The McGill Alumni Public Policy Society (MAPPS) enables McGill University alumni working in public policy to maintain contact with the University, and each other, for their shared benefit and the continuing vital support of McGill University.
We seek to build a vibrant McGill community to develop events and opportunities connecting alumni, as professionals in society, to each other and to the School enriching the field of Public Policy.
Our vision is to help McGill’s Public Policy graduates to stand out as leaders for advocacy and create a powerful global network of fellow alumni creating positive change worldwide. We aim to highlight their efforts and professional achievements strengthening this community and its impact on society.
We actively collaborate with the international public policy professional community, other peer policy schools, and alumni worldwide, creating opportunities for our members to develop professional bonds with relevant public policy networks.
We continuously look for new ways to enhance our experience as an alum and expand professional and leadership development opportunities among our community through professional panels and networking events.
Governance 2023-2024
President: Elizabeth Fraser
Elizabeth Fraser is a Senior Officer in Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement at the Canada Revenue Agency. In this role, Elizabeth contributes to change in the Agency’s change by promoting more inclusive, intentional, and effective consultations and stakeholder engagements. While completing her Master of Public Policy from McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, she worked as a research assistant on a monitoring project at the intersection of the right to housing and the rights of people with disabilities for the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate. While she has a range of policy interests, Elizabeth discovered her passion for housing policy during her masters and hopes to spend her professional career working in this area. Elizabeth served as a Vice President of MAPPS from 2022 to 2023.
Elizabeth also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from Carleton University in Environmental Studies. Outside of her work, she volunteers with a Tiohtià:ke/Montréal-based organization, Community Cooks Collective, which works to address food insecurity of unhoused people.
Vice President: Jonathan Lesarge
Jonathan Lesarge lives in Ottawa, Ontario, and is currently the Government and Public Relations Advisor at the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. He entered this role after graduating from the Master of Public Policy program at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University in July 2021.
In his current role, Jonathan has assisted with government engagement, media relations, and event planning for major truth and reconciliation initiatives undertaken by the Catholic Church in the last year, including a recent Indigenous delegation to Rome and the papal visit to Canada. Prior to Max Bell, he worked for three years at the Government of Ontario and Ontario’s Legislative Assembly in Toronto. Jonathan was the Director of Finance of MAPPS last year.
Jonathan’s career in politics and public relations reflects his passion for community engagement. It is this passion that has motivated him to join the MAPPS team and serve Max Bell’s alumni network.
Director of Finance: François Provencher
François Provencher is a 2020 Max Bell MPP graduate, who is currently working as an Industrial Participation Specialist at Rheinmetall Canada. In his current role, François manages the company’s active Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) obligations and prepares the company’s ITB plans for major proposals (˃$100 million). In addition, François is also responsible for developing and implementing the company’s Indigenous Participation Plan (IPP).
Previously, he had worked in several different federal departments, including the Department of National Defence (DND), Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED), and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED-Q). François also has experience working in consulting in technology strategy and foreign direct investment. He is passionate about traveling and foreign affairs, and is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Director of Internal Affairs: Tooba Malik
Tooba Malik works as a policy analyst for the Canadian federal government in Ottawa. In her current role at the intersection of immigration policy and intergovernmental relations at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, some of her responsibilities include research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Through her work, she is keen to continue building and refining her professional skillset in policy analysis and development. She holds a Master's in Public Policy from McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from the University of Ottawa.
Director of External Affairs: Naveen Kumar Kanwadia
Naveen Kumar Kanwadia graduated from India's premier law school, National Law University, Delhi, in 2015 and joined Star India Pvt. Ltd. (subsidiary of Walt Disney Co. India) immediately thereafter. In his six years at Disney, he handled public policy, communications and strategic litigation initiatives on diverse areas related to media and technology including satellite communications, copyright, privacy/data protection and content regulation. In 2018, he was seconded to the Office of Chairman where he gained experience in corporate strategy and leadership. Being interested in the confluence of technology, society and geopolitics, Naveen seeks to establish himself as a thought leader in the area to advance democratically acceptable solutions for policy, regulatory and legislative issues arising due to the ongoing rapid technological evolution.
