Meet the MASC Team

Micheline Shoebridge has worked in cultural industries for the past 25 years. Starting off in the world of arts education, Micheline managed the Canadian Screen Training Centre, an Ottawa-based film and television training organization for 6 years. She then spent the next fifteen years managing and producing documentaries, dramatic series, short films, music videos and commercials, in both English and French, sharing stories from Nunavut to Tajikistan. Micheline was part of the team that founded the internationally award-winning Awesome Arts Program in 2009, bringing it to the MASC umbrella from One World Arts in 2012. Micheline was also MASC’s Seniors Program Director for 7 years before joining forces with Wendy Hartley as Co-Executive Director from March 2019-June 2021 when Wendy retired. Micheline believes strongly in the power of art as a catalyst to bring people together and improve the communities we live in.

Alejandro Salgado Cendales is an arts administrator, artist, advocate, and active member of Ottawa’s BIPOC and immigrant artistic community. He is the founder and director of the Multicultural Artists’ Coalition (MAC-CAM), and is a former member of the City of Ottawa’s CFSS - Equity and Inclusion Committee. Pulling from his rich cultural background as a Colombian shaped by the intersections of Western, Indigenous, African and popular knowledges, Alejandro has a commitment to equity and diversity issues, especially for cultural, political, social, and economic decolonization. His research and community-based work aim to facilitate dialogues between academic, institutional, and marginalized communities through policymaking, cultural programming and community development. Alejandro has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (2013) and a Master in Fine Arts (MFA) from Queens College, City University of New York (2017).

Karine Lévesque has built a career in arts administration, arts education and community engagement, having worked in different areas of the arts and culture sector for over 15 years with organisations of artistic excellence such as the Shenkman Arts Centre, MIFO and the Ottawa School of Theatre. Her passion for community-engaged arts education was sparked when she was given the opportunity to work with Arts Network Ottawa on the Neighbourhood Arts Ottawa program in 2019, supporting artists and community organisations to deliver diverse and engaging arts programming in our city’s neighbourhoods. As a proud franco-ontarian, she was thrilled to return to her francophone roots in 2020 to take up the lead coordinator (and later, executive director) position at the Conseil des arts Prescott-Russell Arts Council (CAPRAC), where she worked on arts, culture and heritage programming, as well as innovative digital tools to help guide the organisation and its members through the pandemic years. Karine is an advocate for equitable access to arts programming in local rural areas, and works to foster opportunities for francophone multicultural arts programming in communities and schools in eastern ontario. She has a B.A. with honours, Art History and Theory / Arts Administration and Anthropology focused on Indigenous Studies (2013).

Valerie is thrilled to be rejoining the MASC family! Some of you may remember Valerie from her role as MASC’s Residency Program Coordinator from 2006-2012. In her new position as MASC’s Community Program Director, Valerie is pleased be overseeing the delivery, growth and development of the Community Program that features performances, workshops and festivals delivered by MASC’s artists to children, youth and seniors throughout the region. In addition to expanding MASC’s community bookings and working to nurture new community partnerships, Valerie is also delighted to be coordinating Awesome Arts en folie and the MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival. Valerie brings over ten years’ experience in non-profit program management and community development. Her background in International Studies and Indigenous Studies (Trent University, 2003) has afforded her the opportunity to work closely with locally based community organizations in Thailand, Bolivia, Switzerland and in Northern Ontario in the areas of conservation, population health and the arts. Valerie is eager to reconnect with the many talented artists and dedicated community partners from her prior time at MASC but is also equally excited to meet and work with everyone who has joined the organization in more recent years. “It is a joy and a privilege to once again work with the incredible team that are the MASC family, and I can’t wait to dive-in”!

Amina Touré brings a rich cultural perspective to MASC, having been born and raised in Senegal before making Canada her home. A graduate of the University of Ottawa with a B.A. in Communications, Amina has a deep passion for storytelling, drawn to the intrigue of crime and mystery, the boundless imagination of fantasy, and the spine-tingling thrill of horror literature. Her journey with MASC began as a Social Media Coordinator intern in 2021, where she honed her skills in connecting audiences to the arts. She then took on the role of French Tour Coordinator from 2022 to 2023, showcasing her dedication to fostering meaningful cultural exchanges. Now a full member of MASC’s team, Amina continues to bring creativity, passion, and a global lens to her work.

