Trusted Communications Professional, Solution-focused Coaching
Donna Brinkworth P.C., SCMP
Located in Okotoks, Alberta.
Contact information below.
Strategic Communications Professional
I embraced strategic communications as an early adopter while with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and provided internal training to other communications specialists across the province about the benefits of having a plan to support major initiatives requiring complex communications.
I have a strong communications background in Natural Resource Management, working in Thunder Bay as the Regional Communications Specialist for the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Northwest Region. In this role, I contributed to major projects and initiatives, assisting Main Office and the Minister’s office on key visits and announcements including major initiatives related to Woodland Caribou conservation, Forestry Guidelines and environmental assessments, and the largest park expansion in Ontario (Wabakimi Provincial Park) working with internal specialists, scientists, partners and stakeholders.
Moving to Alberta in 2008 I have expanded my knowledge and professional services to include working for municipal government. I have enjoyed learning about sustainable energy, oil and gas as well as about biodiversity strategies, parks and agriculture strategic communications planning and implementation. Most of all, I’ve become passionate about public service and the role of Communications to connect government and residents through creative, timely and accessible communications no matter what channel people use to find information.
By outlining goals of communication and engagement in a Communications Plan – the audience, messages, anticipated issues, information priorities, and channels – the team is supported to carry out a Project Management Plan. The Project Management Plan outlines roles, timelines, tasks, tactics, deliverables, and required resources. Stewarding the actions of both to achieve success requires teamwork, collaboration and relationship building to ensure all necessary voices are heard and expertise is employed.
I’ve earned the IABC Strategic Communications Management Professional designation (SCMP) and brought this passion and skill to my work to benefit project teams. In addition I am a skilled Professional Coach and graduate of the International Coach Federation program through Erickson College in Victoria, BC.
Ideally both plans are aligned with organizational vision, goals and priorities to support a municipality’s image, brand and reputation. They are living documents that are updated regularly to reflect key metrics and ongoing work as the project unfolds to its conclusion
Growing a Team with a Shared Vision
If you are looking for someone who can connect, bring people together, help brainstorm, facilitate group discussions or rally teams around new ideas and processes, I am here to help.
In a recent Level 52 ‘360 Feedback’ I received an 8.1/10 score for executive and leadership qualities. Read comments from co-workers below. It felt great to read in the comments of colleagues, leadership and direct reports their appreciation for my expertise, leadership and personal character. Most gratifying was feedback about my ability to bring people together and share in a fun, kind and caring way – making everyone feel I cared about their projects.
As a International Coach Federation trained Coach, I bring strong skills to a natural desire to listen, understand and connect with others.
In my career I’ve been privileged to work through change management, assist with internal team building, and provide training to colleagues, students and elected officials. I’ve also facilitated brainstorming, breaking silos, town hall meetings with stakeholders or residents, and confidently provide presentations to groups.
An important part of my own business, Four Winds Leadership, involves working with a diverse group of people to create a supportive community and circle of trust. I’ve recently stepped into consulting and expanded my business to work as a Project Leader on Communications initiatives.
As a speaker, presenter and experienced facilitator, I am passionate about giving everyone opportunities to contribute, to learn and to shape the environment in which they can succeed and be ambassadors living the values of an organization.
“Working with Donna is always for the betterment of the group, not one individual. You always believe she has your best interests at heart. Donna is a very compassionate person. The people she is working with feel genuinely supported.
Level 52 comment (read more below)
Storyteller and Professional Writer
Telling a story using language and images that resonate with your audience is the foundation of all communications. When I first entered this amazing profession, being a great writer, knowing how to use plain language, speaking in a clear and convincing way, and relying on consistent key messages was the core of our work.
Critical Thinker
Being a clear and critical thinker and being curious are important communications skills, made even more important in the new era of communications and our changing landscape.
My degrees in Political Science and History emphasized critical thinking. Over four years I studied International, Canadian and American politics and history. Eventually I focused on Canadian fur trade history and enjoyed archaeology courses.
Early in my career and during university, I was the Assistant Historical Researcher for the living history site Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, a recreation of the Northwest Company’s inland headquarters on Lake Superior. This has proven to be relevant throughout my career, with a clear understanding of our history and politics and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous partnerships and the value of working together.
Speaking of relevance, my thesis was on the role of the Canadian fur trade in establishing the international border along Canada’s boundary waters with the United States. Recent events are seeing professors and experts on history being consulted about current events with our hard won international border.
Strategic leaders must be willing to propose ideas or advocate for change to achieve best outcomes. Important skills often come with experience, success and sometimes, from learning when things may not go well.
In this digital age people are overwhelmed and distracted by information overload. And yet, never has accessing accurate information online been more important.
The world is changing rapidly. It is important to break through to reach our intended audiences with conviction, caring and transparency – with respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. These are values and skills I champion, and bring to my work.
The Website as a Source of Truth
Reflecting an organization’s image, brand and reputation
The website continues to be an important source of truth where everything that represents an organization can be easily located by those it serves. It reflects the brand and image, and brand promise of the organization.
I have been involved in the concept, development, design, content management and vendor management of several websites, both internal and external. In the 1990s I was honoured to design the first Intranet site for the Ministry of Natural Resources, working alongside counterparts across the province.
Since then I’ve worked on three other major website projects and designed my own business website. This includes all aspects of the website, including a Project Plan, vision and goals, design, brand, and user experience.
Other Communications Expertise
As a Communications Team Leader, Supervisor and Manager over many years, I have leading edge skills online, with a knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office, digital strategies, social media, marketing and advertising, photo and video editing and graphics creation – and have led teams focused on this important work.
These skills are the result of knowing your audience and how they like to receive information. Integrated communications are designed to share messages through a variety of channels for maximum impact and achieve desired outcomes – from building awareness to changing behaviour.
I am at my best and happiest when I am helping others, contributing and making a meaningful impact.
More Testimonials from Level 52
360 Feedback, November 2024
Colleagues, Leaders, Direct Reports
Donna is very approachable and easy to work with. She sees the value in collaborative approaches and is able to takefeed back. This allow the teams to work well together.
Donna’s willingness to use her knowledge and experience is extremely beneficial to the success of her team. Through sharing stories of previous situations, connecting problems to previously proved solutions, and the overall understanding of the communications industry she shows incredible skill that she brings and shares with the team.
Donna communicates in such a way that is uplifting, empowering and motivating all at the same time. She is able to explain what is expected in a clear way so there is no confusion. This helps others gain confidence and believe in themselves.
The people Donna works with feel genuinely supported. If there are issues within the team, having integrity to admit one’s fault or be transparent with the issues at hand makes a team stronger. It builds confidence within the team, builds credibility and creates overall trust making people comfortable within the team.
Donna is inspired and passionate about her work. People working with Donna are always provided with her knowledge and insight.
Donna has a lovely welcoming approach and cares for her team and the organization.
Donna helps her team grow and achieve their goals. As a Team Leader she typically refers to Communications as a Team and highlights the strengths and abilities of her Team. Her team members know their roles and responsibilities and are always willing to help and definitely have a “Can Do Attitude”!
Positive attitude – Donna is very positive with her feedback and supportive of new ideas.
Proactive – Donna has a proactive approach to communications which helps to address items before they become an issue.
Thank you for visiting!
K9 Windseekers - Tracking & Trailing Instruction & Coaching 