Team Members
Executive Director
Sta Kuzviwanza
Sta Kuzviwanza is the Executive Director of the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT). With a decade of public policy and government relations experience, she works at the intersection of employment, language, and technology to drive systemic change. She previously directed PERT’s Policy and Research team, positioning the organization as the leading authority on employment issues facing Québec’s English-speaking communities. Her background includes public policy work with Airbnb Canada and strategic consulting across both the public and private sectors. Sta holds a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor’s in Economics and African Studies from McGill University.
Director of Public Affairs
Chad Walcott
Chad Walcott is a community engagement expert with nearly 20 years of experience in politics and social development. Throughout his career, he has developed and overseen several successful social impact campaigns focused on social and economic development. Prior to joining PERT’s team, Chad held a position at the City of Montreal, where he was responsible for managing citizen requests and advising local officials on policies related to economic and social development.
Director of Organizational Development
Morgan Gagnon
Morgan leads the development team at PERT, supporting the organization’s programs, partnerships, and grant development. She loves connecting people and ideas, turning research and relationships into initiatives that make a real difference. Morgan completed her master’s degree in philosophy at Concordia University, supported by a SSHRC scholarship for her research on university sexual violence policies and accessibility to education. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bishop’s University, where she gained early experience collaborating with regional and community partners to advance shared goals.
Operations Manager
Katherine McIntosh
Katherine is a seasoned nonprofit professional with extensive experience in leadership and team management. She has previously served as the Executive Director of a community organization focused on providing emergency housing resources in the city of Montreal. Throughout her career, Katherine has built expertise in human resources, budgeting, networking, and administration, with a strong emphasis on creating inclusive, supportive work environments.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies from McGill University, and a Graduate Diploma in Youth Work from Concordia University.
Executive Director
Sta Kuzviwanza
Sta Kuzviwanza is the Executive Director of the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT). With a decade of public policy and government relations experience, she works at the intersection of employment, language, and technology to drive systemic change. She previously directed PERT’s Policy and Research team, positioning the organization as the leading authority on employment issues facing Québec’s English-speaking communities. Her background includes public policy work with Airbnb Canada and strategic consulting across both the public and private sectors. Sta holds a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor’s in Economics and African Studies from McGill University.
Director of Public Affairs
Chad Walcott
Chad Walcott is a community engagement expert with nearly 20 years of experience in politics and social development. Throughout his career, he has developed and overseen several successful social impact campaigns focused on social and economic development. Prior to joining PERT’s team, Chad held a position at the City of Montreal, where he was responsible for managing citizen requests and advising local officials on policies related to economic and social development.
Director of Organizational Development
Morgan Gagnon
Morgan leads the development team at PERT, supporting the organization’s programs, partnerships, and grant development. She loves connecting people and ideas, turning research and relationships into initiatives that make a real difference. Morgan completed her master’s degree in philosophy at Concordia University, supported by a SSHRC scholarship for her research on university sexual violence policies and accessibility to education. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bishop’s University, where she gained early experience collaborating with regional and community partners to advance shared goals.
Operations Manager
Katherine McIntosh
Katherine is a seasoned nonprofit professional with extensive experience in leadership and team management. She has previously served as the Executive Director of a community organization focused on providing emergency housing resources in the city of Montreal. Throughout her career, Katherine has built expertise in human resources, budgeting, networking, and administration, with a strong emphasis on creating inclusive, supportive work environments.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies from McGill University, and a Graduate Diploma in Youth Work from Concordia University.
Interim Program Coordinator
Plem Kijamba Lushembe
Currently a BCL/JD candidate at McGill’s Faculty of Law, Plem holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Political Science from McGill University. Prior to joining PERT, Plem worked as a researcher on economic opportunities for refugees and local populations in Jordan, Uganda, and Kenya, and has been involved in refugee causes in Quebec, working with Action Refugiés Montréal and interning at UNHCR Canada.
Policy Researcher
Sarahi Nava Marquina
Sarahí is an economist from Mérida, Venezuela, who recently moved to Canada to complete a master’s degree from McGill’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. She first immigrated to Mexico in 2016 to work as an International Economy Analyst in a Mexican brokerage house, where she also worked in Corporate Finance. Later on, she shifted her career focus and became an ESG Project Manager, developing initiatives on education and gender equality. With more than 7 years of work experience, Sarahí brings to PERT her positive energy and advanced skills in leadership, data analysis and critical thinking to improve the collective understanding of the challenges that English-speaking Quebecers face in accessing and thriving in the labour market.
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Veronica Luna
Originally from Colombia, Veronica brings a global perspective and a strong understanding of community dynamics to her work. With a Master’s in Project Management and over 10 years of experience in strategic planning, partnership development, and community-focused initiatives, she combines critical thinking, analytical rigor, and solid public policy insight. At PERT, she leverages her expertise in digital communications, creative storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to elevate the organization’s mission, strengthen inclusive networks, and support initiatives that improve employment outcomes for English-speaking Quebecers.
