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Meet our Staff
Jetske Duintjer
Program Director
Jetske Duintjer has worked as project coordinator/program manager in international development and humanitarian assistance with organizations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), Oxfam-Quebec, Canada World Youth and the European Union. She managed a variety of development projects and emergency health care interventions in Peru, El Salvador, Angola, Mozambique, Indonesia and Colombia. In Canada, as Program Manager of Netcorps Canada International, she steered a Coalition of 9 Canadian NGOs building capacity in Information and Technology (IT) of local partner organizations in South- and Central America, Africa and the Middle East. In her last position as National Association Manager with Doctors Without Borders Canada, working closely with the Board of Directors she established the Association Unit fostering an engaged, dynamic and well-informed membership community equipped to raise awareness on global issues and to guide the future direction of the organization.
Upon delivery of her final thesis on ‘Empowering Women & Poverty Alleviation’, Jetske obtained a masters degree in International Relations.
Marie-Catherine Thouin
Community Engagement & Conference Manager
I am committed to SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 5 – Gender Equality. I believe that providing a quality education to young people is key to developing a democratic society. A quality education helps youth, women, marginalized groups and people in general, become more aware of their rights, be more inclined to claim them and become more confident in their leadership abilities.
Educating girls and women helps build stronger families and communities and contributes to their economic growth.
Providing girls with an education has important economic impacts that can help achieve both SDG 1 – No poverty and SDG 8 – Reduced inequalities. By investing in education for girls, it is possible to help families who live in poverty send their girls to school, increasing their future job prospects and growing their economic outcomes, which can end vicious circles of poverty.
When girls attend school, there is a better chance to achieve SDG 3 – Health and well-being. When girls go to school, they are better informed about health issues. In a (post) pandemic era, it will be important for girls and women to be informed of the risks related to health to make the best decisions for their family and community.
Prior to taking the role of Spur Change’s Cin, I was an Education Specialist at Equitas for a project on gender equality in Haïti. I am also a trained ESL teacher and I have taught for a few years both in Quebec and abroad.
Needless to say, that for me education is not only essential, but it’s fun!
André Melrose
Project & Community Coordinator
I am committed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). I believe that the two are inextricably linked as only through a greater awareness and education about food systems and global agriculture can we ensure that everyone is fed. Importantly, this includes promoting sustainable and regenerative agricultural methods, as well as learning from Indigenous leaders around the world on their ancestral agricultural practices. As project officer for Spur Change, I ensure all the boxes are ticked and the work flows without setbacks.
Prior to joining Spur Change, I had recently completed my MSc in Capacity Development and Agricultural Extension. My research focused on the decolonisation of international agricultural development through the active integration of local voices and practices. When I am not advocating for social change, I enjoy escaping into nature for a hike or climb, or working with my hands on a carpentry project or motorcycle maintenance.
John Kunicki
Communications and Monitoring & Evaluation Lead
I am committed to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Ensuring just wages, fair labour practices, and opportunities inclusive of gender identity strengthens collective voice and unites communities for further sustainable change. In the same way, I also am committed to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goal) as I believe meaningful change and development can only occur through cooperation and collective engagement.
As the Communications and Monitoring & Evaluation Lead with Spur Change, my role entails spreading the word about our opportunities, and ensuring all our data is well organized so that we can assess and learn as we progress through Spur’s programming window. I have a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature and English from the University of Alberta with a Certificate in Translation Studies. All that being said, I look forward to working with the Spur team and our partners in promoting global citizenship and sustainable development.
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