Dini Steyn

Since establishing her consulting firm in 2003, Dini Steyn B.A., M.Ed., TESL diploma, has managed several projects facilitated a number of planning sessions, meetings and focus group discussions and instructed TESL classes at Okanagan College.

Previously she was employed as a Training Consultant and Project Manager at the Open Learning Agency and as ESL Instructor and Administrator at Bow Valley and Norquest Colleges in Alberta.

Dini has an excellent track record for initiating and managing innovative projects and is a dynamic and sought after conference presenter.

Project Management and business development

	Demonstrated ability to manage sizeable projects within timelines and budget.
	Focused and efficient facilitation of meetings. Especially effective with national advisory groups and meetings "at a distance".
	Excellent record of approved funding proposals and innovative new programs initiated.
	Excels in attracting repeat business from prior clients.
	Tenacity, task completion.

Communication and Public Relations

	Communicates clearly in writing and verbally, using a clear language approach.
	Public speaking - extensive experience in delivering conference and promotional presentations at provincial and national levels.
	Networking with business, labour, funders and community groups.
	Exceptional at building and maintaining long-term partnerships
	People skills - ability to build rapport, lead, inspire and motivate co-workers and work collaboratively in teams

Computer Skills - Familiar with software programs such as MS Word, MS Project, Excel, Powerpoint, QuickBooks.

Career History

Sole Proprietor	Dini Steyn Consulting	2003 - present
Part-Time Instructor	BCIT and Okanagan College	2003 - present
Project Manager	Open Learning Agency, Burnaby	1994 – 2003
Part-Time Instructor	Vancouver Community College	1998 – 2003
Special Project Coordinator	Norquest College, Edmonton	1988 – 1994
ESL Instructor/Department Head	Bow Valley College, Calgary	1981 – 1988

Education and Training:

	Masters of Education
	Permanent Alberta Teaching Certificate
	Graduate Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language
	Bachelor of Arts with German and Psychology
	Certified ESL Instructor (Certified at level 4 by TESL Canada)

Committees/Organizations:

In British Columbia:

Administrator and past president of Critical Link a national networking organization for community interpreters.

Board member of Celebration Singers, Kelowna, BC

Past founding member of Wwestnet (Western Workplace Essential Skills Network)

In Alberta:
Past president of ATESL (Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language).

Founding member of Centralized Interpreter Service Advisory Committee, Edmonton.

Endorsements

Dini is the consummate professional. She is very knowledgeable, efficient, and organized. She shows a dynamic enthusiasm for any project she undertakes. Dini is a perpetual optimist who sees opportunities where others might see disaster. She is very pragmatic and productive, and has excellent time management skills. On several occasions I witnessed Dini’s superior expertise in facilitating meetings. She identified desired outcomes at the onset and skilfully guided the procedures to conclude within the allotted time, or sooner, with all the agenda items thoroughly covered and the desired products in hand.

Michelle Nicholson, Open Schools

She handles meetings of diverse viewpoints with expert facilitation. I have been continually impressed by her professional and efficient project management.

Mark Nielsen, Open Learning Agency

I can say with certainty that funding for many projects was awarded primarily because Dini would be coordinating and managing these initiatives. Dini is well known and highly respected for her expertise, resourcefulness, excellent management skills, and extensive local, provincial and national connections.

Daina Bruners and Associate

She allows those who are working for her to grow professionally, and she is unfailingly generous with her knowledge, contacts, and resources. Her loyalty and integrity are exemplary, and her enthusiasm and global outlook serve to motivate and enervate other staff members.

Terese Szlamp-Fryga, former co-worker

I know I speak on behalf of many people within the Edmonton Board of Health when I say there will be a big hole left by your departure for Vancouver. You are a “can do” person and your energy and ability is hard to replicate.

Ann Goldblatt, Edmonton Board of Health

It is due to her perseverance in proposing alternate educational formats that my college was persuaded to undertake the development of a distance education program for interpreter training. Dini’s greatest strengths are her ability to analyze a project, set clear priorities and goals, create a positive working relationship with a team.

Dr. Silvana Carr, Vancouver Community College

Dini works masterfully with teams. She is 150% reliable and accountable re communication and project management. She is creative and always has new/better ideas. I think Dini is one of the finest professionals I’ve ever worked with.

Dr. Kathryn Barker, President of FuturEd

As a supervisor, Dini has high expectations of herself, and those working for her, and these ideals translate into quality products. Dini’s supervisory style is collegial and supportive. She allows those who work for her to grow professionally, and she is unfailingly generous with her knowledge, contacts, and resources.

Karen Bennett, AVC-Edmonton

You are completely and absolutely generous in everything you do…you share ideas, knowledge, hopes, enthusiasms and yourself.

Dawn Seabrook de Vargas, AVC-Edmonton