Communications Associate
Shaye Macleod
Shaye is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Concordia University. Originally from New Brunswick, she is passionate about language access, media literacy, and creative industries. Her background includes working with independent artists in Montreal, with a particular interest in building inclusive networks. At PERT, Shaye is excited to contribute to outreach and engagement efforts that empower English-speaking communities across Québec.
“I was drawn to PERT because of my connection to the challenges many English speakers face in Quebec. Although I studied French throughout school, after moving to Montreal and entering the job market, I discovered that my language skills did not meet the expectations of many employers. PERT’s work resonated with me not only because it highlights these barriers, but because it actively supports people in improving their language skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment.“
Interim Program Coordinator
Plem Kijamba Lushembe
Currently a BCL/JD candidate at McGill’s Faculty of Law, Plem holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Political Science from McGill University. Prior to joining PERT, Plem worked as a researcher on economic opportunities for refugees and local populations in Jordan, Uganda, and Kenya, and has been involved in refugee causes in Quebec, working with Action Refugiés Montréal and interning at UNHCR Canada.
Policy Researcher
Sarahi Nava Marquina
Sarahí is an economist from Mérida, Venezuela, who recently moved to Canada to complete a master’s degree from McGill’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. She first immigrated to Mexico in 2016 to work as an International Economy Analyst in a Mexican brokerage house, where she also worked in Corporate Finance. Later on, she shifted her career focus and became an ESG Project Manager, developing initiatives on education and gender equality. With more than 7 years of work experience, Sarahí brings to PERT her positive energy and advanced skills in leadership, data analysis and critical thinking to improve the collective understanding of the challenges that English-speaking Quebecers face in accessing and thriving in the labour market.
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Veronica Luna
Originally from Colombia, Veronica brings a global perspective and a strong understanding of community dynamics to her work. With a Master’s in Project Management and over 10 years of experience in strategic planning, partnership development, and community-focused initiatives, she combines critical thinking, analytical rigor, and solid public policy insight. At PERT, she leverages her expertise in digital communications, creative storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to elevate the organization’s mission, strengthen inclusive networks, and support initiatives that improve employment outcomes for English-speaking Quebecers.
Communications Associate
Shaye Macleod
Shaye is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Concordia University. Originally from New Brunswick, she is passionate about language access, media literacy, and creative industries. Her background includes working with independent artists in Montreal, with a particular interest in building inclusive networks. At PERT, Shaye is excited to contribute to outreach and engagement efforts that empower English-speaking communities across Québec.
“I was drawn to PERT because of my connection to the challenges many English speakers face in Quebec. Although I studied French throughout school, after moving to Montreal and entering the job market, I discovered that my language skills did not meet the expectations of many employers. PERT’s work resonated with me not only because it highlights these barriers, but because it actively supports people in improving their language skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment.“
Executive assistant
Magdalen Hughes
Magdalen is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at Concordia University, specializing in the philosophy of science. In addition to their studies, they have several years of practical experience in the non-profit sector. During this time, they contributed to research, outreach, and service coordination for organizations focused on issues such as environmental justice and mental health.
“I was attracted to PERT because of its community-based and research-informed approach to policy. I am especially interested in how the organization incorporates the lived experiences of English-speaking Quebecers to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. I wanted to be part of an organization that engages with the government strategically to create meaningful change.”
Research Intern
Lily Parekh
Lily is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University, where she is majoring in Political Science & Philosophy, and minoring in Canadian Studies. At McGill, she helped organize the first Ethics Bowl competition in Québec, where high school and CEGEP students across the province competed in both English and French in a philosophy-focused debate competition. She also leads two student services at McGill fighting against food insecurity. At PERT, she is excited to get hands-on policy experience and gain insight into the issues facing English-speaking Quebecers.
Executive assistant
Magdalen Hughes
Magdalen is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at Concordia University, specializing in the philosophy of science. In addition to their studies, they have several years of practical experience in the non-profit sector. During this time, they contributed to research, outreach, and service coordination for organizations focused on issues such as environmental justice and mental health.
“I was attracted to PERT because of its community-based and research-informed approach to policy. I am especially interested in how the organization incorporates the lived experiences of English-speaking Quebecers to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. I wanted to be part of an organization that engages with the government strategically to create meaningful change.”
Research Intern
Lily Parekh
Lily is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University, where she is majoring in Political Science & Philosophy, and minoring in Canadian Studies. At McGill, she helped organize the first Ethics Bowl competition in Québec, where high school and CEGEP students across the province competed in both English and French in a philosophy-focused debate competition. She also leads two student services at McGill fighting against food insecurity. At PERT, she is excited to get hands-on policy experience and gain insight into the issues facing English-speaking Quebecers.