I am a lover of the Saint-Lawrence River and the surrounding nature, amazed by the history and unique heritage of Métis-sur-mer, and very proud of our community.
I grew up in Sherbrooke, in the Eastern Townships, and I first settled in Montreal after my bachelor’s degree. I spent 10 years in the community and academic sectors, interspersed with an 8-month stint in Mali, working on international cooperation.
Eager to settle in a rural region in my early thirties, it was a weekend camping trip to the Parc du Bic that made me fall in love with the area. Yearning for outdoors opportunities, and a strong sense of community, I moved to Rimouski in September 2013.
During a weekend getaway, I discovered, and immediately fell in love with, Métis-sur-mer.
I’ve been with you for almost three years now, with my two wonderful daughters.
As catalyst for change for 15 years, I help organizations and communities to imagine, implement, and consolidate desired transformations. Using participatory approaches and proven collaborative methods, I co-create and facilitate engaging collaborative processes that empower people and organizations to expand their perspectives, experiment new practices, and envision, act and thrive toward the desired transformation!
Through my support, organizations develop their ability to weather storms, they improve their efficiency, focus more on their primary mission, and redefine their programs and services based on the people they are meant to work for.
My career as a process-consultant is enriched by a diverse range of past professional experiences, such as:
- mentor coach for Concordia University’s Professional and Personal Coach Certification program
- Social Communication Officer
- Sustainable Development Officer for universities
- National co-director of a non-profit organization, the Sierra Youth Coalition.
Starting my own firm, SEKHA, in 2016, I’ve worked with several municipalities, MRCs, and non-profit organizations throughout the Lower St. Lawrence, Gaspésie, and Magdalen Islands regions.
I know about the main issues belonging to the MRC de La Mitis territory, as the ones of the Lower St. Lawrence region in general. I benefit from a wide professional network across the region, both in the municipal and territorial sectors than in the governmental one.
- Supported a multi-stakeholder committee in designing and implementing the collective project of transforming the L’Assomption-de-Notre-Dame de Grande-Rivière church, within an impartial framework focused on the needs and aspirations of the Rocher-Percé community.
- Facilitated intergovernemental training sessions, aimed at developing a shared vision for municipal preparedness in regard to maritime risks, as well as synergies between the teams involved.
- Co-designed and facilitated collaborative workshops with coastal community stakeholders to encourage collective preparation for the consequences of maritime accidents involving hazardous material spills near their living environment.
- Created and facilitated spaces for dialogue between a city council and the municipal directors regarding the organizational transformations required to facilitate the implementation of a city’s Strategic Plan for Sustainability.
- Supported the multi-stakeholder committee of an MRC in its 2017-2030 strategic planning process, and in mobilizing local stakeholders to implement the plan.
- Supported the Attention FragÎles team in the integrated planning of a « Living Lab » approach, aimed at mobilizing the Magdalen Islands community around the harmonious coexistence of land uses while preserving the resilience of ecosystems.
Professional and Personal Coach Certification (PPCC)
John Molson School of Business • Concordia University • 2018 (Module 1) and 2022 (Module 2)
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Human Systems Intervention
Final Report: Leading organizations toward sustainability: A process-consultation approach
Director: Gilbert Émond, Ph.D.
Concordia University • 2014
Courses in Human Resource Management and in Management
Université Laval • 2008-2009
Baccalaureate in communication, writing, and multimedia
Université de Sherbrooke and Rhode Island College, Providence (USA) • 2005
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions i am asked most often.
I am convinced that the Métis-sur-mer community will benefit from my skills and abilities if I serve as its official spokesperson, and represent it on the MRC de La Mitis council.
I want to actively contribute to the development of our beautiful community, and the position of mayor is the one that best fits this aspiration. Municipal council is the level of government that, in my opinion, has the most significant impact on the daily lives of our fellow citizens. The leadership provided by the mayor greatly influences the well-being of taxpayers, the collective quality of life, and the environment in which our children grow up.
As mayor, I want to work with and for you, both in Métis-related decisions, as well as in regional issues for which Métis-sur-mer has a voice.
For me, the call is now.
Léonie and Sophie go to Metis daycare. I’ve surrounded myself with invaluable people who give me a helping hand when I have professional responsibilities outside of regular work hours. There is a Babysitters Club in Métis-sur-mer, made up of wonderful, responsible teenage girls!
And motherhood taught me the importance of setting aside time to express my multiple identities, so that I can fully flourish as a woman, mother, professional, friend, sister, daughter, and, I hope, your future mayor.