Hi there! I’m Amanda, and I wear many hats —community builder, lifelong educator, and dedicated do-gooder, all on a mission to create positive change in Northern Ontario and beyond.
What I do, in a nutshell: I create change and shape future leaders through education, community building, and civic engagement.
I started as a teacher and spent 12 years in K-12 classrooms. Later, I transitioned to the nonprofit sector and now empower teachers to bring about educational change. Additionally, I am the founder of PoliticsNOW, an organization that assists women in getting elected to municipal councils in Northern Ontario. My work and passion are at the forefront of K-12 education, public policy, and gender equality.
I incorporate my decade of classroom experience into every aspect of my work — from fostering connections to creating accessible resources and everything in between. I'm particularly interested in creating resources that are easily accessible and encourage creativity, especially when it comes to helping people better understand the world of Canadian politics and civics. In 2022, I wrote the definitive guide to prepare women for a run for office called the Exploring Your Run Workbook, followed by its companion on canvassing, the Voter Outreach Workbook. Over 80K people have engaged with my projects to increase civic literacy on Instagram. My short educational videos ("Amanda Teaches Civics") have over 35K views and 10K engagements. Above all, I am passionate about making Canadian politics and civics accessible because I believe transforming our democracy starts with ensuring everyone is empowered and informed.
Through PoliticsNOW, I've trained over 500 individuals in governance, policy, and civics education. I take immense pride in supporting over 80 women-led political campaigns during the 2018 and 2022 Ontario Municipal Elections, resulting in the election of over 60 women. I've also designed and led programs that have ignited political and civic engagement, leaving a lasting impact across Canada.
You may have spotted me on CBC, Flare Magazine, CTV, Global News, or your local news channels, sharing insights on women's involvement in politics, education and civic engagement. My op-eds have been featured in the Ottawa Citizen, the Toronto Sun, and the Hamilton Spectator, among others.
I love inspiring others with my passions — it's a superpower of mine. I’ve spoken at events like the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy with the Library of Parliament, the Women's Economic Resilience Summit, the United Way Volunteer Drive, the QFLIP Conference, and ETFO’s Women In Politics events. I have delivered keynote speeches, participated in panels and led workshops for various organizations nationwide.
I have been recognized for my work several times, including with awards such as CBC WeAretheChange, Distinguished Alumni, Rachel Proulx Memorial, 40 Under 40, and becoming a CanStudyUS fellow with the Leadership Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. A documentary was also made about my experience with PoliticsNOW on the CBC.
Throughout my journey, my focus has remained on my mission, and these experiences have expanded my knowledge and strengthened my dedication to serving the communities I serve.
My ultimate purpose is simple:
I'm on a mission to be the good in the world by helping mould the next generation of leaders.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, let's connect and discuss how we can make a difference together.
instagram | twitter | linkedin | email
Veuillez noter que je suis fièrement franco-ontarienne et que je serai heureuse de communiquer avec vous dans la langue officielle de votre choix.
I provide a range of services, including keynote speeches, educational workshops, expert consultations, and support for community-building initiatives.
🚀 Core Competencies
Program Development & Implementation
Strategic Partnership Building
Data Analysis & Presentations
Leadership & Team Management
Effective Communication &Collaboration
🌱 Key Areas of Expertise
Educational Leadership & Policy
Strategic Communication Marketing
Civic Engagement
Community Empowerment
Project Management