David Graff

Background

About David Graff

My passions center around influencing people to be engaged in our global world. I believe in the importance of building strong international relationships, from the grassroots to the political level, and the potential of those relationships to positively impact global societies. My passions developed from values I learned growing up on a 106-year old family farm – respect, responsibility, integrity, the importance of inclusivity in community, the quest to grow. I can offer the following: 1. Leadership Expertise - including the ability to inspire, motivate and manage groups, as well as the ability to both provide and receive feedback. Adept at embracing diversity – including concrete experience supporting, mentoring and guiding diverse teams in various settings such as- French speaking academic setting in a CÉGEP in Quebec - Large science festival setting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Remote mountain locations in the Canadian Rockies while extinguishing large wildfires - Inner City not-for-profit organization 3. Excellent Communication Skills – including active listening to ensure understanding, as well as effective verbal, written and social media skills 4. Respect for Education/Thirst for Knowledge – including development of a strong theoretical base upon which to build practical applications in a workplace setting. Currently pursuing a Masters of Political Science degree at the University of Ottawa. Ability to communicate in English or French – including current enrollment in my bilingual Masters program. While my first language is English, I am functionally literate in French. For fun, I like to remain inquisitive and active. I continue to attend classes in oral French on an extra-curricular basis. I am well-traveled and love to swim and read.