What Makes Me Qualified?

One of the questions I've been asked most since announcing my campaign is "What makes you qualified to be a school trustee?"

It's a fair question.

But I also think it's important to recognize that there is no perfect formula for what makes a great trustee, a trustee is not a principal, teacher, or politician. The role is about representation, accountability, communication, and advocacy.

To me, a good trustee should be approachable, available, responsible, and willing to ask difficult questions when something doesn't feel right.

They should be someone who listens to families, stands up for students, and follows through when concerns are brought forward.

As a parent with children in the HWDSB system, I understand firsthand the importance of feeling heard and supported. Like many families, I've experienced both positive moments and challenging situations within our schools. Those experiences opened my eyes to how important communication, transparency, and responsiveness truly are.

I also bring over 17 years of experience in senior operations, logistics, and fleet management from a large transportation company, where I managed multiple customers and daily operations across North America. In that role, I learned how to balance competing priorities, solve problems under pressure, communicate clearly, and take responsibility when issues arose.

Today, as a local business owner serving Hamilton, I continue to apply those same values every day.

But more than titles and experience, I believe being qualified comes down to character.

A trustee should care enough to listen.

Be available enough to respond.

And be stubborn enough to keep pushing when concerns are ignored.

I'm not running because I think I have all the answers.

I'm running because I believe students and families deserve a trustee who will show up, ask questions, advocate strongly, and ensure concerns are not dismissed or buried in bureaucracy.

This role is not about power or politics to me.

It's about making sure students are supported, families are heard, and our schools remain safe, inclusive, and accountable.

If elected, I will bring honesty, persistence, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to this community. Those are my qualifications.

-Melissa