Benjamin Olayele is a Director of Policy, Planning and Privacy with the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation. He has a financial economics and public administration background from his undergraduate and graduate school education. His experience in government revolves around public policy development, socioeconomic research, project management, emergency management, and program evaluation. Ben is interested in the intersections of education, health, and economic policy with a focus on reducing persistent education and health inequalities to create healthier communities for all. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with the youth in his community as a mentor and a life coach.

Amanda has spent 12 years in Saskatchewan public service in various positions, including mediator and Dispute Resolution Consultant with the Ministry of Justice and Director with the Ministry of Government Relations. She currently leads a team of policy analysts as the Director of Strategic Policy, serving the Ministries of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety and Justice and Attorney General. Amanda holds her Master of Public Administration from Johnson Shoyama Graduate School at the University of Regina. She is passionate about having good conversations, bridging gaps, and working through complex problems.

Tanessa currently works as the Privacy and Access Program Manager for Farm Credit Canada. She has served in various public policy leadership roles across the Saskatchewan provincial public service and is an avid volunteer in her community. Tanessa attended the University of Regina as a CIS student athlete representing the Cougars Track and Field team while obtaining her Bachelor of Social Work. Upon entering the work force, she completed her Master’s of Public Administration in the evenings and simultaneously grew her family. She is a proud wife and mother of three active children and one puppy. Tanessa enjoys coaching her children in the many sports they play and serves on several non-profit boards and charitable organizations. Tanessa is passionate about developing sound public policy, supporting a strong and better community, and truly embodies leaving it all on the table of life.

Nana has served on the IPAC board since 2018-19 and believes in promoting dialogue on current public policy issues. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Economics. In his current role as Treasury Board Analyst, he provides policy options and advice in the areas of government expenditure by applying sound financial and economic management principles. Nana is an avid sports fan and regularly watches soccer, basketball, and football.

Olubunmi Ayantunji is a Policy Professional with a specialty in Legislative Engagement, Government Relations, Lobbying and Legislative Drafting.
He holds a degree in Law and a Master’s degree in Legislative studies. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and he serves as the President of the Policy School’s Student Association.
Olubunmi has worked with law-making institutions and has consulted for not-for-profit organizations on Democracy and citizen engagement. He plays all percussions and majors on the Talking Drum.

Juliia currently works as a Communications Consultant with the Communications branch within the Government of Saskatchewan. Before this, she spent over five years working in Canada, the Middle East and Europe for purpose-driven and non-profit organizations, supporting brand development for both small and international clients and helping shape their brand purpose, vision and social media identity. With these skills, Juliia hopes to stimulate meaningful dialogue and create innovative, engaging content for the IPAC-SK community. She also loves spending time outdoors with family or friends, volunteering, and reading.

Faith Babalola is the Programs Co-Chair at IPAC Saskatchewan where she serves with other members of the Board of Directors to lead the organization’s programs. Before assuming the Program’s Co-Chair role, Faith was the Communications Chair for the 2021/22 IPAC Saskatchewan year and was responsible for the strategic coordination of all forms of communication pertaining to the organization’s priorities. Outside her voluntary capacity at IPAC Saskatchewan, Faith Babalola works as a Project Manager at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services where she manages projects of strategic initiatives relating to the Ministry’s goals. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy where she was the Vice-President of the Student Association for the 2020/21 tenure.

Amber currently serves as Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Finance and is responsible for accelerating the Deputy Minister’s priorities by acting as the ministry’s “air traffic controller.” From supporting at-risk and gang-involved youth to her working in the Deputy Minister’s Office and Treasury Board Branch at the Ministry of Finance, Amber brings a unique perspective to the IPAC Board. She has a hard-earned practical understanding of government priorities and how those permeate the decision-making process. Amber has a Bachelor of Human Justice from the University of Regina and a Master of Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. She is also a Lieutenant (Navy) in the Canadian Armed Forces and works with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.

After obtaining her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina, Sharese joined the Ministry of Social Services in 2003. Her employment with the ministry includes several leadership positions in both Income Assistance Programs and Child and Family Programs, as well as substantive partnerships with other divisions and ministry’s. Her current role is a Manager of Program Design and Operational Policy for Income Assistance. Sharese received her Master’s in Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School in April of 2021. Sharese is passionate about human services and has dedicated her career to championing a one team approach across divisions and service sectors.

Colten Goertz is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Resilience Branch. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Regina. He also has a Master of Public Policy degree from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS), University of Saskatchewan campus. He serves as President of the JSGS Alumni Association. He chairs the Governance Committee of the YMCA of Regina Board of Directors. He is passionate about the importance of governance in policy making and the dedication to public service. He believes strongly in giving back one's time and efforts. He, therefore, can be found spending his time volunteering with various community organizations.

Dharti Parekh is an M.A. Economics Gold Medalist, currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. She believes her education will equip her with the essential knowledge and skills required to carve out a career path dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the government sector. Her profound sense of purpose is to leverage her abilities to uplift communities and foster the common good by actively participating in decision-making processes and implementing effective policies. She seeks new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth to realize her potential.

Marilyn Black is an Indigenous Student Recruitment Coordinator at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. She is a registered citizen of Métis-Nation Saskatchewan with family roots in Cumberland House Cree Nation. Marilyn is also a survivor of the 60's Scoop policies, and since connecting with her birth family, she has been actively working towards reclaiming and sharing her culture. Marilyn is a wife and mother of two grown children. She also has a granddaughter and two cats.