RESUME

Neurodivergent disability advocate, public speaker, and community leader with over a decade of experience in workshop facilitation, nonprofit leadership, and partnership development. Skilled in designing engaging sessions, building strong community relationships, mentoring peers, and leading public engagements.Passionate about youth empowerment, social justice, and creating inclusive programs that drive meaningful impact.

Professional Experience

President

BC People First | July 2024 – Present

  • Lead a disability-led nonprofit focused on inclusion and rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Coordinate and deliver numerous public speaking engagements, panels, and workshops across British Columbia.

  • Represent the organization at conferences, consultations, and community events.

  • Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders.

  • Facilitate focus groups and workshops for diverse participants, mentoring facilitators and volunteers.

  • Collaborate on accessibility research and policy recommendations with academic and advocacy

  • partners.

Founder & Owner

Retrophiliac | January 2011 – Present

  • Design and deliver workshops, presentations, and events on disability pride, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA2+ inclusion.

  • Build community through interactive events, online content, and in-person markets.

  • Manage all aspects of business operations including outreach, marketing, and event coordination.

  • Support participants and customers through guidance, mentorship, and accessible communication strategies.

Event Coordinator – We Belong Market

Vancouver, BC | 2022 – 2023

  • Organized accessible community markets supporting disabled and marginalized entrepreneurs.

  • Managed vendor recruitment, event logistics, marketing outreach, and attendee engagement.

  • Facilitated networking and peer-support sessions to strengthen community connections.

Cohort Leader – Creative Business Support

Curiko | February 2023 – November 2023

  • Facilitated online workshops supporting disabled creatives in starting or growing their small businesses.

  • Delivered interactive sessions on branding, e-commerce, and accessible business practices.

  • Mentored participants, fostering confidence, independence, and skill development.

Public Speaker & Advocate

Freelance | January 2018 – Present

  • Design and deliver workshops and presentations on autism, disability advocacy, social-emotional learning, and accessible self-employment.

  • Lead sessions on creative entrepreneurship, social media literacy, and online safety.

  • Communicate using plain language and accessible methods to engage diverse audiences.

Disabled-Owned Small Business Consultant

Self-Employed | February 2020 – Present

  • Advise disabled entrepreneurs on practical strategies for starting and sustaining small businesses.

  • Advocate for recognition of self-employment as an accessible, valid form of work.

  • Deliver workshops and presentations to build awareness and share lived experience.

Key Skills

  • Workshop Design & Facilitation

  • Public Speaking & Event Representation

  • Partnership Development & Community Outreach

  • Mentorship & Team Support

  • Accessible Communication & Plain Language

  • Social Justice & Disability Advocacy

Awards & Recognition

BC Achievement Award – Emerging Leader 2025; Featured in The Thunderbird; Profiled in Homegrown Business; Speaker at disability conferences; Collaborated on accessibility research with McMaster University and People First of Canada.

References and previous projects available upon request.