Born and raised in the Edmonton area, Carmen has been a lifelong advocate of volunteerism, and being an active member of her community. From raising funds for important causes, to highway and park clean ups, to coaching youth sports, and leading youth summer camps, if there is a need to be filled, Carmen is likely to stick up her hand!

Professionally, Carmen brings with her almost 20 years of volunteer management experience, having worked with 2 of the largest non-profit organizations in the country: the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) and Scouts Canada. Through her role as an Emergency Management Coordinator/Manager at the Canadian Red Cross, Carmen has spent the last 7 years supporting vulnerable populations before, during and after disasters and emergencies and has held leadership roles in the CRC’s response to the 2016 Ft. McMurray Wildfires, 2017 BC Wildfires, 2018 BC Floods, 2019 Chuckegg Creek Wildfires and the 2020 response to COVID 19. Carmen is a dedicated Humanitarian and believes that all people, regardless of demographic or circumstance have a right to access basic needs and supports, and as a community, we all have a responsibility to support our neighbors.

When she is not busy with work and volunteering, Carmen can be found out in nature (preferably the mountains), camping and hiking with her husband, son and trusty furry sidekick, Ozzy.