Project Management | Program Development and Implementation
Kamloops, British Columbia | (250)-214-7888 | jenniferkarierussell1@gmail.com
Professional Summary
Collaborative advisor experienced in building trust‑based relationships with Indigenous communities and planning/leading consultation frameworks. Skilled in coordinating information‑sharing across ministries and industry, assessing Indigenous rights and title considerations, and documenting consultation in a legally defensible manner. Known for culturally safe approaches, clear communication, and actionable briefing notes that support accommodations reconciling Crown objectives with First Nations interests.
Areas of Experience
| Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) | Over 19+ years’ experience on expanding and implementing programing to increase international, Indigenous, and underrepresented student populations opportunities to participate in TRU special events, Study Abroad programs, and experiential learning offerings. Specialize in creating inclusive programs, such as redesigning PLAR, Indigenous Education, and Study Abroad operational practices by simplifying applications, offering accessible advising and funding, and boosting enrollment beyond traditional populations. |
| Team Leadership & Supervision | Over 8 years’ experience managing the TRU Study Abroad program office and Student Ambassador program, advising diverse student populations, faculty on program planning and development, risk management and intercultural preparedness, and supporting crisis management 24/7.2 years’ experience supervising and overseeing the Aboriginal Service Plan (ASP) within the Indigenous Education Office. Individual award for TRU Distinguished Service and Excellence (2017) from peers for exceptional leadership, advising and people skills, student-centered approaches, and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity. Team Award for Excellence in Interculturalization (2022), as a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) team member in operationalizing and advancing intercultural understanding through internationalization and indigenization efforts. |
| Project, Program Development & Implementation | Over 19+ years’ project management, event planning and coordination at TRU engaging student populations, staff, faculty, Elders, and community.Over 10 years’ experience in the co-development and implementation of the TRU Study Abroad Ambassador (student mentoring) Program.Foster positive environments conducive to learning through workshops, presentations, and concise delivery methods, employing respectful and professional techniques and frameworks. |
Professional Skills
| Project Management Consultation facilitation Strong relationship building | Cultural safety & inclusion EDI & intercultural learning & development Communication strategies | Strategic planning Skilled collaboratorChange management |
Professional Experience
First Nations Relations Advisor |Ministry of Forests | Kamloops, BC | 2024 – current
Lead First Nations consultations on Crown land/resource decisions by setting frameworks, timelines, and decision paths; coordinate culturally safe information‑sharing to surface interests/concerns and explain relevant policy and case law. Assess potential impacts to rights/title, recommend accommodation options that reconcile government objectives with First Nations interests, and maintain a legally defensible consultation record while advising staff and aligning cross‑agency efforts
- Ground consultation frameworks in provincial policy and case‑law guidance; translate obligations into clear, defensible processes and records for decision‑makers.
- Relationship building & cultural agility: Build respectful, trust‑based relationships; coordinate information sharing with other ministries/agencies, industry, and the public.
- Communication & conflict resolution: Clear written/oral communication; briefings, presentations, and issue resolution in high‑visibility settings.
- Practice culturally safe, trauma‑informed engagement; co‑design session formats with Nations, respect community protocols, and share how input shapes decisions.
PLAR Project Coordinator |Thompson Rivers University | Kamloops, BC | 2022 – 2024
Coordinated multiple projects to indigenize/decolonize processes; led focus groups and UX research; implemented data systems and records practices that strengthen integrity, reporting, and evidence‑based decisions. Ensure transparent and inclusive communication, risk assessment, and contingency planning. Implement innovative approaches to support PLAR strategic goals.
- Managing and executing multiple projects with varying timelines, including coordinating team retreats toward Indigenization and decolonization of the PLAR program, and developing critical data management infrastructure for data integrity.
- Developed phased communications/marketing and modernized webforms/workflows to remove barriers for traditionally marginalized learners, advancing equitable access and engagement.
- Leading multiple research methodologies including focus groups and user experience feedback from faculty, staff, and alumni to gather insights for program improvements and informed project decisions.
- Collaborated with BC Ministry partners on micro‑credential stacking/laddering, supporting stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and reporting across internal/external teams.
Indigenous Education Supervisor |Thompson Rivers University | Kamloops, BC | 2020 – 2022
Managed the Aboriginal Service Plan, strengthening relationships with Elders, Indigenous students, faculty, and community partners; coordinated campus‑wide learning and culturally grounded programming that expanded participation and trust. One of the main objectives was to create an inclusive environment where all perspectives are welcomed, fostering learning such as traditional and cultural protocols, while building meaningful connections with the community to strengthen shared values.
