There is a ton of information that I want to share with you this week. Our special observances and celebrations survey, the ASPECT Conference call for presenters, the research about social services and work-integrated learning, the employment strategy for youth with disabilities interface, and our latest topic for a member discussion about how we as a sector support communities when hit by natural disasters such as wildfires and floods. The one bit of important information I will profile here is the announcement of ASPECT's new president and the acknowledgement of our past president.
New President for ASPECT
Lori Forgeron is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience providing employment and career development services in BC. Holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University, Lori has always been interested in working to bring people living with unique barriers into the workforce.
Starting her career working with survivors of domestic violence, Lori experienced firsthand the difficulties faced by disenfranchised and under-represented individuals as they sought employment, specifically in the North-Central region of the province. Today, Lori is the owner and CEO of Workforce Development Consulting, a Northern-based employment agency that works with marginalized people and communities to provide them with a wide range of skills training, employment and career counselling, and social-emotional skills training programs.
In addition to her degree, Lori now holds certification as a Career Development Practitioner and numerous certifications in working with specific demographics such as those experiencing barriers related to mental health and addictions, differently-abled job seekers, and youth. Additionally, Lori is certified to deliver numerous testing and assessment tools to support workers in achieving improved employability.
Lori has been a long-term organizational member of ASPECT and a board of directors member for two two-year terms. She is honoured to move into the role of board president. She hopes to continue to support the advocacy work underway and plans to work collaboratively with the CEO and board members to ensure that ASPECT continues to represent the employment service providers community in British Columbia.
Thank You to our Past President
Val Meaney came to become ASPECT's president at a time when the WorkBC 2018 contract announcement left some of our existing board members without jobs, choosing to retire, or having fulfilled maximum service terms on the board. We had an exodus of eight board members at once!
Although I had met Val once in 2016, I didn't know her well, and when I asked others who of the new board applicants would make a good leader for ASPECT, Val's name came up several times. I remember that first phone call when I asked her to serve as president. The volunteer position is a large time commitment, and except for two fairly new returning board members (one with a new business and the other with a young child), she would be leading the 7-person board of brand new board members. A huge ask of someone you barely know!
Val was amazing and led ASPECT with dedication, generosity, and a little bit of humour. Personally, she became my friend outside of work, and I feel like I am a better person for knowing her. I am not the only one who feels this way. Here are some messages for Val from her fellow board members:
It has been truly a pleasure working with you. Your demeanour, support, and guidance are something that I will always remember. ~ Raj Hundal, Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS)
Thank you so much for your incredible leadership, not only of ASPECT but also in our sector. You have been an amazing support! ~ Tricia Gueulette, Beacon Community Services
Val, I so appreciated your balanced leadership as ASPECT president. Your combination of skills, sector knowledge, collaborative style, and thoughtful approach inspired trust from the sector as we navigated some challenging years. ~ Kim Lauritsen, Community Futures North Okanagan
Val has guided us through the last few years with integrity and an innate ability to be fair and objective. She has represented ASPECT well to the community and funders with her wit, her articulation, and her enduring dedication to the industry. ~ Deborah Bromley, ETHOS Career Management Group
What a joy it has been to work with you. Your leadership has reflected your wisdom, energy, and sense of humour. You have guided us to be a cohesive and enjoyable group. With deepest appreciation. ~ Peter Bailey, Free Rein Associates
Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT
