International Relations Professional Learning Community (IR-PLC) October 2023
Message from the Co-chairs
As we come to the end of another year of growth for our PLC, we want to share a heartfelt thank you to the Steering Committee, our IR-PLC members, and CBIE for making this past year incredibly productive and successful.
The dedication of our Steering Committee members has been instrumental in shaping our achievements. Through your guidance, we’ve achieved our goals.
To our members, your active engagement, insights, and contributions are the lifeblood of our community. It’s through your collective effort that we’ve made remarkable progress.
In the past year, our webinars and virtual discussion sessions have enriched our understanding of the work we do in international relations for our institutions. Collaboration has facilitated networking and knowledge sharing.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to build upon our successes, foster an inclusive space, and explore innovative learning opportunities.
We’re grateful for your commitment and look forward to another year of growth and accomplishments together.
Warm regards,
Yukino and Dan
Purpose
The mandate of the IR-PLC is to create a space where International Relations and Partnership Officers can share experiences with their colleagues across Canada, exchange and access information, opportunities and best practices, link into the wider international relations community and work together to champion international collaboration and advance our global engagement agendas.
Mission
The IR-PLC helps IR professionals in Canadian institutions to connect with each other, to engage on matters of concern and interest within our sector, and to increase our effectiveness in linking our institutions with the world.
Objectives
This PLC creates a space for discussion, learning, and collaboration for International Relations Officers and others whose work focuses on supporting and promoting international collaborations.
The goal of the IR-PLC is to foster a community of practitioners, which includes:
- Exchanging best practices across institutions;
- Building partnerships with key stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally;
- Promoting discussion and exchange of ideas of key issues impacting the sector;
- Providing professional development and leadership opportunities through the Steering Committee;
- Advancing the field of International Relations in Canada, particularly with regard to diversity, inclusion, and equity; and
- Advocating for shared issues of concern.
Steering Committee
Yukino
Yukino Mori
Manager,
Global Engagement,
SFU International,
Simon Fraser University
Dan
Dan Fredrick
Director,
Global Engagement,
University of Alberta
Natasha
Natasha Fernandez
Manager,
Global Engagement and Partnerships,
University of Guelph
Miyuki
Miyuki Arai
Director,
Global Learning and Intercultural Support,
Studio for Teaching and Learning,
Saint Mary’s University
Ruth
Ruth Wax
Manager,
Education Abroad,
International Centre for Students,
University of Victoria
Mahvish
Mahvish Wesley
Director,
Learning & Safety Abroad,
University of Toronto
Helen
Helen Balderama
Associate Director,
International Partnerships & Programs,
York International,
York University
Emily
Emily MacDougall
Director,
Global Partnerships,
University of British Columbia
Kennis
Kennis Fung
International Partnership Officer,
Asia & Oceania,
University of Manitoba
Overview of Membership
423 Members
From 353 members in 2022, the IR-PLC membership has steadily increased, with 70 new members joining in the past year. Including a networking session at CBIE’s Ontario Regional Meeting at Humber College.
Institution Type
Role Type
Members by Province/Territory
Events & Initiatives
hosted webinars
hosted webinars
welcomed guest speakers
welcomed guest speakers from senior leadership positions, industry and academia
hosted a networking event
hosted a networking event at the Ontario Regional Meeting
Special Thanks
The IR-PLC Steering Committee thanks all of the guest speakers, members and CBIE for their support with the various events, activities and initiatives undertaken throughout 2023.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the staff at CBIE, especially Sophie Jodouin and Melissa Payne, for their ongoing support for our PLC.
Finally, we would like to thank our previous Steering Committee members, whose hard work and dedication have built this PLC into the amazing network of IR professionals we have today.
