After traveling and working at a resort in the Rockies, Joanne pursued her passion for hospitality and community connection by studying Hotel and Restaurant Management at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary.

Eventually returning to Manitoba, she settled first in Gimli and then South St. Vital, where she and her husband Peter have lived with their three children for over 20 years. During this time, she has been a committed community volunteer, contributing her time and leadership to organizations such as the Glenlawn Collegiate Music Boosters, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and Bonivital Soccer Club teams. These experiences have deepened her understanding of the needs of families and young people in the community.

Professionally, Joanne has built a career dedicated to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities in Winnipeg. After gaining valuable experience in sales within the hotel industry, she has spent the past 13 years as a Sales Manager at the RBC Convention Centre. In this role, she has led efforts to attract major events, conferences, and sporting events to Winnipeg, driving economic activity and enhancing the city’s reputation on a national and international scale. Collaborating closely with Tourism Winnipeg, she has worked tirelessly to showcase Winnipeg as a vibrant destination for visitors from across Canada, the United States, and beyond.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Joanne has been a proud advocate for workers' rights as the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) lead steward at her workplace. In this role, she has supported her colleagues, defended fair workplace practices, and worked to ensure that employees have a strong voice in shaping their working conditions. Her experience in union leadership reflects her deep belief in the dignity of work, the power of collective action, and the need to fight for fairness and equity in the workplace. Joanne understands that supporting workers is not just about fair wages and benefits; it’s about building stronger, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.

As a New Democratic Party candidate, Joanne shares the values that define Canada’s NDP: fairness, equality, sustainability, and community. She believes in building a Canada where everyone has access to affordable housing, a livable wage, and quality public healthcare, including universal pharmacare and dental care. Joanne is passionate about tackling climate change by transitioning to a clean energy economy that creates jobs while protecting the environment for future generations. She is committed to standing up for workers’ rights, ensuring Indigenous reconciliation is a top priority, and fostering a society where no one is left behind.

Joanne knows that the residents of Winnipeg South face significant federal challenges that require bold and compassionate leadership – with affordability being top of mind for most residents. Winnipeg South is a diverse and growing community, and Joanne is committed to advocating for the resources and policies that will improve the quality of life for everyone who calls it home.

Joanne’s dedication to her community, combined with her professional expertise in economic development, union leadership, and tourism, positions her as a passionate and capable advocate for Winnipeg South. She is ready to address the federal challenges facing families, workers, and communities in the riding with the strong voice they deserve.