In this session, Natalie and Kristy discuss finding your purpose and ideal position in the planning field. They will identify how to chart a path toward your first professional planning role, and what to do as a student or early professional to set yourself up for success.
Kristy Kilbourne RPP, MCIP
Kristy Kilbourne, MCIP, RPP, is a Registered Professional Planner with diverse planning experience in the municipal and non-profit sectors. In addition to her work as an independent planning consultant, she is also an instructor and Program Coordinator for Seneca College’s Sustainable Planning and Development Program; a Ph.D student in the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning; and the founder of Your Planning Career, an organization that supports career development for planners. Kristy lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her husband and 3 sons.
Natalie Persaud RPP, MCIP
Natalie Persaud MCIP, RPP is a Planner II for the City of Ottawa. Natalie has 12+ years of professional practice with diverse experience in development review, planning policy, and project management. She recently supported the City of Ottawa in development of its new Official Plan and is currently working on its implementation through the creation of the city’s new Zoning By-law. Natalie is a strong proponent of mentorship and leadership development, and recently contributed to the creation and successful delivery of CIP’s first Emerging Leaders Program. Outside of professional planning, Natalie can be found in the gym teaching yoga and fitness or playing with her goldendoodle Punk.