With a passion for cross-cultural dialogue and creative collaboration, Devika has built her career by harnessing the power of storytelling and strategic event planning to honor multifaceted viewpoints, amplify diverse voices, and foster meaningful connections. Her work spans international organizations such as Global Affairs Canada, All India Radio, Institut français, and the Embassy of Belgium, where she has honed her skills in crafting compelling content and orchestrating captivating events that unite people from varied backgrounds. Fluent in both English and French, she thrives in navigating spaces where cultures converge, believing that language is not a wall to climb, but a bridge to connect communities. She is committed to curating artistic experiences that reflect the plurality of identities, ensuring that each initiative resonates with and engages audiences from all walks of life. Having lived and studied across India, France, Italy, and the UK, she brings a truly international perspective to her work, embracing hybridity and celebrating the complexity and richness of our shared human experience. Devika looks forward to leveraging this global insight to contribute to MASC’s innovative and impactful initiatives, further enriching Ottawa’s cultural landscape.

Born in Ottawa, Canada to Japanese immigrants, Kenji Toyooka is a web developer, graphic designer and illustrator who has been in business for over 20 years in the overlapping worlds of application development, digital media and visual arts. A software programmer by training and a multi-media visual artist at heart, he thrives on the challenge of combining different platforms and mediums to create fresh, innovative and engaging applications and artwork. A varied skill set has enabled him to work in a wide variety of fields, including web development, mobile game design, branding, marketing campaigns, product packaging, digital art and traditional painting. He has partnered with corporations, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, music festivals, entrepreneurs and independent artists throughout Canada and the US, with a particular interest in supporting the arts, charities and social programs that benefit society and culture. Always eager to broaden his repertoire of skills and techniques, Kenji loves to engage with new topics, technology and mediums that are stimulating and far-reaching. He also loves to travel and experience novel places, people and food.

Throughout her more than 20 years at MASC, Wendy Hartley has held many roles and is still learning, always learning! Joining the organization as the Bookings Coordinator in 2001, Wendy then took on the role of English Program Director role for 12 years. The best part of her work is appreciating the connections between artists and their audiences through their inspiring artforms, as well as fostering rich relationships with artists, partners, volunteers and staff. Wendy has been the strong guiding force behind the MASC Arts Awards for 15 years and in 2015, founded Your Story, MASC’s popular teen literary event. In 2019, Wendy and Micheline Shoebridge joined forces as Co-Executive Directors at MASC until June 2021. Wendy is now enjoying her retirement while keeping her connection with MASC strong as an Executive Consultant.

Ben was born and raised in Ottawa. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with minors in Statistics and Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick (2023) where he had the opportunity to also explore his interest in history and literature alongside applied mathematics. He learned to play the violin by ear and gained an appreciation for the arts and for music from a young age. He is currently working towards his Master of Finance at Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Ben has a strong interest in applied mathematics, and its applications in finance and investing. He looks forward to utilizing his skills to make a positive contribution to MASC.

As a proud French Canadian, Mélodie Roy was born in Ottawa. Although she was raised outside of the city, she came back to study at the University of Ottawa. There, she is currently in her third year working towards a bachelor’s degree in social work. She is also aiming for a minor in theatre. The two different fields of study showcase Mélodie’s true passion, helping people through arts and entertainment. Ever since she was young, Mélodie has been attracted to the arts. She has been dancing and acting on stage for as long as she can remember. She is now a dance teacher at Ashley Thomas School of Dance. At the studio, she teaches musical theatre and jazz.

Salma holds a double major in Tourism Marketing from the National School of Business and Management in 2022 and has recently completed her Master’s in Communication at the University of Ottawa. Passionate about culture and communication, she has enriched her academic journey by collaborating with institutions dedicated to promoting cultural heritage and museums. Through her internships, she honed her skills in communication strategy and heritage promotion, aiming to raise public awareness of the importance of cultural preservation. Salma aspires to combine creativity and expertise to contribute to the promotion of cultural heritage. She looks forward to utilizing her skills to make a positive impact at Masc.

