Sharon Bak

Sharon Bak 

 

For nearly 30 years, Sharon has been a responder in some form.  Beginning with the Pass Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a medical first responder, she then began her disaster response experience with the Canadian Red Cross and had the privilege of leading teams both locally, provincially, and nationally.  She spent six years as a Field Officer with Emergency Management Ontario where she supported municipalities, unincorporated areas, and First Nation communities with both response and program building.  She is an experienced trainer and presenter, both for courses and workshops, and has provided subject matter expertise to many organizations in revamping and updating their materials. 

 

Born and raised in beautiful Northwestern Ontario, she currently resides in the City of Thunder Bay.  Heavily involved in community volunteering, she has held leadership roles with many organizations and is currently the President of Thunder Bay Family Network, Vice President of the Pass Lake Volunteer Fire Protection Team Inc. and Northwest Operations Manager for Boots on the Ground – Peer Support for First Responders.  She is an Order of the Red Cross (Member), a recipient of the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal, and in 2019 was recognized as a Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment. 

 

As a registered Social Services Worker, she has spent decades supporting individuals and families, with a focus on those with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury.  Throughout this career, she has witnessed the affects of trauma and supported many through their journeys to overcome addiction, mental illness, abuse, and violence.  She has lived experience with mental illness and is a vocal advocate by speaking and “healing out loud” in order to reduce the stigma and shame that is still so prevalent in our society. 

 

Because of her personal and professional experiences, Sharon believes in and advocates for a person-centred and whole-of-community approach in all that she does.  Her focus is to always put people first and build on the strengths that individuals and communities already possess.  Utilizing her social services and emergency management experiences, she assists communities and organizations to build programs that are strong and sustainable.