Candidate: Academic Staff Representative Board of Governors

About Christina Coutu

My Journey

I am running for the position of

Academic Staff Representative

on the Sault College Board of Governors.

I have dedicated my life to education and entrepreneurship. My experiences have shaped my perspective and fuelled my passion for fostering a positive learning environment.

I aim to have solution-focused discussions with the Sault College faculty to create a positive organizational culture.

About Christina

When I tell you that Sault College's influence on my love for learning and post-secondary education began in the womb, I am not exaggerating. I was born the youngest of five children, and last of a set of triplets, to a long-time Sault College support staff member, Carolene Coutu. My mother’s love and encouragement, shaped by the environment of her employer, developed a core value system that has now transformed into a personal vision and belief that we can change our world through knowledge and understanding. I am a three-time Sault College graduate with over twenty-five years of employment and entrepreneurship experience. Six years ago, I returned to Sault College, and I am presently a full-time faculty member in the business department.

Profile

Proven project management, marketing, sales, finance, customer service, governance, management, human resources, and public relations skills
Experienced facilitator and teacher with strong curriculum development abilities
Strong project manager, planner, and coordinator
Exceptional leader with a team focus, public speaking, negotiation, and conflict-resolution abilities
Superior verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
Experienced in Microsoft Office Suite, Learning Management Systems, budgeting, sales forecasting, financial planning, event planning, and inventory control
Leader, problem solver, detail-oriented, excellent communicator, solution-focused

Education

Doctorate of Education – Edgewood College, 2024 – Present
- Doctoral candidate specializing in Higher Education Leadership
- Dissertation topics: Organizational culture, change, and strategy
Executive MBA – University of Fredericton, 2022
Agile Project Management (ACP-PMI) certified
Project Management Professional (PMP) certified
Adult Educator Certificate – Sault College (online), August 2019
Project Management Certificate, Distinction – Sault College (online), 2016
Business Administration, Marketing, Bachelor of Science, minor marketing – Lake Superior State University, 2006
Regression Therapy practitioner, Weiss Institute, 2017 & 2018
Business Diploma, Sault College, 2003

Volunteering

Community Development Advisory Committee, Municipality of Huron Shores (2024 – Present)
Big Basswood Lake Association, Board member (2024 – Present)
Treasurer, Board of Directors – Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (2018 – 2019)
Director, Board of Directors – Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (2016 – 2018)
Director, Board of Directors – Fringe Festival, Sault Ste. Marie (2018)
Guest Co-host, Tim and LouAnn in the Mornings SaultOnline
Pitches for Possibilities – Event organizer – raised $3,500 for 2018 United Way campaign
Musician – local events
Vocal Mentor – City of Sault Ste. Marie, Soo Sings for Kids (2013, 2014, 2015, 2017)
Territory Representative – The Bride Project (2014 – 2016)
Private Youth Academic Tutor (2000 – present)
Mentor Coordinator, Soo Sings for Kids (2013 – 2015)
United Way volunteer (2004 – present)
United Way – Various events and functions over the years

Training

ACP-PMI Certified (Project Management Institute)
PMP Certified (Project Management Institute)
Mastery of Self, Don Miguel Ruiz Jr, Professional Development Training (2019)
Courageous Conversations for Women, Professional Development Training, Omega Institute (2019)
Radial Aliveness, Ann Bradney Institute, Professional Development Training (2018)
Regression Therapy Certification, Weiss Institute (2017, 2018)
Communication with Spirit, James Van Praagh Institute, Professional Development Training (2017)
WHMIS & Accessibility training (2014)
RRSP & TFSA training (2012)
Certified Coach Practitioner, Certified Coaches Federation (2008)
Person-to-Person Disability Training (2008)
Employment Outcomes Professional Training (2008)
Personality Dimensions Facilitator Certification (2007)
Health and Safety Training, WHMIS
Up With People Cast Member (2000)