With elections being held for two weeks from Wednesday May 20th to Wednesday June 3rd, we want to make sure you know who the candidates are! Candidates for each position were asked to provide a photo and a brief write-up on why they would be the best for the position. Details below!
Candidate for President:
Kate Hardie:

I’ve been on the executive of the guild since its inception, when we formed the very first executive committee. I want to continue helping to build our local garment sewing community in Ottawa! I think we are so lucky in Ottawa to have such a diversity of sewists and makers, excellent fabric shops, and people who have knowledge and expertise to share. In addition, I think there’s a bigger picture to building a guild for garment makers – in addition to building community, we are promoting body positivity, learning new skills, and feeling accomplished when we finish new makes.
Candidate for Vice President:
Johanna Persohn:
Hi everyone! I’m Johanna, (Instagram knows me as @yellowdoormakes) I’ve been sewing since I was a kid, taught by my mom mainly (she sewed a lot of our clothes!). I remember when the guild started I was so excited! While I did have some in real life sewing friends I know it’s hard for many to meet others, and I love how it has grown to share our joy of garment sewing with so many!
Why am I running? Well, the thought of running for a position has been running through my head since the beginning, but I didn’t think I could commit the time. I volunteered with the committee to run the two Frocktails events OGG hosted and it was a lot of fun! So I thought now’s the time to get more involved!
While I admit I do have a pretty busy life with two kids (two boys, 7 and 10) and a day job, I also have a supportive spouse who values volunteering and I’m pretty used to making time for volunteer activities. For the last almost 9 years I’ve been the Chair, and more recently co-chair of the a committee for my local community association. I like to think I have some pretty in depth experience in working in a committee and in a leadership role like the VP position may require from time to time. I have been slowly stepping back from that role though, with my co-chair handling the vast majority of the work which will allow time for a role with the guild!
I also love research (I’m a historian by education) so I think lots of the tasks of the VP role, like OGGPOM are well suited to what I normally like to do! I also love working with others and coming up with unique solutions and ideas! Hopefully you will think I’m a good fit for the role and I look forward to another awesome year for the guild!
Candidate for Treasurer:
Laura Gibson:

Candidate for Secretary:
Kimberley Low:
I've been sewing off and on since I was a kid with anyone willing to teach me, home ec, etc., but I've been consistently garment sewing for the past 5 years. I'm running for Secretary because I'd like to be involved and help with this organization which I've gotten so much out of. I have previous experience in the Secretary role and with the board of a non-profit in general with my Masters Swim Club.
Candidate for Social Media Manager:
Renee Michienzi:

Candidate for Special Events Coordinator:
Leah Stolarski:
