RRU Board welcomes Bree Claude as student-elected member

Royal Roads welcomes Doctor of Social Sciences student, Bree Claude, to the university’s board of governors. She brings a profound commitment to public service, a passion for transforming systems, and a vision for impactful governance to her new role. Claude also contributes her student perspective, providing valuable insights to the board on her experiences at the university during her studies.

A lifelong commitment to public service

Claude has dedicated her career to serving the public, with extensive experience in provincial and municipal government roles and serving on numerous boards. Currently, Claude is the vice President of Customer Experience and Community Partnerships with Civida, the second-largest non-profit housing management organization in Alberta, supporting access to affordable housing in Edmonton. This role has allowed Claude to collaborate with government and community partners to improve access to housing and to support individuals and families along their affordable housing journey.

Transforming community and changing systems

Throughout her career, Claude has witnessed the power of working with partners to change community outcomes and transform our systems. By bringing together diverse entities to tackle complex social issues, she has seen firsthand how collective efforts can lead to meaningful change. Whether it's creating affordable housing solutions or enhancing community safety, Claude believes that success hinges on strong relationships, a deeper understanding of living systems, and a willingness to embrace innovative and disruptive approaches to achieve shared goals.

“When we come together with open hearts and a shared purpose, we can achieve incredible things. The power of connecting with one another in thoughtful and new ways is how we will create the social and community outcomes we are seeking,” Claude says.

One of her memorable experiences was convening social community work in Strathcona County, AB, where collaboration with various community leaders resulted in innovative solutions and significant positive impacts. Together, community partners created many new approaches to emerging social challenges, including an immersive, educational experience to increase residents’ understanding of the journey through opioid addiction. 

The experiential installation supported participants to deepen their perceptions of opioid addiction, as they not only enhanced their understanding but also increased their empathy for individuals and families who are struggling to cope with the impacts of addiction. These experiences in Strathcona County reinforced Claude's belief in the magic that happens when people come together with open hearts and minds to do big things.

Doctoral studies and research

Claude began her Doctor of Social Sciences at Royal Roads University in January 2022. Her research focuses on understanding the leadership and social processes that shift community conditions and contribute to safety and well-being. Using constructivist grounded theory, Claude aims to identify an emerging theory on how to effectively create change in this space.

“My research is driven by a desire to understand how we can create safer, more resilient communities. It’s about engaging in the right leadership and social processes that make a real difference.”

She has conducted interviews with more than 20 leaders across the country who have shifted systems to create better outcomes. These interviews and subsequent focus groups have provided valuable insights into the key conditions and social processes that drive better outcomes while also renewing Claude’s optimism that we can make meaningful progress on pressing issues.   Results suggest that reflective leadership, advanced systems thinking, and convening thoughtful and innovative opportunities, are all key ingredients to ameliorating community conditions and creating positive change.

Student-elected board of governors member

Claude is excited to bring her expertise and collaborative spirit to the RRU Board of Governors. She is committed to fostering good governance and building strong relationships between board members and university administrators. 

She hopes to support the board's effectiveness by promoting thoughtful, inclusive discussions and encouraging innovative approaches to governance based on her research and professional experience. 

“I am honoured to join such a sophisticated and strategic board,” Claude says. "Universities across the country are facing tumultuous times and I look forward to working with my fellow governors and supporting our talented administration to navigate and thrive on the path ahead."