- Coordinated and oversaw the enhancement of transition pathways, along with Language and Cultural learning activities for Indigenous students, inviting collaborative efforts across the campus to address learner needs; actively involved community members in pursuing higher education, while fostering mutual learning partnerships are respectful, responsive, and sustained.
- Planned and led knowledge‑sharing events and initiatives (e.g., expanded Indigenous Awareness Week; MMIWG exhibit), aligning stakeholders and documenting outcomes for continuous improvement and accountability.
Secured external funding and co‑designed Indigenous exchange initiatives (e.g., International Knowledge Makers Journal) emphasizing Indigenous knowledge, language, and reciprocal partnerships
Project Management Consultant |Karie Russell Consulting | Kamloops, BC | 2020 – 2023
Tolko Woodlands Ltd., Contract | 2020 – 2023
- Led referral information‑sharing and compliance tracking in alignment with the Forest Stewardship Plan; maintained referral databases, stakeholder logs, and statistical reporting to support transparent, defensible decisions.
- Facilitated collaborative planning with First Nations representatives, Woodlands leadership, foresters, hydrologist, and GIS analysts; communicated proposed decisions, gathered concerns/interests, and initiated site‑level plans and accommodations where appropriate.
- Conducted multi‑stakeholder consultations (range tenure holders, trappers, guides/outfitters, watershed groups, woodlot licensees, BC Timber Sales) to inform site strategies and reconcile operational needs with community values.
- Maintain referral databases, stakeholder communication tracking, generate statistical reports and data analysis, conducting research, and performing various administrative tasks for reporting.
- University of Fraser Valley, Contract | 2020
- Led the development of a tri-institutional collaborative Indigenous framework for an international Indigenous-led study abroad program for Langara College, Douglas College, and University of the Fraser Valley. The intent was to explore a decolonizing approach to Study Abroad, increasing outbound programing centered on Indigenous students, communities, and worldviews by increasing culturally relevant and safe learning opportunities.
Study Abroad Manager | Thompson Rivers University | Kamloops, BC | 2012 – 2020
Directed the Study Abroad Office and international partnerships, managing all requirements for student and faculty‑led programs and implementing faculty development that expanded access to global learning.
- Advised students in collaboration with academic units prioritizing student program plan alignment, well-rounded learning experiences at every stage of the global journey, with special focus on pre-departure preparation, risk mitigation, overseas immersion, and post-experience reflection.
- Designed, developed, and implemented an inclusive online international mobility course, integrating instructional design principles to serve students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Oversaw and evaluated international partnerships, broadening destination choices to align with academic and institutional goals by applying an inclusive lens integral to advancing global learning opportunities for both student and faculty, and improved accessibility for non-traditional programs.
- Co-created and spearheaded the nationally recognized student Study Abroad Ambassador program, aimed at broadening access to global learning opportunities for all equity-diverse student groups. The program emphasized peer-to-peer leadership development and implemented inclusive marketing practices fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.
- Modernized program by optimizing an online enterprise system student application process, integrating communication platform, partnership management tool, international student registry and customized risk management travel tracker to ensure data integrity and management, process efficiency, and partner collaboration.
- Facilitated specialized faculty workshops to expand international program development and enhance offerings for underrepresented populations. Utilized inclusive design during program and promotion development and streamlined current practices to reduce or eliminate unnecessary application processes and improving accessibility advising and financial aid opportunities.
- Collaborated with international partners to develop and pilot the Indigenous Cultural Education Exchange (ICEE), promoting interaction among Indigenous communities from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This initiative prioritized Indigenous knowledge, language, and customs, enriching cross-cultural relationships, research approaches, and educational programs for a comprehensive learning journey and strengthened connections.
Additional Professional Experiences at Thompson Rivers University | TRU World:
Coordinator, International Marketing Events | Kamloops, BC | 2010 – 2012: Spearheaded the coordination of international marketing events, webpage revisions and oversight; engaged in international student recruitment events, enhancing TRU’s global presence and outreach.
Coordinator, International Contract Training | Kamloops, BC | 2009 – 2010: Coordinated international contract training programs in the design, development and delivery of events or special projects, ensuring project criteria standards and timelines were met within established guidelines.
Coordinator, International Student Events | Kamloops, BC | 2004 – 2009: Coordinated and developed innovative international student events and engagement activities initiatives to promote intercultural engagement and learning while studying at TRU.
Special Projects Facilitator, Study Abroad Contracts | Kamloops, BC | 2004 – 2009: Designed, developed, and implemented inclusive marketing resources, event coordination, website oversight and student mentorship program development, promoting benefits of studying abroad to TRU community and local school districts.
