What does leadership look like to you? Leadership comes in all shapes and forms, but it is a common belief that being in a leadership position is necessary to influence decision-making. Is that true? Are there other ways to have a meaningful impact? Most importantly, how do you find what leadership style is the best fit for you?

Join Lauren Miller RPP, MCIP, as she leads a panel discussion with alumni of the Emerging Leaders Program about how to prepare for leadership roles, navigate changing workplace dynamics, and craft an authentic career path that speaks to what drives you and what fills your cup.

Speakers

Lauren Miller RPP, MCIP, AICP President & CEO, Planners Circle of Trust

As a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning and 19 years of experience in both the U.S. and Canada, Lauren’s career expertise spans long-range and current planning within government, leading teams in development application review, land use enforcement and regulatory review.

Natalie Persaud RPP, MCIP, Planner III, City of Ottawa in the Real-Estate Service Area

Natalie Persaud is currently a Senior Planner at the City of Ottawa in the Real-Estate Service Area. She has over 15 years of professional planning experience and is the creator and lead facilitator of CIPs Emerging Leaders Program. She has a goldendoodle named Punk who is a bundle of fur and joy.

Victor Ngo RPP, MCIP, RHFAC Professional, Senior Transportation Planner & South Coast Team Lead, WATT Consulting Group

Victor is a senior planner with WATT Consulting Group, where he works on multi-modal transportation projects in urban, rural, and Indigenous communities throughout Western Canada and oversees the BC South Coast practice as the Vancouver office co-lead.

Ian Franklin RPP, MCIP, Senior Planner, KLM Planning Partners

Ian is a Senior Planner at KLM Planning Partners, where he guides conceptual development projects from early site analysis and policy review through community design, approvals applications, and registration of Draft Plans of Subdivision and Site Plan Agreements.

Shirley Wu RPP, MCIP, PMP, M.Sc, Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Shirley leads capital and service planning, asset management, and performance measurement for the Vancouver Park Board. She specializes in guiding complex, cross-functional initiatives and applying data, strategy, and collaboration to improve public services and long-term infrastructure outcomes.