Beginning with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, Geomatics & Spatial Analysis and Geography from the University of Ottawa, Wilfreda has embarked on a career path dedicated to data quality, open data and digital transformation.
Before coming to CCNDR and Imagine Canada, Wilfreda was the Senior Policy Advisor to the Chief Information Officer of Canada within the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. In that capacity and working in both official languages, Wilfreda has worked to advance digital transformation across the Government of Canada by advising the CIO of Canada on strategic priorities towards achieving ‘Canada’s Digital Ambition’ with a focus on people, data-driven policy and technology.
Wilfreda has also been active with the Canadian Open Data Society, serving as Board Vice Chair, where she worked with the team to increase awareness and advocate for the value of open data and organized key events in the Canadian Open Data Ecosystem.
Wilfreda draws from her rich Creole heritage, which is deeply rooted in the art of storytelling as a way to transfer generational knowledge, preserve cultural values, and solidify social impact. These traditions inform her work as a seasoned digital professional, where she leverages the power of data to craft compelling stories that drive meaningful change and create lasting impact.
With a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from McGill University, Jodene’s academic background deeply informs her lifelong dedication to understanding and addressing societal challenges.
Before coming to Imagine Canada, Jodene was Vice-President of Impact & Innovation at United Way Winnipeg, where she led a diverse array of initiatives aimed at driving collective change and fostering innovation.
With over 15 years of experience in the post-secondary education sector, Jodene brings a wealth of expertise in research, administration, and advocacy to her role. Her extensive background includes positions such as Director of Institutional Analysis and Instructor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Winnipeg.
Drawing from her experiences as a proud member of a racialized community with a personal connection to the internment of Japanese Canadians, Jodene infuses her work with a distinctive perspective. She champions social justice and equity, persistently endeavoring to dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusivity across all aspects of society.
