Project Manager, Niagara Workforce Planning Board       | 2021 Young Professional Award Finalist

thalia-semplonius-phd

Thalia is originally from Waterloo, Ontario but has been living in the Niagara region since 2011. She holds an MA and PhD in Developmental Psychology from Brock University, where she focused on learning statistical and research methods in order to address new and innovative research questions. She now brings her considerable breadth and depth of knowledge to the Niagara Workforce Planning Board as a Project Manager. 

One of Thalia’s most significant project accomplishments over the past year was managing an Ontario Labour Market Partnership project focused on sustainable employment in the retail sector. The project was a partnership with Literacy Link Niagara, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and Niagara Workforce Planning Board. This project connected with retail employers, job seekers looking to work in retail, and service providers to gain on-the-ground insight to the state of retail in Niagara. The project deliverables included a comprehensive report on the retail sector prior to the pandemic, a series of briefing notes and infographics outlining trends in retail, reports sharing insights from the workforce and employers, highlights of business support resources, and the sharing of local training opportunities for individuals wanting to work in retail.