CHS Alumni Spotlight

Community Health Sciences Degree
MSc

Specialization
Health Services Research

Year of Graduation
2000

Current Position Title
Program Lead, Resilience

Current Organization or Sector
The City of Calgary

What are some key responsibilities in your current role, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I am responsible for developing and implementing the Inclusive Futures pillar of the Resilient Calgary Strategy. Currently I am building a community futures-readiness program with a goal to democratize the future for equity-denied communities. I love that I get to be creative and participatory when working with community groups to solve Calgary's urban resilience challenges we face. I also enjoy being part of a global resilient cities network where we collectively work on resilience challenges, such as tackling racism in our cities.

What experience(s) or aspect(s) of your graduate education in Community Health Sciences have helped you the most in your career?
Doing a thesis based Masters taught me how to be an effective project manager and strategist. In addition, Billie Thurston, my supervisor, taught me to critically challenge the status quo and to think more systemically in addressing social problems.

What advice do you have for incoming or current graduate students?
Enjoy the learning experience and not to focus on achieving a perfect GPA. I didn't have the highest GPA in my class, but I have had an amazing career journey.

Are you open to being contacted by students for an informational interview about my career or current position?
Yes

Email
jeny.mathews-thusoo@calgary.ca