2026 Board of Director Candidate Profiles

Profile:  
Ana Paula is a bilingual Project Management Coordinator at Government of Canada. She has been a member of PMI for 6 years, and PMI OVOC in the past 3. She is currently the Director of Engagement and responsible for PMI OVOC’s monthly networking events. She has been a mentor in the chapter in previous years. Ana Paula has experience working in strategy and consulting, where she learned how to deal with multiple stakeholders and how to thrive under pressure. 
 
I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors to: 
- Empower all voices of the PMI OVOC community, in any phase of their lives, coming from anywhere in the world and speaking any language they prefer 
- Ensure that the chapter is the first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks about who to talk to about project management  
- Give back to a community that has been so helpful to me.  
 
I am the most qualified to serve on the Board of Directors for the following reasons: 
- I have started 3 services for the chapter in 2025 alone. 
- I enjoy collaborating with others and understanding their views 
- I don’t see volunteering as something I do when I have nothing else, but as a personal commitment that must be taken as seriously as a job.  

Profile   
Edwin Ferrer is a bilingual Technical Project Manager and Business Analyst with an MBA from Concordia University and a B.Sc. in Electronics Engineering. He is currently completing his PhD in Digital Transformation and Innovation at the University of Ottawa. A PMI member since and PMP® since 2005, Edwin has served the Ottawa Valley Outaouais Chapter in key leadership roles for the past three years: Director of Finance (2023–2024) and Director of Certification (2025–present). 
 
As Director of Finance, he participated in the transition to an agile in-house finance team, introduced transparent dashboards and reporting, and supported the financial success of major chapter events. As Director of Certification, he launched the “Let’s Get Certified!” initiative, established study groups, built partnerships with Authorized Training Partners, and grew a strong volunteer team. He has also been a speaker at PM Evolve 2024 (Artificial Intelligence in Project Management), an active mentor, and PMI OVOC representative at LIM conferences in 2024 and 2025. 
 
I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors to: 
Help position PMI OVOC as one of Canada’s most innovative and forward-thinking chapters by fully integrating artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable project management practices into everything we do.   
Continue building a stronger, more inclusive chapter that attracts and retains the next generation of project professionals in the National Capital Region.   
Ensure our events, certification programs, and professional development offerings remain world-class, accessible (hybrid), and directly relevant to the real-world challenges our members face in government, tech, clean energy, and industry.   
Give back to the PMI community that has been instrumental in my own career growth, while dedicating the time, energy, and strategic vision needed to guide our chapter through its next phase of growth. 
 
I am the most qualified to serve on the Board of Directors for the following reasons: 
Proven chapter leadership with measurable results in both finance and certification portfolios over the last three years. 
Extensive experience delivering multimillion-dollar transformation projects in various industries, combined with doctoral studies in Digital Transformation and Innovation. 
Strong financial discipline together with deep technical and emerging-technology expertise (generative AI, data analytics, cloud architecture). 
Demonstrated ability to build teams, forge partnerships with industry and academia. 
 
I am ready to bring energy, vision, and execution excellence to the Board and help make PMI OVOC the undeniable leader in modern project management in Canada.   

Profile

Georges Pierre Aka is a Founder and CEO of Digital Trust Consulting Inc., a newly incorporated consulting firm and has been a member of PMI for fourteen years. He brings over 20 years of IT and digital transformation leadership across government and private sectors in North America and Africa. Georges holds an MBA from IAE Paris-Sorbonne Business School, an Executive MBA in Management from IFG Executive Education, a Master in Law, Economics, and Management from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, and a Bachelor in Computer Information Systems from the University of North Georgia. Throughout his career, he has led mission-critical projects for national security and identity programs impacting over million of citizens.

I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors to:

• Leverage my digital transformation expertise to help OVOC navigate the evolving landscape of project management where IT, cybersecurity, and agile methodologies increasingly intersect with traditional PM practices, ensuring our chapter remains relevant and forward-thinking.

• Expand OVOC's sphere of influence within Ottawa's robust government, defense, and technology sectors by building trusted partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions—drawing on my proven track record of stakeholder engagement at the highest levels.

• Strengthen the chapter's bilingual reach throughout the National Capital Region, effectively engaging both anglophone and francophone communities to enhance OVOC's vibrancy and inclusivity.

• Contribute to strategic planning and sustainability by applying my experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading operations across 845 centers with 4,560 field agents, and developing long-term transformation roadmaps for government organizations.

• Give back to the project management profession that has been instrumental in my career development, mentoring the next generation of PM professionals and creating platforms for continuous learning that deliver tangible value to members.

I am qualified to serve on the Board of Directors for the following reasons:

• Proven leadership at scale: As Chief Operating Officer, I directed nationwide operations while simultaneously managing digital innovation, expanding program reach by 41 times and demonstrating my ability to balance operational excellence with strategic transformation.

• Digital and IT expertise: My roles as Director of Digital Services and Deputy Director of Digital Trust equipped me with deep knowledge of digital platforms, cybersecurity strategy, and technology governance—critical competencies as project management continues to evolve.

• Military discipline and mission focus: My U.S. Army ROTC training instilled a disciplined, results-oriented approach to leadership, team building, and strategic execution—qualities essential for effective board governance.

• Government and stakeholder relations: I have served as trusted advisor to senior government decision-makers on national security programs, led complex RFx processes, and built sustainable institutional partnerships.

• Strategic and financial acumen: My diplomas combined with hands-on experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, developing commercial strategies, and achieving measurable outcomes (50% revenue growth through strategic partnerships) positions me to contribute meaningfully to OVOC's financial planning and performance.

• Collaborative leadership style: I excel at working in cross-functional teams, having coordinated operations across technical and non-technical groups, government stakeholders, and international partners. I value diverse perspectives and data-driven decision-making.

• Commitment to community service: My active involvement in professional organizations and speaking engagements at international conferences demonstrates my dedication to elevating professional communities and sharing knowledge.

Profile

I have been an active member of the Project Management Institute since 2012 and a PMP-certified professional since 2013, with over 14 years of experience delivering projects across infrastructure, investment, technology-driven initiatives, and organizational environments. Throughout my career, I have applied both Waterfall and Agile methodologies in diverse delivery contexts, gaining a broad and practical perspective on how project management is applied across industries.

I have also led PMO functions within a large enterprise environment, supporting project governance, portfolio oversight, and executive decision-making. This experience strengthened my focus on accountability, performance, and professional standards—capabilities that align closely with effective Chapter governance and Board service.

Ottawa is a technology-driven city with a dynamic startup and professional ecosystem. I have been actively engaged with this ecosystem, working with early-stage companies, advisors, and professional organizations. This involvement provides practical insight into how project management continues to evolve and how professional development must adapt to remain relevant for members in a rapidly changing market. Community involvement and professional contribution have been consistent themes throughout my career. I have worked with PMI Ottawa as a volunteer and have supported professional and non-profit organizations. Through this experience, I have developed a strong appreciation for the responsibilities of a volunteer-driven organization and the importance of delivering clear, practical value to members.

I am interested in serving on the PMI Ottawa Chapter Board of Directors to:

• support the continued advancement and relevance of the project management profession.

• contribute to the Chapter’s growth and responsiveness to member needs; and

• serve the PMI community that has played an important role in my professional development.

I am well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors because:

• I bring a combination of practical project experience, enterprise-level PMO leadership, and PMI volunteer involvement.

• I am actively connected to Ottawa’s professional, technology, and startup communities; and

• I understand the collaboration, accountability, and commitment required for effective volunteer Board service.

Profile 
Pamela Paterson is a senior Project Manager and Business Systems Analyst with over 10 years of experience leading large-scale digital and IM/IT transformation initiatives across federal government, Crown corporations, and large enterprises. She has delivered complex programs valued between $60M and $100M in domains including immigration, elections, public safety, energy, healthcare, and finance. 
 
Pamela is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), with deep expertise in Agile, hybrid, and waterfall delivery. She is recognized for stabilizing at-risk initiatives, strengthening processes, and mentoring delivery teams. Her work frequently involves multi-department collaboration, executive decision support, and security-sensitive environments. 

Why I Am Interested in Serving on the PMI Board 
• To contribute to the stewardship and evolution of the project management profession at a time of increasing complexity, digital transformation, and societal impact. 
• To give back to PMI, which has played a significant role in shaping her career. 
• To collaborate with fellow board members in guiding PMI OVOC’s long-term direction and sustainability. 

Why I Am Qualified to Serve on the PMI Board 
• Extensive experience leading high-risk, high-value programs with strong process, change management, and ethical oversight. 
• Proven board and governance experience, including but not limited to service with the Canadian Authors Association, a community health centre with a $50M budget, and an academic institution. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with executives, boards, and diverse stakeholder groups. 
• Strong systems-thinking perspective that integrates project management with business analysis, change management, and Agile delivery. 
• Longstanding commitment to professional development through teaching, mentoring, and authorship. 

Profile:
My name is Steffi Kala, currently working as a Project Manager in Bell Canada. With 7+ years of rich and diverse experience in I.T., Retail and Telecom, I am a certified PMP (Project Management Professional) and have been a member of PMI for over 2 years now. I have completed my Master of Engineering: Engineering Management from University of Ottawa. Throughout my academic years, I have been awarded with the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award (named after the honourable ex-President of India, for being the University Gold-Medallist in bachelor’s degree) and Gee-Gees Award of Academic Excellence (presented by University of Ottawa for outstanding achievement in Sports and Studies). Being an Indian National Badminton Player, I have played 36 Nationals for India (now a Badminton Coach) and represented University of Ottawa as a Captain. My leadership abilities also led me to become Bell Ambassador 2024 – 2026. I have also served for Women in Mathematics Club as a ‘Vice-President’- Graduate Students in University of Ottawa.

I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors to:

• To give back to a community that continues to empower project management professionals worldwide as PMI has played a vital role in shaping my professional journey as well. I have been to numerous PMI OVOC Chapter Connects by now and every time it is fascinating to see the enthusiasm, curiosity and eagerness of young minds and wisdom of highly experienced professionals from the varied industry backgrounds. I want to take this opportunity to motivate them, work for the Chapter and create opportunities for PMI members to showcase their best abilities.

• Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how strong operational foundations can make or break an organization’s ability to deliver value. Being a project manager and leading teams for operational processes in my projects in past, I’m naturally drawn to the behind-the-scenes work— streamlining processes, improving collaboration, and ensuring that strategy translates into smooth execution. The Board role strongly aligns with my strengths, experience, and passion for turning vision into action.

• I see this role not just as a leadership position, but as a responsibility—to listen, to improve, and to help PMI grow stronger and more resilient for the future.

I am the most qualified to serve on the Board of Directors for the following reasons:

• Being a Project Manager at Bell currently, I have hands-on leadership experience in complex, cross-functional and challenging environments. I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders, balanced competing priorities, and brought constructive alignment across teams, all while maintaining a strong focus on outcomes, accountability, and value delivery. This experience allows me to contribute meaningfully to board-level discussions while executing the processes efficiently at the ground-level.

• My leadership and operational excellence experiences of being a Bell Ambassador and Vice President for students and Grad community at university bring a strong foundation in operations, governance, and execution, with the ability to translate strategic direction into an efficient, well-functioning day-to-day operations. I bring a service-oriented leadership mindset. I listen actively, value diverse perspectives, and approach challenges with empathy and collaboration. I believe effective boards are built on trust, inclusion, and constructive dialogue, and I consistently strive to foster those qualities.

• Operational excellence and digital transformation are my core strengths. I have strong experience of leading teams and handling Operations for Capgemini Technology Services and managed digital transformation in E-Commerce space for Adidas that makes me highly apt for this role. As a Board Member, I would prioritize creating a structure that enables volunteers, chapter members and PMI overall to succeed, and improvise on overall efficiency. Having extensive experience working in cross-functional and volunteer-driven environments, I naturally focus on process improvement, consistency, and scalability, while remaining flexible to adapt to changing chapter needs.

Profile:

Tabassum Hussain, MBA, PMP, LSSBB Founder and PMO Transformation Consultant Lean PMO Inc. Tabassum Hussain has over 15 years of experience in leading projects in various industries, from manufacturing and telecommunications to natural resources and healthcare, amongst several others. Her work in these and other industries has been mostly focussed on Lean Implementation, Process Improvement, Change Management, as well as training personnel in adopting Waterfall & Agile methodologies. During her career, she has had the opportunity to work with several renowned organizations, such as Canadian Tire, Metrolinx, Magna International, York Excavation, Aker Solutions, City of Brantford and University Health Network. Currently, she is working as a Director of Management Consulting and Strategy, at Lean PMO Inc. Being a former Professor at Sheridan College HMC in the Business Analysis and Process Management Program, Tabassum holds a dual Executive MBA, from Cornell University and Queen’s University. She is also volunteering with PMI Ottawa Valley Outaouais Chapter as Director Executive Projects and Operational Excellence.

Why I Am Interested in Serving on the PMI Board:

My current role is Director Executive Projects and Operational Excellence. I see PMI as an organization that has achieved remarkable success globally and serves as a benchmark for excellence in project management leadership. Its strong reputation, commitment to professional development, and focus on ethical and impactful project delivery strongly resonate with my own professional values. Project management has been an integral part of my career for more than a decade, during which I have had the opportunity to work across diverse projects, teams, and environments. Through this journey, PMI’s standards, principles, and body of knowledge have consistently influenced my professional growth and approach to leadership. My interest in PMI extends beyond the perspective of a professional association. I see it as a powerful platform to serve, support, and uplift communities at the grassroots level. I am deeply inspired by PMI’s work across different countries and communities, particularly its efforts to improve quality of life by partnering with grassroots, not-for-profit organizations. These initiatives demonstrate how project management can be a force for social good, and they align strongly with my personal desire to contribute meaningfully to society. I would be honored to participate in and support the development of structures and initiatives that empower individuals to discover their true potential while strengthening a sustainable and inclusive support system within the project management community.

Why I Am Qualified to Serve on the PMI Board:

I believe that my professional experience, expertise, and educational background have equipped me with the right tools and leadership mindset to add tangible value to the PMI Ottawa Valley Chapter Board. Over the years, I have developed strong skills in collaboration, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving capabilities that are essential for effective board leadership. I am confident that these skills, combined with my passion for service, would enable me to contribute positively to the chapter’s mission, goals, and long-term sustainability. I am also a committed community builder. I have been actively volunteering since 2016 and have gained a deep understanding of the needs, challenges, and emotional realities of being a volunteer. Volunteering requires motivation, recognition, support, and a sense of belonging, and I understand how critical these factors are to maintaining engagement and enthusiasm. Having walked the same path, I am able to connect with volunteers authentically and empathetically. This perspective allows me to contribute ideas and initiatives that foster stronger engagement, collaboration, and retention within the volunteer community. In summary, my long-standing connection to project management, passion for community service, and commitment to leadership make me eager to serve on the PMI Ottawa Valley Chapter Board. I am motivated by the opportunity to give back, support volunteers, and help strengthen a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable project management community.