Education
- Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice, Thompson Rivers University, 2022 – 2026
- Systemic Discrimination Training, BC Human Rights Commissioner, 2024
- Project Management Essentials, Royal Roads University, 2024
- Anti-Racism Response Training Program (A.R.T.), Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), 2022
- Provincial Instructors Diploma Program, Vancouver Community College, 2018 – 2022
- International Educators Training Program, Queen’s University, 2010
- Bachelor of General Studies: International Business Administration and Communications focus, Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning, 2004 – 2009
- Sales and Marketing Operations, Marketing and Distribution Certificate, Mount Royal University, 1992 – 1994
- International Relations and Customs Administration, Sir Sandford Fleming, 1988-1991
Professional Achievements
My graduate studies and TRU experience equipped me with a broad skill set spanning program and project management, international mobility, Indigenous‑centred initiatives, stakeholder relations, risk management, communications, and continuous improvement, which strengthened program growth and student engagement for Indigenous and underrepresented learners. In government, I build on this foundation to plan and document meaningful First Nations consultations and recommend accommodations that align policy obligations with community interests.
Professional Development and Engagement
Consistent participation in workshops and professional development programs to be informed of innovative practices and emerging trends, ensuring the advancement of program needs and maintaining an initiative-taking approach to professional growth, such as:
- BC PLAN Board of Directors member, 2023 – current
- Systemic Discrimination Training, BC Human Rights Commissioner, 2024
- Carbon Literacy Project, two-day training, 2024
- Climate Action Network of International Educators member
- “Advancing Faculty-led Field School Development: Navigating Progress and Setbacks,” Teaching Practices Colloquium, 2020 co-presented with Karen Densky
- “Advancing Faculty-led Field School Development: Navigating Progress and Setbacks,” BC TEAL Conference, 2020, co-presented with Karen Densky
- “Field School Development: Two steps forward, one step back,” CELTalks, TRU, 2019, co-presented with Karen Densky
- The Box System and the Circle System: A Model for Understanding Native and Non-Native Issues, workshop, 2019.
- Global Affairs Tabletop Exercises, Government of Canada, 2013 and 2018
- “Risk Happens: Shared Experiences in Safety Abroad Mitigation,” BCCIE Summer Session conference, 2018, co-presented David McGuire
- Mental Health First Aid, Kamloops, 2017
- Canadian University International Travel Safety Professionals member, 2016
- Training Faculty – Essentials of Study Abroad Risk Management, Webinar, 2016
- Interpreting and Responding to Travel Warnings in Education Abroad, Webinar, February 2016
- A Global Education: Creating International Learning Opportunities for Canadian Students, January 2016
- Using Data in the EA Office: What you need to know, Webinar, November 2015
- “The Study Abroad Ambassador Experience: Insights from the Student Perspective,” CBIE annual conference, 2015, co-presented with Lian Dumouchel
- Worst-Case Reality: Helping International Students, Webinar, September 2015
- Best Practices in Developing a Peer Mentoring Framework, Webinar, July 2015
- Components of a Successful Training Program, Webinar, July 2015
- Feedback and Follow-up, Webinar, August 2015
- Fluid Survey, Webinar, February 2015
- Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) annual conference, 2012 – 2019
- CBIE Case Study for “A World of Learning 2013” Study Abroad Ambassador Program: Using the Power of Peers to Build Student Engagement for Study Abroad.
- “Institutionalizing Outbound Academic Mobility,” CBIE annual conference, November 2013, co-presented with Lian Dumouchel
- British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) Summer Session, 2014 – 2019
- “Using Peer Power to Build Student Engagement for Study Abroad,” BCCIE Summer Seminar, June 2013, co-presented with Lian Dumouchel
- European Association of International Education (EAIE) annual conference, Prague, Czech Republic, 2014
- ISEP Conference, Washington, DC, USA, 2014
- Disability Services and Duty to Accommodate Part 1 & 2, Webinar, SFU, March 2014 -2015
- Training Faculty, Essentials of Study Abroad Risk Management Webinar, TRU, March 2014
- Chair Study Abroad Advisory Committee and Credit Assessment Working Group, Kamloops, 2014 – 2018
- International Students and Mental Health Concerns, Webinar, TRU, March 2013
- Assessing the DFAIT Student Exchange Program, Webinar, February 2013
- Developing Your Own Roadmap to a Successful Career in International Education, CBIE Webinar, 2013
- TRU Study Abroad Ambassador Training Program design, develop, facilitate, and present 2010 – 2019.
- TRU Study Abroad Re-entry Workshop, 2010 – 2019
- Pre-Departure presentation to Study Abroad, Field Schools, and Student Off-Campus, annually 2010 – 2019
- TRU Study Abroad Online Orientation Webinar, annually 2010 – 2019
- TRU Study Abroad Information Sessions, annually 2004 – 2019