Colin is a Manager and Senior Policy Advisor at Transport Canada. Colin previously chaired the board of 2 Women Productions Storytelling. He is an amateur photographer and volunteers at the campus-community radio station CKCU-FM, where he is the webmaster and hosts Music from the Glen, a program of traditional music from the British Isles and beyond.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Juan-Luis came to Canada in 1988 after having worked for the Canadian Embassy in Chile for nearly six years. He currently serves as Director General, Administrative Services with Indigenous Services Canada. He is an aficionado percussionist and has volunteered in a multitude of cultural events in support of Ottawa community social and multicultural organizations as well as organizations that support social work in Latin-America, including the self-produced “A Smile for Chile” and the “JL House-Concert Series”. His connections to MASC include his spouse visual artist Claudia Salguero and his close friends who form the band Colores Andinos.

Magda-Lena grew up in Ottawa and has always kept strong ties with the performing arts traditions of her Italian and Croatian heritage. She is a teacher and choir director with over 25 years of experience working with children in the arts. She is passionate about the power of music and arts education to transform individuals and impact groups. Magda-Lena also brings her own experiences as an amateur actor and musician, and as a parent of children involved in the arts, including MASC activities. She is excited to be part of the MASC Board.

Sheldon has been a member of the Project North Board of Directors, a member of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health Inspiration Awards Gala Committee; he was Treasurer and “Crayons & Cravats Gala” Chair for the Canadian Institute of Child Health (CICH); past Treasurer and Program Champion for the Ottawa Chapter of Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance’s Women in Technology (WIT); past Chair of Volunteers for Capital Talk’s Capital Night Fever (raising money for the Élisabeth Bruyère Health Centre); a member of the Ambassadors Circle for the Community Foundation of Ottawa’s ENGAGE!; member of the Pasión Gala Committee hosted by the Embassy of Argentina in support of the Queensway Carleton Hospital’s “Care Grows West” $35 million hospital expansion campaign; and he is an annual sponsor for the Women’s Business Network (WBN). In 2005 and 2006, he was title sponsor for St Joe’s Women’s Centre Quality of Life Awards.

Originally from Hearst in Northern Ontario, Cindy has been working in the field of education for over 20 years. She began her career as a special educator, but has had the opportunity to hold various positions as a teacher, identity-building consultant and assistant principal. She currently holds a teaching position at Consortium Centre-Jules Léger, where she helped develop the oral communication program. For her, learning the arts enables students to develop many skills, such as critical thinking, the ability to express one's opinion, to relate to others, to deepen self-knowledge and to develop the skills essential to academic success. She is delighted to be joining the MASC team, as she believes she can make a valuable contribution to their vision and objectives.

Stefan is a news anchor with CTV Ottawa and works diligently to give back to the community. His focus is on minority issues, youth, and the arts. His is also a vocalist and actor, who has performed for diverse crowds in Canada, the United States and Jamaica.

Étienne Trépanier is a lawyer, filmmaker and web designer. A graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa (LL.L. 1996 and LL.B. 1997), he was called to the Quebec Bar in 1998. He joined the federal Department of Justice where he first practiced as a litigator and then worked at Canadian Heritage focusing on communications and entertainment law. In addition to his career as a lawyer, Étienne produces film projects including travel documentaries for distribution in Quebec and Europe. He recently held the position of Fellow at Osgoode Hall Law School where he worked with professors and students on a documentary project as part of the Fund for Innovation in Law and Media Initiative.

Mom to Julianne and Samuel, Suzan is a Public Servant in the area of Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of The Cultural Arts Studio, providing classes where folk dances from Africa & The Caribbean are shared and celebrated. She is committed to the preserving and sharing of Afro-Caribbean culture through dance and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to dance regardless of age, fitness level, or ability. Suzan is also a professional artist and former MASC Artist. As a cultural knowledge keeper in the area of Afro-Caribbean dance, she is committed to the preservation and sharing of the culture by providing experiences that awaken the creative process, deepen cultural awareness and encourage engagement. In her down time, this proud mom of two shares her passion for the arts by teaching as part of the National Arts Center’s – Arts Alive Program; which is a learning and community engagement hub. Suzan also volunteers as a television host on Rogers 22 as part of the Cultural Mosaic programming. Suzan is the honoured recipient of a 2022 – “100 Most Accomplished Black Canadian Women Award by the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.