Officers:
Sandrine Desforges
Sandrine Desforges (she/her) is a Research Associate at Higher Education Strategy Associates, based in Toronto. Her work revolves around supporting post-secondary institutions, governments and related organizations in improving higher education across the country. Previously, she worked at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, where she supported the implementation of the National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students. Over the years, Sandrine has been strongly involved in amplifying youth’s voice. Notably, she was a student leader within the Fédération des associations étudiantes du campus de l’Université de Montréal (FAÉCUM) for three years, where she mostly focused on improving post-secondary students’ mental health, fighting against gender-based violence on campus, improving equity, diversity and inclusion efforts within the institution, and improving students’ conditions at large. She also recently completed a mandate as President of the Forum jeunesse de l’île de Montréal.
Erika Moyer
Erika Moyer was born in San Jose, Costa Rica to an American father and a Costa Rican mother. She moved to Paris, France at the age of 13 and completed her high school education at the International School of Paris. She enjoys traveling, bartending, and spending as much time as possible with her chocolate lab, Kalú. She speaks English, French, and Spanish.
Erika received her Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from McGill and a master’s from the Max Bell School of Public Policy in 2020. She moved back to Washington DC to work for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) where she is now a Communications Specialist.
Raul Scorza Figueroa
Born and raised in Mexico, Raul immigrated to Canada for his studies more than ten years ago. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of British Columbia before completing the Master of Public Policy program at McGill’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. Raul previously worked at an international development NGO coordinating public engagement for a maternal, newborn, and child health project in Guatemala. He then began his career as a public servant at Environment and Climate Change Canada and is now part of the Advanced Policy Analyst Program (APAP). APAP is a three-year professional and leadership development program in the federal public service with placements across the three central agencies and a line department. Raul enjoys cooking, cycling, and reading.
Past Executives
President: Paisley Sim (2022-2023)
Paisley Sim is Strategic Engagement Lead at The Transition Accelerator, a pan-Canadian charity that works with groups across the country to build transition pathways to a net zero future. Previously she led the Accelerator’s Canada Grid initiative focused on grid modernization. She has worked as a Research Associate at the Institute for Research on Public Policy, as a special advisor to Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, and for former Alberta Premier, Rachel Notley. She is a member of the Energy Modelling Hub’s knowledge mobilization committee and frequently writes for a finance newsletter targeted at young Canadian women. She holds a conservatory diploma, Bachelor of Fine Arts, project management professional certification, and a master in public policy from McGill University.
Co-Founder & 2020-2022 President
Nirushaa Senthilnathan
Nirushaa Senthilnathan is a Senior Policy Analyst at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), working at the intersection of human rights and housing policy helping to establish and contribute to Canada’s first-ever National Housing Council.
Between 2017-2020, Nirushaa worked in international human rights policy and political prisoner advocacy for the Honourable Irwin Cotler, former Canadian Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada at the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. In 2016, Nirushaa was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Global Shaper. She then went on to run the Global Shapers Montreal Hub between 2017 and 2019, leading and mobilizing thirty young leaders to work on projects focused on creating a positive impact within the spheres of women’s empowerment, combatting discrimination, refugee integration, cybersecurity, sustainability, and inclusive AI.
Co-Founder & 2020-2022 Vice President
Shirley Zhang
Shirley has long been committed to a career in the public service, and her personal career plan is to continuously look for better ways to integrate interdisciplinary practices in order to serve the Canadian public. Born and raised in Vancouver, Shirley later moved away for her studies at McGill (BA&Sc’16, MPP’20). Having been working as a Policy Analyst for the Canadian federal government, Shirley has gathered experience in providing strategic policy advice and recommendations on complex issues, including engagement and consultation with international and intergovernmental partners. Prior to her indeterminate appointment within the Government of Canada, Shirley was working full-time for the Canadian Armed Forces where she had the opportunity to embark on a High Arctic expedition. She has happily been an active reservist since 2014.
Director of Internal Affairs (2020-2022)
Ellen Rowe
Ellen Rowe works as a cybersecurity policy analyst for the Federal Government in Ottawa. Some of her responsibilities include policy development, stakeholder engagement, and cybersecurity policy education and training for both staff and students. Throughout the past year, Ellen worked as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy at McGill University writing tech informed policy briefs on facial recognition technology and automated content moderation.
This past year, Ellen completed a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from Queen’s University in History and World Languages (including Mohawk and French).
Outside of work and MAPPS, Ellen mentors students interested in responsible tech and enjoys team sports such as cycling and rowing.
Co-Founder & Director of External Affairs (2020-2022)
Eunice Mercado-Lara
Eunice is the Civic Science Fellow at the Open Research Funders Group. She is the project lead for the Open & Equitable Model Funding Program that advises philanthropies to optimize their funding models to increase openness and equity in research making. She has more than eight years of experience in the public sector in science and technology policymaking.
