In Part 2, Chisanga Puta-Chekwe shares the story of the Masomo Education Foundation, a charity he founded in Canada, to support Zambian youth from low-income families in attending University. He discusses the foundation’s growth, merit-based model, and moving success stories. Chekwe also reflects on his personal passions, from classical music to public service, emphasizing how humility, empathy, and a commitment to others have guided his lifelong pursuit of meaningful change.

(00:01:02) Founding the Masomo Education Foundation
(00:05:44) Growth and Selection Process of the Foundation
(00:10:06) From Scholarship Recipient to Medical Doctor
(00:15:48) Reflections on Privilege and Responsibility
(00:16:30) Choosing Public Service

Chisanga Puta-Chekwe discusses his career path from a mining executive to a senior public servant, and the guiding values that fueled this shift. He speaks about identity, responsibility, and the importance of meritocracy in government. The conversation delves into how a deep awareness of privilege led him to pursue justice and dignity for others, both in his work and in how he views leadership, legacy, and public good.

(00:03:54) A Writer’s Process and Daily Routine
(00:09:04) Perspective as a Public Member on a Board
(00:11:36) Drawing from Ministry Experience
(00:16:30) Why Human Wellbeing Must Be Holistic
(00:18:52) The Power of Mentorship

In this two-part episode, Eva Dusome (she/they), Senior Staff Development Officer at Solicitor General, Instructor with Six Nations Polytechnic, and 2021 recipient of the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, shares an inspiring and deeply personal journey through the intersecting worlds of corrections, identity, and systemic change.  

In part one, Eva reflects on their 19-year career in Ontario’s correctional system, recounting how chance attendance at an information session led to their passion for working with incarcerated populations. Eva explores how trauma, poverty, and systemic inequities contribute to criminalization, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation, reintegration, and humanizing support.  

In part two, Eva delves into their identity as a Two-Spirit, non-binary Anishinaabe person, and how Indigenous teachings, land-based wisdom, and authenticity inform their own personal approach to leadership and advocacy. Eva shares their experience navigating colonial structures, both personally and professionally, and offers powerful insights on mentorship, courage, and change-making.  

Throughout this powerful episode, Eva centers compassion, connection, and decolonization—challenging us to rethink justice and community through an Indigenous and queer lens. 

In this two-part episode, Eva Dusome (she/they), Senior Staff Development Officer at Solicitor General, Instructor with Six Nations Polytechnic, and 2021 recipient of the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, shares an inspiring and deeply personal journey through the intersecting worlds of corrections, identity, and systemic change.  

In part one, Eva reflects on their 19-year career in Ontario’s correctional system, recounting how chance attendance at an information session led to their passion for working with incarcerated populations. Eva explores how trauma, poverty, and systemic inequities contribute to criminalization, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation, reintegration, and humanizing support.  

In part two, Eva delves into their identity as a Two-Spirit, non-binary Anishinaabe person, and how Indigenous teachings, land-based wisdom, and authenticity inform their own personal approach to leadership and advocacy. Eva shares their experience navigating colonial structures, both personally and professionally, and offers powerful insights on mentorship, courage, and change-making.  

Throughout this powerful episode, Eva centers compassion, connection, and decolonization—challenging us to rethink justice and community through an Indigenous and queer lens. 

Part 2 of this episode continues the conversation about what it means to build a fulfilling career in public service as a woman. It explores how having a meaningful life outside of work, like coaching or volunteering, can strengthen leadership skills, build confidence, and bring a greater sense of purpose to the workplace. There's also a look at the importance of advocating for flexibility, and how making space for passions beyond the job can actually enhance performance and well-being.

The discussion also dives into what contributes to happiness at work: confidence, autonomy, and a strong sense of purpose. Community and mentorship emerge as key themes, along with the idea that influence isn’t limited to those in senior roles, everyone, including junior employees, can help shape a healthier workplace. Drawing from both research and lived experience, the episode highlights how joy, connection, and purpose can help public servants not only succeed, but thrive.

[00:01:28] Sophia Tracey - Programs and Service Delivery Intern - Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade

[00:02:52] Alicia Bremner - Ministry of Finance Account Management Collections Branch

[00:04:16] Susan Buchanan - Senior Policy Advisor - Policy, Archives and Data Division

[00:14:10]Veronica Settle  - Support Assistant, City of Toronto

[00:22:06] Dr. Gillian Mandich - Happiness Researcher

[00:22:25] Cynthia Watt - ERC/AMERC, Executive, Board, AMAPCEO

Part 1 of our special two-part compilation episode highlights women in public service - focusing on mentorship, gender equity, and career goals. At this year’s International Women’s Day event, guests from across the public sector throughout Ontario advocate for gender-inclusive policies with empathy and collaboration, and share how mentors help in developing key skills and hold an important role in supporting equity for underrepresented groups. In doing so, they challenge ageism, advise against overthinking career obstacles, and credit supportive managers for building confidence. These stories underscore the value of mentorship, inclusive workplaces, and the ongoing support needed for women’s advancement in public service.   

