Zarina Khan: a JLP Legend
Earlier this year, a facilitator in the National Capital region reached an extraordinary milestone. It was the first time ever that a JLP facilitator had delivered 150 learning events.
To mark this remarkable accomplishment, this union facilitator was honoured by the JLP in a presentation at the Ottawa Westin Hotel. Representatives from PSAC and the JLP were present: Toufic El-Daher, member of the JLP Steering Committee and Roxanne Lépine and Catherine Gilbert, the JLP Co-Directors, were on hand to recognize and honour this special facilitator.
Zarina Khanhas been facilitating, mentoring and talking about the JLP in the National Capital Region since 2010. She has served as a model to less-experienced facilitators and worked countless kiosks to tell public-service employees about the JLP, always with a pleasant, calm demeanour and a gentle smile on her face.
Her JLP colleagues have nothing but praise for this facilitator par excellence, whose unshakable calm has steered so many learning activities:
“What stands out most to me about Zarina, especially when we first co-facilitated together, is how calm and composed she is. Whether it’s in-person or virtual, tapping into Zarina’s energy is a wonderful way to stay grounded during a session. The program has been incredibly fortunate to benefit from her generosity, expertise, and dedication across 150 sessions.”
Suzanne MacFarlane, JLP Program Officer (employer)
“What a pleasure to work with someone so accomplished! I am grateful to get to work with someone who is willing to give of her time and energy to support strangers on important topics, and who has always been willing to adapt those virtual JLP’s (especially Understanding the collective agreement- Let’s Talk!) in a way that works with our audience.”
Chris Piette, ESDC and JLP Facilitator (employer)
“I did my very first virtual session this past December, and I was fortunate to work with Zarina. I was extremely nervous, but she was so calm! She explained that she had seen it all, and no matter how the session rolled out, it would be just fine – and she was right. I have remembered that mantra for every virtual session I have done. I truly appreciate her kindness, her mentorship, and her dedication.”
Erin Robinson, ESDC and JLP Facilitator (employer)
The Co-Directors presented Zarina with a certificate, a letter from the JLP Steering Committee Co-Chairs and a handcrafted cutting board inscribed with “Zarina Khan – With gratitude, we celebrate your 15 years of dedication and 150 workshops, empowering countless people through the Joint Learning Program.” Facilitators are the backbone of the JLP, and Zarina’s commitment and dedication have made a deep and lasting impact on the program.
Thank you, Zarina!