BUILDING A NETWORK
SEEnet is building a network that is increasing the participation of Québec’s English speakers in the social economy. The social-economy initiative of the Regional Development Network (RDN)—a collective of 18 regional organizations serving English-speaking communities in Québec—SEEnet is mobilizing resources so these communities can face socio-economic challenges with entrepreneurial approaches, active participation, and purposeful solutions.
MOVING FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM
Built on economic, social, cultural, and environmental objectives, the social economy rebalances the priorities of economic development with a focus on the value of people over profits. And while Québec is a world leader in the social economy, English-speaking communities in the province have been less involved.
SEEnet offers services and programs to meet these economic, social, and environmental goals within Québec’s English-speaking communities.
ADVANCING INNOVATIVE IDEAS
SEEnet strategically mobilizes community knowledge, leverages available resources, and builds capacity for English-speaking communities to implement innovative projects. We offer workshops, consultations, and mentoring to both cooperatives and not-for-profit organizations for long-term growth. By building strong connections and province-wide partnerships, SEEnet helps advance innovative projects that increase economic and social opportunities within English-speaking communities.
MEET THE TEAM
Cathy became the executive director of RDN in August 2020. A graduate of CEGEP de la Gaspésie et des Îles, she began working at Committee for Anglophone Social Action (CASA) in 2001. She served in various positions before stepping into the role of executive director from 2008 until 2020. During her tenure, she led a significant expansion of program activities and service delivery for the benefit of the English-speaking communities along the Gaspé coast, particularly in the areas of health and social services, employment, and economic development (tourism). She has also served on various provincial boards and committees, including the Provincial Access to Health and Social Services committee, and she is a founding board member of the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT).
581-398-4098 | [email protected]
Hoffman joined RDN with years of experience working with Québec City’s English-speaking community, having served as the assistant executive director of the Morrin Centre and the president of Voice of English-speaking Québec. He’s also worked as a project coordination consultant with several branches of the provincial government including the SAAQ, the RAMQ, and the CNESST. A native of North Carolina, he received his Global Business MBA from Laval University and his undergraduate degree from Roanoke College.
418-684-8810 | [email protected]
Jenny joined the RDN team in February 2022. Before that, she was the deputy editor of Photo Life and Photo Solution magazines, where she worked for almost a decade. Originally from the United States, she has lived in Québec since 2009. When she’s not at RDN, you’ll probably find her working on a theatre project. She’s also a director and playwright, and she serves on the board of the Théâtre Le Trident. A member of the Literary Translators Association of Canada, she has more than ten years of experience as a professional translator.
418-684-8810 | [email protected]
Hugh is a consulting specialist and owner of Qu’anglo Communications and Consulting, based in Ormstown, Québec, an enterprise with a focus on communications, strategic and organizational planning, and development initiatives for rural communities. He is a registered coach for social enterprise and social finance with Innoweave and acts as publisher of The Gleaner, a biweekly community newspaper serving the Chateauguay Valley region. He has held numerous executive positions with provincial organizations representing the English-speaking community of Québec. In the course of his professional activities, Hugh has travelled extensively across Canada and the United States, as well as to South and Central America, Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, South Korea, New Zealand, and western and southern Africa.
877-782-6456 ext. 704 | [email protected]
Helena Burke joined the RDN team in January 2023. She began her career in community development in 2006 as a coordinator at the Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders (CAMI) and then became the executive director in 2007. During her tenure at CAMI, Helena led community strategic planning and visioning exercises, built and nurtured vital relationships (both government and non-government), and leveraged significant financial and human resources needed to implement key programs and services for the English-speaking community (ESC) across sectors. Helena was a leader in implementing the social economy concept in the Islands’ ESC and was successful in developing community businesses including culinary services, respite daycare services, and a social housing initiative.
418-937-6085 | [email protected]
Kim Harrison joined the RDN team in September 2023 and has been involved in community development for over two decades. She began her career as a coordinator for the Committee for Anglophone Social Action (CASA) and shortly thereafter moved into the role of executive director where she provided effective leadership and ensured the growth of the organization. Departing CASA in 2008, she continued to work in the sector with organizations such as the Quebec Community Groups Network and the Gaspesian British Heritage Centre. Returning to CASA in 2017, Kim worked as development officer and interim executive director.
581-886-6663 | [email protected]
MISSION, VALUES, AND GOALS
Coming soon…
