About IABC Waterloo
The local chapter of IABC Waterloo aims to connect and empower local communicators. We put on numerous PD and networking events that cover a range of topical professional development areas, like communications strategy and ROI, social media and digital ads, visual communications design and more.
Our members work across a variety of industries, from software to healthcare, and sit in junior and senior roles across communications, marketing, PR and more. Don’t forget to sign up for the IABC Waterloo newsletter in the footer of this page.
About IABC International
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication.
Established in 1970, IABC serves members in more than 70 countries for networking, career development and personal growth. Find out more about the benefits of being part of IABC on our Membership page.
About the 2024-2025 Board of Directors
IABC Waterloo is run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Meet our current Board members:
Elizabeth Dirksen, President
Liz is a communications professional, part-time instructor, and volunteer who is passionate about the changing communications landscape across for-profit and non-profit sectors. She believes in leading with empathy and mentoring with positivity to amplify and amp-up her team. She recently completed a Master of Public Relations degree and in her downtime can be found puttering in her vegetable garden, hanging out with one of her (revolving door of) foster dogs, or enjoying a glass of wine with a cat in her lap.
Madeline Croteau, Finance Director
Madeline is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who graduated with distinction from the University of Guelph Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting program in 2019.
She is currently the Financial Controller at VCT Group. Madeline grew up competitively dancing and still occasionally teaches dance to all ages in a variety of dance styles! She loves to travel, spend time with family and friends, try new recipes and play with her two cats: Scarlett and Paul.
Patti Cosgarea, Membership Director
Patti is a seasoned public relations and communications leader with experience spanning tech, real estate, insurance, and energy. Armed with a Master of Public Relations degree, she brings a wealth of strategic insights to her work. Patti is passionate about telling a brand's story, creating engaging content, and building meaningful connections. She finds immense fulfillment in the ability of PR and leadership to foster understanding, inspire action, and drive positive change. Outside of the professional sphere, Patti can be found traveling, nurturing her green thumb in her garden, or enjoying quiet moments curled up with her cats and a book.
Kathleen (Kat) Cottrill, Communications Director
Kat is an upbeat, enthusiastic and determined Marketing and Communications professional who works to continuously grow and nurture creative ideas. Kat is skilled in planning, creating and executing unique content and strategies to engage with consumers through various channels such as social media and email marketing.
She is currently the Senior Social Media and Online Engagement Specialist at OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan.) When she's not stirring up magic online, you can find Kat wrangling her 3-year old twins, with her nose in a good book, or undertaking a DIY project!
Lauren Gerow, Past President
Lauren has over 10 years’ experience in HR and communications in technology, automotive and marketing. Her background in strategic planning and transformation initiatives has proven that a people centric focus is the key to success. Lauren is a Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner with an Advanced BA in Human Resources (Sheridan) and certification in Strategic Planning & Execution (McGill Executive Institute). Outside of work she enjoys interior design, making wine and spending time with family and friends.
Peter West, Student Engagement Director
Peter practices his communication skills as a fundraiser at St. Joe's Healthcare Hamilton, the chair of the Grand River Film Festival, as a musician and a board member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and the Golden Horseshoe chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
He can also be found outdoors gardening, walking the dogs, or paddling his canoe.
Sarah Fullerton, Social Media Director
Sarah is an enthusiastic marketing communications professional that excels in creating engaging content that sticks! She is passionate about storytelling, bringing them to life through various digital tactics. Sarah graduated from Conestoga College's Bachelor of Public Relations. She took her passion to learn further, completing the Master of Public Relations degree at Mount Saint Vincent University. She also enjoys travelling, dancing, figure skating, or rereading the Harry Potter series!
Meghan Thomson, Digital Communications Director & Executive Administrator
With over 4 years of experience in communications across government and corporate sectors, Meghan is a seasoned Communications Advisor focusing on social media and stakeholder relations. Currently serving as a Communications Advisor at Infrastructure Ontario, Meghan has honed her communication skills through implementing campaigns, managing issues, and engaging with diverse teams. In her spare time Meghan enjoys travelling the world, camping and exploring hiking trails with her dog.
Patricia Wilkinson-Bizjak, Vice President
Trish has been a communications professional for over 25 years. She began her career at Pearson Airport, gaining real-time experience in crisis communications during events such as the Air France crash and 9/11. Trish then transitioned to the not-for-profit sector, working for the Alzheimer Society of Canada. She later moved to the private sector, managing internal communications for Dynacare Laboratories. For the past decade, she has led the corporate communications team for the Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan and Orbit Insurance Services.
Emily Caister, Professional Development Director
Emily is an award-winning communications leader and certified Communications Management Professional that believes communications is where the magic happens.
From diving into understanding her audience to crafting compelling copy, she develops content to engage people, connect and solve problems. She is dedicated to making an impact in her community, blending big-picture thinking with careful planning to ensure a successful outcome.
Alyssa Rubenstein, Professional Development & Social Media Director
Alyssa is a coffee-fueled creative content creator that specializes in communications, design work, brand development, and marketing. With a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and seven years of diverse experience ranging from the veterinary industry to reinsurance, Alyssa brings a unique blend of expertise to every project. Alyssa excels in crafting content that captivates audiences, drives strategic objectives, and aligns seamlessly with brand identity. Beyond her professional pursuits, Alyssa is a passionate equestrian, devoted animal lover, and avid outdoor enthusiast.
Felicity Demetriou, Student Engagement Director
Felicity is a graduate of the Conestoga College public relations diploma program (2024). She is just entering the world of communications, bringing with her a wide rage of skills from her studies in not only public relations but also journalism and video production. Felicity's passions lie in the world of social media and content creation.
In her free time Felicity can be found enjoying movies, reading, or spending time with friends & her cat Sadie.