Thursday, October 23 | 1:00–3:15 p.m. ET (online)
This virtual event will feature a dynamic panel discussion exploring literacy programs, education pathways, and skill-building opportunities for adults across Canada. The agenda includes a formal question and answer session, a short break, and interactive breakout discussions.
Sean Henri
Award-winning journalist and host of CBC's Daybreak Montreal
Award-winning journalist Sean Henry is the host of Daybreak, CBC Montreal's weekday morning radio show. Sean is a veteran journalist and broadcaster. In his different roles at CBC, from TV news anchor to VJ to newsreader to reporter, Sean has delivered journalism that Quebecers count on. He is a Montrealer through and through, with an extensive knowledge of and connection to the many parts of the city and the people in it.
Sean joined the Montreal newsroom in August 2012 after seven years at CBC Windsor. While in Windsor, Sean regularly anchored for both CBC-TV and Radio. He also worked as a court reporter and video-journalist. One of the highlights of Sean's time in Windsor was covering civil rights activist Rosa Parks' funeral in Detroit. Prior to moving to Windsor, Sean reported from the Quebec City courthouse and the National Assembly for Global Quebec.
Sean has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Concordia University. He also has a law certificate from Université de Montreal and has completed coursework with TELUQ and Algonquin College. Sean has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, studies ballet and has trained in circus aerial silks and straps. He grew up in LaSalle, and now calls the city's east end home.
Jen Watt
Junior web developer and learner at United for Literacy
Winnipeg, MB
Jen is an Indigenous person from Winnipeg and is Two-Spirited. They are currently a junior web developer. Their passion project is creating a virtual space to support finding the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls of Manitoba: a map of profiles with the idea of giving a platform for each individual out there who needs our help. Eventually, Jen hopes that this map would exist across Canada.
Jen is also a learner at Learn Outside the Box, a program offered by United for Literacy that supports youth and adults working toward finishing high school.
Jill McRae
United for Literacy practitioner
Northern Ontario
Jill McRae is a compassionate and experienced Adult Literacy Instructor with over a decade of service in adult education. Based in Schreiber, Ontario, she currently leads literacy initiatives at United for Literacy, where she crafts and implements programs that make a real difference and have significantly improved learner outcomes. Her expertise includes creating hands-on learning materials, evaluating program success, and fostering strong local community partnership collaborations.
In addition to her work in education, Jill has a diverse professional background in transportation, logistics, human resources, and personal support work. This wide-ranging experience allows her to connect with learners from all walks of life and tailor instruction to real-world needs. Her holistic, learner-centered approach has made her a trusted educator and valued community partner across the shores of Lake Superior in Northwestern Ontario.
Ambreen Ahmad
Executive Director, Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy (MTML)
Ambreen works as an Executive Director at Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy, a non-profit organization that supports adult literacy in Toronto and York Region. Possessing a Masters in English Literature and in Educational Planning and Management, she has maintained successful positions as a Vice Principal, English Language Instructor, Manager HR, Communication Executive, and literacy practitioner. She is also the co-founder of Studypages, a free online tutoring platform that provides tutoring across Canada. Her previous work experience and lifelong learning certificates and diplomas bring a wealth of information to developing learning strategies, recruitment procedures, relationship building, and governance at MTML. Ambreen's leadership is characterized by her visionary approach, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities through literacy and education. She is also passionate about volunteering and has been an ardent volunteer in many non-profits across GTA.
Janet Lane
Adult Literacy Expert & Researcher, Canada West Foundation
Edmonton, MB
After a decade as Director of Skills, Innovation and Productivity at the Canada West Foundation, Janet Lane has stepped into the role of Senior Fellow. She still champions the development of a skilled and productive workforce able to fulfill the potential of the West’s—and, by extension, Canada’s—economy. As the demands on the workforce evolve, her role focuses on the need to understand and build the competencies required for new jobs and changing work environments.
Janet is an expert in literacy and essential skills development and in leading programs and organizations in the literacy field. She has advised and led projects involving sponsors and stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. Previously, she built a successful career in financial services. Her education, experience and proven track record as a thought leader contribute to her ability to connect human development with the skills and competencies that Canadians need to thrive in today’s economy
Lisa Rochman
Dean of the School of Continuing Education at MacEwan University, active member of Edmonton Learning City.
Dr. Lisa Rochman is Dean of the School of Continuing Education at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta where she leads a diverse portfolio that includes foundational learning, upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning. MacEwan is one of 14 partner organizations that lead Edmonton’s activities as a UNESCO Learning City. Prior to joining MacEwan, Lisa was the Associate Dean of Skills and Foundational Learning at NorQuest College. There she oversaw foundational education and settlement studies programs, as well as upskilling and reskilling for professionals. She led federally funded, multi-institutional projects focused on developing practices and resources for digital literacy and upskilling for newcomers to Canada. Drawing on over a decade of leadership experience in post-secondary education, Lisa is dedicated to designing programs that meet learners where they are in their educational journey. Her work emphasizes low-barrier entry points and flexible, stackable pathways that support a wide range of learners.
In 2022, Edmonton was internationally recognized as the first Canadian city to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). Edmonton’s GNLC activities are overseen by a steering committee of 14 organizations that represent different stages and streams of education in our city. The UNESCO GNLC is an international policy-oriented network composed of government, cultural organizations, post-secondary institutions, school boards, arts organizations, not-for-profits, private business and citizens. Currently, there are 356 cities from 79 countries belonging to the GNLC.
2024 - Literacy and Immigration: The power of literacy in navigating the immigration experience.
This forum explored the intersection of literacy and immigration, focusing on three key areas: cultural considerations, the impact of immigration on adults' literacy, and how immigration affects children's literacy.
👉 Read the discussion paper here.
2023 - The Artificial Intelligence Revolution and Literacy: Opportunity or Threat?
This forum explored the intersection of AI and literacy, addressing key questions on its ethical use, required foundational skills, and its potential impact on educational inequities. It also examined AI’s role in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in a polarized society. This forum also aimed to assess the challenges and opportunities AI presents for education and society.
👉 Read the discussion paper here.
2022 - Literacy and Mental Health.
This forum explored the link between literacy and mental health, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted both. Studies showed that improving literacy could enhance mental health, helping individuals build resilience and better understand health information.
👉 Read the discussion paper here.