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:19) Kara Santokie - Gender Equity Manager, City of Toronto 

(00:13:35) Stacy Hernandez - Administrative Assistant, Ministry of Education 

(00:18:04) Klackciya Krishnakumar - Human Resources Intern, Ministry of Health

(00:22:07) Ying Wang - Executive Assistant, Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills 

(00:26:30) Suguna Sangaranpillai  - Registry Officer, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada 

(00:28:04) Part Two Preview

In part two, Cordelia goes on to discuss her approach to leadership and change management. She reflects on her journey through seven different ministries in Ontario’s public service, explaining that her moves were driven by the need to find spaces where her potential was recognized. She recounts her role as a change-maker, often brought into spaces to lead transformations, and the challenges of gaining trust from colleagues during change initiatives. Cordelia shares candid stories of facing professional challenges, including racial biases and assumptions about her capabilities, particularly as a Black woman in predominantly white spaces. 

(0:02:11) The Pivot to Public Service

(00:06:17) 7 Different Ministries 

(00:08:43) Understanding Different Perspectives

(00:10:02) How Cordelia Pursued Her Own Potential

(00:14:44) Resilience: Overcoming Biases and Assumptions

(00:20:44) How to Ask About What Needs to Change

In part one, Cordelia discusses her approach to self-worth, support systems and connection. Cordelia also reflects on her Jamaican American heritage and its influence on her values and drive, and how her upbringing by strong women shaped her focus on education and resilience. She shares her journey from working in community-based organizations to her current leadership role, emphasizing her passion for supporting women, especially women of colour, in achieving economic independence.  Throughout, she credits her mother and spouse as key influences who provide support and encouragement and shares personal anecdotes that shaped her perception of how to connect with and understand the perspectives of others.

(00:02:28) The Value of Lifelong Learning

(00:03:53) Her Family Legacy of Advocacy, Community and Mobilization

(00:04:54) Reflecting on Her Early Career Trajectory

(00:09:02) A Childhood Lesson: Beginning to Learn About Understanding

(00:15:07) Self-worth and Support Systems

(00:17:17) How to Host Amazing Birthday Parties: Create an Experience

In this episode of "The Path of Public Service," Josh Hjartarson, Deloitte’s Global Leader for Human and Social Services, reflects on his early career in the Ontario Public Service, emphasizing the connection between theory, policy, and practical solutions. His diverse experiences in public service, academia, and consulting reveal the complexity of societal issues and the need for collaboration across sectors. Drawing from his own childhood experience with state support, he highlights the critical role of government intervention in creating opportunities. Hjartarson campaigns for collaboration among government, private, and nonprofit sectors. Advocating for accountable leadership, Hjartarson stresses the importance of integrated support systems for housing, mental health, and addiction services. He views social safety nets as investments and underscores the value of lived experiences in program design, championing the rewarding potential of public service.  

In Part Two, Josh Hjartarson discusses the necessity of aligning accountability with authority in leadership roles. He advocates for integrated support systems that address not only housing but also mental health and addiction services. Highlighting successful social safety initiatives globally, he calls for a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders, including corporations. He encourages viewing social safety nets as investments rather than expenses and emphasizes the value of incorporating lived experiences in program design. Hjartarson's reflections underscore the rewarding nature of public service and the potential for meaningful societal impact through dedicated efforts to improve social support systems.

In this episode of "The Path of Public Service," Josh Hjartarson, Deloitte’s Global Leader for Human and Social Services, reflects on his early career in the Ontario Public Service, emphasizing the connection between theory, policy, and practical solutions. His diverse experiences in public service, academia, and consulting reveal the complexity of societal issues and the need for collaboration across sectors. Drawing from his own childhood experience with state support, he highlights the critical role of government intervention in creating opportunities. Hjartarson campaigns for collaboration among government, private, and nonprofit sectors. Advocating for accountable leadership, Hjartarson stresses the importance of integrated support systems for housing, mental health, and addiction services. He views social safety nets as investments and underscores the value of lived experiences in program design, championing the rewarding potential of public service.  

In Part 1 of this episode, Josh Hjartarson reflects on his early career in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) as a newly minted PhD, highlighting how it deepened his understanding of the interplay between theory, policy, and practical solutions. Influenced by state support during his childhood, he recognizes the significance of government intervention. His diverse career spans public sector roles, academia, lobbying, and consulting, teaching him that societal issues are complex and require collaboration across government, private, and nonprofit sectors. He introduces "collective action problems," noting that self-interest can hinder cooperation. Despite challenges, Josh champions idealism in public service and stresses the need for accountable leadership to address social complexities.