Meagan Trush

Minden / Toronto | (416) 407‑7202 | meagan.trush@gmail.com

Overview

Seasoned leader and innovator with over 15 years of progressive experience building mutually beneficial partnerships and working relationships in demanding environments across higher education and government.

Knowledge & Skills

Over 10 years of experience managing relationships with private sector, government, academic, and community stakeholders. Proficient in legislative and regulatory advocacy, applied research methods, project management, and data analysis.

Education

  • Masters of Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

    Queen’s University, Kingston, ON

  • Chang School of Continuing Education

    TMU: Field Experience; Data Analytics (R)

  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

    Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON

Employment History

Director, Research Partnerships

TMU Diversity Institute | Dec 2023 – Present

  • Lead strategic partnerships and revenue generation, including SSHRC Partnership Grant ($2.4M).
  • Direct government relations and legislative submissions for policy impact.
  • Manage partner databases and data-driven research initiatives.

Associate Director, Partnership Development & Stewardship

TMU Diversity Institute | Oct 2019 – Dec 2023

  • Managed cross-functional teams for skills and equity-focused programs.
  • Developed advocacy materials and submissions to government committees.
  • Secured funding: Future Skills Center ($225M), WEKH ($13.6M), 50‑30 Fund ($8M), Workplace Opportunities ($1.5M).
  • Chaired governance committees and streamlined operational processes.

Acting Director of Communications

TMU Diversity Institute | Mar 2020 – Aug 2020

  • Oversaw COVID‑19 communications: training series, webinars, and web app launch.

Coordinator, Operations & Communications

TMU Diversity Institute | Sept 2018 – Oct 2019

  • Established operational and communication processes for grants and reporting.
  • Coordinated events and outreach campaigns for grant-funded initiatives.

Research Communications Officer

TMU Diversity Institute | Oct 2016 – Sept 2018

  • Coordinated external activities and communications for academic leadership.
  • Drafted policy proposals and supported project management initiatives.

Council Liaison

Mayor’s Office, City of Toronto | Dec 2014 – Feb 2016

  • Liaised between Mayor’s office and City Council on policy and events.
  • Planned events and crafted strategic messaging.

Special Assistant, Public Appointments & Outreach

Minister’s Office | Dec 2013 – Aug 2014

  • Managed board appointments and public consultations.

Research Analyst – Strategic Research & Policy

Legislative Assembly of Ontario | Sept 2012 – Dec 2013

  • Conducted policy research and analysis for legislative agendas.

Policy Assistant

Minister’s Office | June 2012 – Sept 2012

  • Supported policy drafting and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Research & Policy Assistant

Minthorn-Biggs Consulting | Feb 2006 – Nov 2010

  • Conducted literature reviews and data analysis for policy development.

Group Facilitator

Whiskyjack Treatment Centre | May 2007 – Aug 2007

  • Facilitated counseling and therapy programs for Indigenous youth.

Selected Presentations & Publications

Volunteer & Political Experience