I believe strong communities are built by people who listen, work together, and aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves when something needs to be done.
Community is where I have spent my career. With a background in economics and marketing, and a deep personal interest in justice systems, I bring a wonderful combination of analytical perspective, realistic thinking, and humane approaches to everything I do.
My professional journey began in the corporate world, managing multi-million dollar budgets. However, it was when I moved into the non-profit sector that something changed in me. The satisfaction of genuinely serving people, I found, outweighed any paycheck. I haven’t looked back. Right now I am running the Constituency Office of MPP Aislinn Clancy, Kitchener Centre and a first hand witness of the changes we can make in people’s lives if we listen and focus on solutions.
Experience & Key Achievements
Since making that transition, I have become one of Waterloo Region’s essential community builders. To date, I have successfully driven results in several key areas:
Refugee & Integration Leadership: I led Canada’s largest refugee clinic for nearly four years, helping newcomers navigate one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. I also launched an integration project with what was then the Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre - now Kitchener Waterloo Community HealthCaring, building bridges between systems and the people who depend on them.
Crisis Management & Outreach: When COVID hit, I organized and ran emergency clinics for the region’s most at-risk residents in coordination with community leaders, health officials, and frontline service providers. I have consistently prioritized culturally aware and language-specific outreach, because access only exists if people can actually use it.
Constituency & Public Service: Most recently, I have been running the constituency office of MPP Aislinn Clancy since her first election. This work has reinforced my deep belief that contacting an elected official is often the last resort for most people. They have often already exhausted every option and do not have the energy to explain themselves repeatedly. I want to end this cycle through listening - really listening - and doing everything in my capacity to help before redirecting someone to another level of government.
Community Advocacy: With my team, I have developed an Advocacy Toolkit where the simple steps to better advocacy is explained. This toolkit has reached out to many individuals and grassroots organizations. I am also volunteering with many community organizations. With the new school year, I will also be a sitting member of the Waterloo Region District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee, hoping to bring my community focus toward the next generation.
What I Bring to Ward 5
I know that the affordability crisis is impacting everyone. Seniors, youth, single parents, and working couples across our community are stretching every dollar.
Affordable living - Thriving Futures - Building Communities
I am ready to propose a financial relief initiative before Council which has already proven to be successful in municipalities around the globe.
I am also developing a local employment project to connect Ward 5 youth with local businesses for first-job opportunities.
My platform will be built through the community needs and what I hear from you.
Connect With Me hello@edadede.ca
"I believe in people. When given the chance, everyone can thrive. Let’s build those chances together."