She is former Deputy Director for Science and Technology Policy at the National Council of Science and Technology in Mexico and has collaborated as a researcher within the Center for Technology in Government at SUNY Albany, the AidData Research Lab at the College of William & Mary, and the Center for Research and Teaching in Economics in Mexico. Eunice served as a board and committee member in several international organizations and initiatives advocating for openness, such as CERN's SCOAP3 initiative, the Open Access Week, and OpenCon LATAM
Director of Finance (2021-2022)
Paisley Sim
Paisley Sim is the Research and Operations Director of Canada Grid. She was previously a Research Associate at the Institute for Research on Public Policy where she focused on federalism and intergovernmental relations at the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation. Her prior experience includes working for former Alberta Premier, Rachel Notley, as a special advisor to Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, and in the non-profit arts world. She holds a Master of Public Policy from McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, a conservatory diploma, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University.
Officer (2021-2022)
Amr Soliman
Amr completed a B.SC in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M and started his career as an engineer in the oil and gas industry in Qatar.
After working for the Korean Embassy in Qatar for 4 years, Amr moved to work as an industrial researcher at the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC), a regional diplomatic organization under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Amr was seconded to the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry to work on the implementation of the ambitious Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy.
He enrolled in Max Bell to further add depth and breadth to his knowledge in the field of public policy. Amr rejoined GOIC in 2021 as an industrial investment specialist with an aim to apply what he learned at school to further develop the industrial sector in the region and achieve industrial cooperation and integration between member states.
Officer (2021-2022)
Rym Cheriet
Rym has spent over four years working in the non-profit sector in the vibrant Francophone community in Alberta. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Alberta and a Master’s of Public Policy at McGill University.
Rym is the Senior International Relations Officer at Universities Canada, where she ensures the international interests of Canadian universities are well understood at home and abroad. In this role, some of her responsibilities include international outreach and relationship development, research, and policy analysis to enhance the international dimension of the Canadian higher education sector. In addition, Rym is actively engaged in anti-racism work; she is the vice-chair of the Centre for Race and Culture in Alberta since 2018.
Officer (2021-2022)
Omar Akeileh
Through his combined public and private sector experience as a trusted advisor to senior executives, community activists, government officials, budding entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations, Omar is a skilled stakeholder relations strategist, with a proven record of capacity-building and collaborating on public policy advocacy strategies that meet diverse and shifting needs.
He believes in adopting an inclusive outlook, and advocating for the enactment of just and collaborative policies that produce solutions for the majority, with emphasis on meaningful representation beyond mere tokenism and window-dressing. It is in this regard that Omar strives to be a passionate advocate for equity and representation on the McGill Alumni Public Policy Society (MAPPS). He also served on the School’s inaugural Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.
Besides the Master of Public Policy degree, Omar also holds a Bachelors of Arts with Distinction from the University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, where he calls home.
Director of Internal Affairs (2020-2021)
Kathryn Lemieux
Kathryn Lemieux is currently an Account Manager at Natural Resources Canada working in the Office of Energy Efficiency on programs for residential homes. She is passionate about public service and contributing to government initiatives that are accessible to all Canadians and serve the needs of the public. Kathryn previously worked at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada in learning and career development; connecting with federal departments, academic institutions, and external training providers to support her colleagues through her substantive work as part of a completion management team and her position on the Board of Directors for the Next Generation Leaders Network.
Kathryn is a first-generation university graduate. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy (2020) and a Bachelor of Social Sciences Joint Honours in History and Political Science degree from the University of Ottawa (2016).
Director of Finance (2020-2021)
Enkhjin “Enzo” Zorigtbaatar
Enzo came from Mongolia at the age of nine to Canada. Since he was a child, he always had an immense interest in politics. Growing up in the National Capital Region allowed him to be near all the political and governmental action. Enzo is also passionate about music and sports, his favorite teams are the “Habs” and the Raptors. Enzo graduated from the University of Ottawa with Joint Honours in Public Administration and Political Science.
During his undergrad, he was involved in student life by organizing the 8th edition of the Political Science Games, which brought together nine universities and also contributed to the 3rd uOttawa Public Policy Conference. Enzo interned at the Parliament of Mongolia and Canada and he is currently working as a Policy Analyst for the federal government at Public Service and Procurement Canada.
