MaKami College’s Applied Politics and Public Affairs Program Faculty

Erika Barootes, Department Head

With two decades of experience in politics, communications, and public affairs, Erika Barootes is the Department Head of MaKami College’s Applied Politics & Public Affairs dipoma program. As the first-ever program of its kind in Canada, the program equips students with practical skills for careers in governance and advocacy, reflecting MaKami’s commitment to empowering learners through hands-on, community-focused education.

Gabriela Gonzalez

MaKami’s lead instructor for History of Canadian Politics and Diversity in Politics is passionate about helping students build strong networks and launch their careers.

With over 15 years of experience in government, consulting and nonprofit leadership, her roles include the Director of Government Affairs at TELUS, the Board Chair at Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society, and past President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada – Alberta Chapter.

Andrea Cox

As our instructor for Democracy in Politics and Society, Andrea has a background in global issues, public policy and Canadian advocacy.
She worked for the Alberta Public Service in international and intergovernmental relations for several years and currently advocates for social and economic policy changes as a Government Relations Manager.

Frano Cavar

The instructor for Business Communications in Politics and Government Relations and Advocacy draws on experience in advocacy, media relations, public policy and strategy and political communications.
Currently the Director of Public Affairs and External Relations at the Calgary Construction Association, other roles include the past Chief of Staff at Calgary City Hall, speaker and facilitator for university and economic panels, and community leadership positions.

Justin Draper

Teaching foundational courses such as Stakeholder Relations and Marketing, Justin is experienced in policy, communications and stakeholder relations.
He has worked in several government roles, including as the Director of Communications and External Relations for the Mayor of Edmonton.

William McBeath

Our instructor for Campaigns and Elections 1 & 2 is a veteran political strategist in federal, provincial and municipal government. His career has spanned campaign management, as well as being a media executive in the political and non-profit sphere.
Currently the Executive Director of True North, he has also held roles with the Conservative Party of Canada, the Wildrose Party and Official Opposition and the Manning Centre.

Jon Dziadyk

As the Ethics in Politics instructor, Jon has served in leadership roles in municipal and provincial politics, recently expanding to consulting as the President of Alberta Projects.
Currently on Alberta’s Land and Property Rights Tribunal, he has also been the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Affordability and Utilities and an Edmonton City Councilor.

Brookes Merritt

The program’s lead instructor of Political Ideologies and Lobbying Communications and Tactics has a background in government relations, journalism, public relations and reputation management.
His career has spanned roles with the Government of Alberta’s Executive Council and Public Affairs Bureau, in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and in PR agencies.

Shannon Greer

Soon to be teaching Foundations of Political Communication & Storytelling, Shannon has nearly 15 years of experience in the private, public, and non-profit spheres.
Her journalism background provides her with an understanding of the power and impact of storytelling, and how it can be harnessed to influence public opinion and government policy.
She is currently a Senior Consultant for New West Public Affairs. Former positions include leading communications and media relations for the Calgary Stampede, serving as the Executive Director of Cabinet Priorities in B.C. and four years in the Rachel Notley government.