Testimonials

“Lauren worked as Head of Communications for the High Commission of Canada in the UK from August 2019 – September 2021. Canada is an officially bilingual country, which means that our official public communications must by default be published in both English and French.

Lauren’s fluency in French was a major asset for the team. She produced translations of varying lengths and on various topics (ranging from diplomacy to climate change, culture to military cooperation, trade and investment to higher education) on a daily basis in both directions. Lauren also proofread texts written in French and English by staff across the mission, and produced a wide range of original written texts (speeches, remarks, internal communications messages from the High Commissioner, newsletter and website articles, social media posts, video scripts, etc.) in both languages.

Lauren is very professional, always polite, respectful, a team player, and animated by a desire to provide high-quality work.”

“I worked closely with Lauren for over two years at the Canadian High Commission in her capacity as Head of Communications. As a Political Officer, I valued Lauren's exceptional ability to help me and the Political team communicate effectively and strategically on a wide range of complex policy issues (e.g. foreign policy, development, human rights, and security).

Lauren quickly established herself as a trustworthy and highly professional partner, developing a strong working relationship with the Political team which was critical to the successful delivery of Canadian Government objectives. The depth and breadth of Lauren's communications experience (20 years and having worked in Brussels, Paris, and London) was especially invaluable in difficult moments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as when we needed to navigate politically sensitive issues.

Her extensive network among UK media and the diplomatic world, as well as her strong understanding of the British media landscape, was a real asset. It was through Lauren's networks that the High Commission was able to secure key media interviews and effectively communicate Canadian Government policy priorities to a UK audience.

Lauren developed a number of innovative comms products which have been highly successful and which the High Commission continues to use. She developed a quarterly whole-of-mission Strategic Communications Strategy (a first for the mission) and, at the onset of the pandemic, established the High Commissioner's Weekly (now Fortnightly) Message which helped to share information and maintain a sense of team spirit among the High Commission staff.

Lauren’s language skills were also a significant asset to the mission. She translated into and out of French a wide range of external and international communications products, including speeches for the High Commissioner, the bimonthly newsletter Canada Plus, materials for the Canada Gallery and online content for the High Commission website and social media. Beyond her day-to-day work,

Lauren made real contributions - often on her own time - to the wider good of the organization. She actively supported and mentored more junior staff, which led to a promotion for one mentee. She also volunteered on the Diversity, Antiracism & Equity Committee and the Locally-Engaged Staff Committee, and lobbied for greater accessibility in the High Commission’s external communications products (e.g. sign language interpretation and captions).

Lauren brings, enthusiasm, warmth, and a strong professionalism to her work. I would recommend Lauren wholeheartedly as an approachable, efficient and highly-skilled public relations and communications advisor.”