Aimée White
Chief of Staff - Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative
Aimée White is the Chief of Staff at the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative. Prior to joining the Dallaire Initiative in May 2017, she spent over 10 years in diverse roles in both the public and private sector, including posts with United Nations Volunteers, UNICEF, a human resources consulting firm, and Saint Mary’s University. Aimée received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from St. Thomas University in 2004, where her research focused on the issue of child soldiers, and a Master of Arts in the same from Dalhousie University in 2008. Her graduate thesis focused on the essential role women played in post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone, as well as an analysis of the various roles women played throughout the conflict, including the role of child soldiers. In 2013, Aimée was selected as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 Emerging Leaders by 21inc.
What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I was really lucky to have work opportunities in my field of study during and immediately after I completed my Master's, but in the context of the 2008 global recession, it quickly became very challenging to secure long-term employment. I'm very proud of the fact that, after spending several subsequent years trying on different careers, I found my way back into my field. I stayed focused on this goal, even when it seemed unlikely that it could happen when I returned to Halifax and made it my home base. Being a bit stubborn paid off! Now I can see how the diversity in my experience makes me a stronger, more resourceful professional.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
Speaking as a former career coach, I believe our biggest opportunity in Atlantic Canada is to harness the intellect, energy, and perspectives of the ever-growing international student population who are graduating from our post-secondary institutions and hoping to stay here in this region. We don't have a supply problem on this front, either, but local organizations and businesses need to embrace this huge talent pool to enrich our workplaces and communities. The situation seems to have improved over the past few years, but unfortunately, a lot of people still get passed over if they don't have Canadian work experience on their resumes, and it's really our (Atlantic Canada’s) loss.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
My current role has stretched and challenged me the most. I had been feeling for a few years that I was ready for a leadership role; I just needed someone to take a chance on me and understand why my various, seemingly disparate experiences added up to a leadership story that made sense. My current boss, the Executive Director of the Dallaire Initiative, took that chance two years ago and now I am challenged every single day to deliver. To work with such visionary leaders and critical decision-makers in this field, and to have a seat at the table in an organization that is not only growing rapidly but enjoys international visibility, connectivity, and clout? It’s been an incredible learning opportunity and chance to test my mettle.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
I read a lot about psychology and human behaviour, and lately have been very interested in the idea that kindness is not a liability (as many would have you believe!). Otherwise, I listen to podcasts like Global Dispatches, BBC World Service, and Power & Politics to stay up to date on international and Canadian politics.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
Finding more effective ways of telling people what I don't know. What feels authentic and honest to say in the moment can have the unintended consequence of affecting your credibility or perceived ability to tackle a project or issue. I'm still learning this balance. I have never loved the ‘fake it till you make it’ approach, so I am always trying to find ways of authentically expressing the fact that, while I may not have done something before, I have the ability, curiosity, resourcefulness, and drive to figure it out.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
I've been very lucky to have some excellent mentors over the years. These are people who have no problem bringing a junior colleague into a room with them, who take the time to have the real and gritty conversations, who coach, prop up and put a spotlight on the work of their colleagues, and who trust people to get the work done. I find this leadership style incredibly inspiring in the way it empowers and instills confidence in everyone around them.
What are the principles you live by?
1) Communication makes the world go ‘round; 2) the idea that you can only do 3 things well at a time (so cut yourself some slack on the rest!); and 3) the tenet that being vulnerable is in fact an act of courage.
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Connector, writer, coach, foodie, social introvert, multipotentialite