PIC Executive

Members of the PIC Executive cover the following roles and responsibilities:

PIC Chair	Donna Papacosta
Director, Programming	Patricia Davies
Director, Communications	Elizabeth Trew
Director, Membership and Events	Sharon Aschaiek
Director, Social Media	Amy Sept

See additional volunteer opportunities with PIC.

---

PIC Chair Donna Papacosta

Donna Papacosta of Trafalgar Communications helps global clients to communicate with employees, customers and prospects through storytelling in text, audio, video and social media.

A former systems analyst and magazine journalist, Donna has combined her love of communications and technology into a thriving independent practice since 1985. In 2005 she launched the Trafcom News Podcast, one of the first business-related podcasts in Canada. Since then she has expanded her expertise in both social media and multimedia, and helps clients integrate these tools into their communications.

Donna writes, produces multimedia content, consults, speaks and runs workshops and Webinars, and is often invited to present at conferences on topics related to communications, multimedia and social media.

Donna holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from New York University and a Certificate in Magazine Journalism from Ryerson University. In addition to IABC, she is a member of the Halton-Peel Communications Association and the Oakville Chamber of Commerce.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team that meets the networking, professional development and promotion/marketing needs of PIC
• Represent PIC in professional, educational, community, media and public roles
• Act as the liaison between PIC and the Toronto IABC Board of Directors
• Chair all PIC meetings
• Provide leadership in collaboration, information and knowledge transfer to our members, using social media, such as podcasting, wikis and blogs.

---

Director, Programming Patricia Davies

Patricia Davies is an award-winning writer who has provided writing, editing, consulting and training services to major corporations, nonprofit agencies and government ministries for the past 20 years. Her clients include Bank of Montreal, Barrick Gold Corp., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and Legal Aid Ontario.

She established her business, Patricia Davies Communications, following a distinguished career in journalism as an editor at The Globe and Mail and as a senior features writer for such Canadian magazines as Report on Business Magazine, Canadian Business, Chatelaine and Canadian Living.

Her goal is clear, concise and interesting writing, whether she is preparing a Board of Directors presentation for a senior executive, writing a series of 500-word case studies on managing change, or teaching a classroom of IT managers why convoluted, complex language doesn’t impress their clients.

In her Real Words Workshops, Patricia passes on her years of experience to help participants learn the best practices of good writing so they never hear these words again: “I’m not quite sure what you’re getting at here.” Her expanding list of offerings now includes Straight to the Point, in which managers, professionals and “next-generation” leaders learn how to summarize reports and proposals into a focused, brief story for decision-makers and other stakeholders.

Patricia is an Endorsed Education Provider with the International Institute of Business Analysis and a member of the Project Management Institute.

Responsibilities

• Research hot topics and create annual speaker and hot topic lists
• Secure speakers and develop a back-up plan
• Coordinate speaker information, equipment needs, gift and handouts

---

Director, Communications Elizabeth Trew

Elizabeth founded Elizabeth Trew Communications in 2009, after more than 10 years in communications in the not-for-profit health care sector and government. Her services include writing and editing, marketing communications, direct mail fundraising programs, communications planning and consulting, and project management.

Elizabeth’s goal is to help people and organizations communicate more effectively with their target audiences by explaining "what’s in it for them."

Before establishing her business, Elizabeth served as the director of communications and fundraising for a local not-for-profit seniors’ agency and worked in the provincial government for a cabinet minister and an MPP, where she had responsibility for constituent communications and outreach.

Elizabeth serves as a co-chair, member relations of the Toronto branch of the Editors’ Association of Canada and is a director of her local provincial and federal Conservative riding associations. She is a member of the Professional Writers’ Association of Canada and the Canadian Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs (CAWEE).

She has a BA in Psychology from Carleton University and an MBA in Marketing from McMaster University. She also has a Public Relations Certificate from Ryerson University and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and maintain communication with PIC members so they receive high quality, timely information about the programs, services and benefits of PIC
• Write (or assign) copy for monthly PIC e-newsletter
• Generate PIC-related content for IABC/Toronto e-Lerts
• Distribute job leads to PIC members

---

Director, Membership & Events Sharon Aschaiek

Professional writer Sharon Aschaiek of Cocoa Media specializes in developing clear, concise and compelling content for post-secondary schools, businesses and publications.

A professional communicator since 2004 who focuses on the higher education sector, Sharon works with universities, colleges and education associations to develop and execute strategic communication strategies that inform, engage and inspire current and prospective students, employees and industry partners. Whether it’s for annual reports, web copy, newsletter stories or brochures, she uses her conversational writing style to present ideas in interesting and meaningful ways.

As an experienced and award-nominated journalist, Sharon writes for consumer and trade newspapers, magazines and websites about trends and issues in education, employment, lifestyle, health care, travel, home decorating and engineering. She has written about everything from digital advances in post-secondary teaching, to the 50th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway, to Canada’s first e-health centre. Her work has appeared in the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, CBC.ca, Marketing Magazine, Bay Street Bull and Our Kids Go To School.

As a board member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada—Toronto Chapter, Sharon edits NetWords, the organization’s blog and event hub, and previously served as its vice-president of professional development and treasurer.

Sharon has completed an honours bachelor’s degree in communication and sociology at York University and participated in post-graduate journalism studies at Humber College. She’s currently completing a certificate in strategic marketing with a specialty in social media at Ryerson University.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update member list
• Provide outreach for PIC members
• Draft, distribute and analyze online membership survey
• Promote membership in online PIC Marketplace
• Distribute job leads to PIC members
• Assist Director of Programming in event logistics

---

Director, Social Media Amy Sept

A geek and reoriented journalism school graduate, Amy Sept launched Nimbyist Communications in 2011 after more than a decade working in non-profit communications in British Columbia. She has shared several awards – including two awards of excellence from IABC/BC and a Silver Leaf Award of Merit.

With a focus on content creation and social media solutions, Amy shows non-profit organizations and small business owners how to connect with the people who need their help – in print and online. Her services include writing and editing, public relations support, social media strategy and training, and overall project management.

Always an active volunteer, Amy has been on the executive of IABC/Toronto’s Professional Independent Communicators for more than two years, and is committed to the Military Family Resource Centre in Trenton where she serves on the board of directors and supports their public relations and marketing activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage PIC’s social media presence across Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook
• Manage and enhance content on PIC’s blog
• Work with the PIC executive to promote activities and members
• Build and enhance PIC Wiki

---

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Connect with Professional Independent Communicators online
Twitter – @pictoronto | LinkedIn Group | The PIC Blog |
Email: toronto-pic@iabc.com