Embedded Files
CURRENT
CURRENT
Currently I am the Operations and Community Lead for Cohere For AI, a non-profit machine learning (aka AI) research lab operated by Cohere. As a lab, our goal it to contribute fundamental research to the field while diversify entry point to ML research.
In this role I:
support an open science community. I connect with independent researchers around the world (some of whom are the only person they know working on this stuff) and connect them with resources, tools, and people to help them on their journey
project manage large-scale open-science initiative (see Aya, below)
communicate to the world what we're up to
Reflection - I took this job right before AI blew up in the media. I feel very fortunate, like a pioneer forging this new landscape. No doubt there are some bogs and beasts out there, but also a whole lot of beauty and opportunity. Don't get me wrong - I'm scared too, but whether I like it or not AI is here/coming. I believe in the work of this company and the people behind it. I am lending my competencies to the cause to get this super powerful tech into the hands of the "good guys". Yeah - it's super powerful - and lord knows we've got no shortage of problems on this planet, so let's use the tech to address them. Like I said. A lot of opportunity.
Aya - an open science initiative to unlock multilingual generative AI
Aya - an open science initiative to unlock multilingual generative AI
Since Jan 2023 I have been coordinating the largest ever open science project in AI. Together with 3,000 volunteers in 117, we are building an open-source AI model and dataset, that works in 101 languages, to be released early 2024. It is as much a protest agains how this technology is typically developed, as it is a massive technical accomplishment. AI is rocketing English-speakers into the future, helping the (opportunity) rich get richer. This project is to combat that, and take a step towards ensure no person, and no language, get left behind.
Cohere Queer Camp
Cohere Queer Camp
I helped coordinate the entertainment at my company's pride event. I was particularly porud to welcome Shay Marcowitz, a queer photographer, to take headshots of all attendees. Many people were moved by her work, finally seeing their true self captured in an image.
C4AI Open Science Community
C4AI Open Science Community
I support a community of independent researchers around the world connect with one another, learn together, and make amazing things.
PAST
PAST
Communication Manager, School of Performance, TMU, 2019-22
Communication Manager, School of Performance, TMU, 2019-22
I returned to my alma mater, at first on a part time basis to help with the phone and filing, but quickly became the full time communications coordinator for the School. I ran many initiatives to support internal communications the the students and faculty, recruitment efforts, and promoting the season of theatre and dance performance.
Towards the end of my time, I build out an archive to celebrate and showcase the 50 year history of the School of Performance. The archive showcases tales throughout hte year, updates on impactful alumni, and deep dives into the history that built the school.
Audio Documentary Producer, Fixt Point, 2019
Audio Documentary Producer, Fixt Point, 2019
A volunteer opportunity with Fixt Point briefly transitioned into a job. Through them, I learn the skills to create audio documentary content. My contract was to coordinate and collect interviews telling the stories of LeBreton Flats, and area in Ottawa that now houses the War Museum.
I spoke over 25 people including
past residence of the since destroy neighbourhood,
artists who depicted the area,
those who now enjoy passing through the now open fields on cross-country skies (and those who maintained the trail)
keepers of the Indigenous stories of this area
organizers of the annual Blues Fest
While I left the project early to pursue other opportunities, the interviews I conducted were transformed into this 13 min documentary.
Volunteer Coordinator, Summer Works, 2019
Volunteer Coordinator, Summer Works, 2019
It was quite the endeavour to coordinate nearly 100 SummerWorks volunteers to support this 2 week festival of 30 plays. Main tasks included recruitment, training, scheduling, onsite support, and appreciation efforts.
I was particularly proud to build relationships with all of the volunteers so quickly, and handwriting each of them a thank you card with reference to their specific contributions.
Program Manager, Amici Camping Charity, 2018-19
Program Manager, Amici Camping Charity, 2018-19
I spent just over a year on a parnetal leave contract as the Program Manager of Amici Camping Charity. Here I stewarded relationships with 40+ summer camps around Ontario, and managed a bespoke placement process to send children from low-income families to these camps.
During my time with Amici, I transformed their analog paper-based process into a digital one, setting up custom database system.
I also launched the first cohort of Amici's year-round enrichment opportunity for their teen campers - the Compass Leadership Program
I also had the unique joy of travelling throughout Ontario in the summer to visit many of the camps.
Director of Youth & Community Programs, School of Performance, TMU, 2015-17
Director of Youth & Community Programs, School of Performance, TMU, 2015-17
I'll add more info here :)
Program Lead, Camp Winston, 2015
Program Lead, Camp Winston, 2015
Most of my philosophy on how to interact with other humans came from my training and time at Camp Winston, and traditional stay-away camp for kids and teens with complex neurological disorders. CW specilized in working with kids in grand families, and those who have been regected and kicked out of all other camps. Some of the hardest work I've and done. Here I learned reflective listening, collaborative problem solving, non-violent conflict intervention, and a slew of other tools I use in every relationship I've been a part of. I worked 1 summer as a counsellor and drama program lead, and camp back for a few years of weekend respite care.
Director, Academy of Musical Theatre, 2012-14
Director, Academy of Musical Theatre, 2012-14
I'll add more info here :)
(FUTURE...?)
(FUTURE...?)
Currently exploring how to better balance workworkwork and art. I'm looking forward.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse