Certificate Program in Public Service from Conestoga College, Kitchener. Currently, he is pursuing his internship as an Education and Programs Intern with Indigenous Services Canada in Brantford. Also, he worked as an Assistant Manager - Marketing in Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals In India for a period of over 4.5 years. He is passionate about his career in the Public Service and ready to make the contributions in the public service through the skills and knowledge he gained during this graduate studies.

Kelly Picken is employed as the Deputy Clerk for the Township of North Kawartha, a small community that she and her husband made home 25 years ago. Kelly’s past careers have included; stay at home Mom for 2 amazing children, a Library Technician for both elementary and secondary schools as well as an elementary school secretary for the Peterborough Catholic School Board. Kelly is currently enrolled in AMCTO’s MAP Unit 3 course and will achieve her certificate in 2020. In her spare time Kelly loves to spend time with her family and with her fun loving retriever Murphy.