Sylvia Link is an award-winning, accredited senior communicator with experience in association, government, education, childcare and health care and non-profit organizations. Diversity, equity, and inclusion have always been an important part of her career and, for the past decade, as a sideline, she has been conducting communication audits for organizations in the education and non-profit sectors.
As an early careerist, Sylvia joined IABC/Toronto for professional development and to be part of a community of communications professionals. She has not been disappointed. Over her 30 plus year career, IABC has provided Sylvia with the chance to connect with amazing colleagues, participate in comprehensive professional development and undertake volunteer opportunities.
As the director of marketing and communications for RTOERO, a member association of 82,000+ education sector workers and retirees across Canada, Sylvia values being able to access an one-stop organization where she can learn communication trends and best practices nationally, and internationally. In fact, whether you’re looking for a supportive professional network, resources to help you excel professionally or volunteer leadership opportunities, IABC has something amazing to offer! Moreover, Sylvia stresses that it’s great to be part of an international community dedicated to professional excellence in communications. You’ll learn so much – and make lifelong connections.
To new communication specialists, Sylvia suggests joining IABC/Toronto because every organization needs strategic and well-informed communicators to achieve its business goals, fulfil its mission and advance towards its vision. Communicators help organizations to engage with its stakeholders and build relationships of trust. These relationships shape attitudes and perceptions, manage change, and generate support during times of celebration and crisis.
As for the future, Sylvia predicts the role of communicator will become more strategic and important as organizations and societies become more complex. While communicators might not be able to predict future communication channels or technologies, what won’t change; however, is the importance of good writing and relationship building to communicate what is known in an authentic, respectful, and timely manner.
Sylvia holds a double major degree in journalism and philosophy, which was a great foundation for her communication career. Sylvia has completed three accreditations – ABC, APR and CAE (certified association executive) – and each was an amazing learning experience. Sylvia has taught communications at Sheridan College and the University of Guelph. She is a trained diversity, equity, and inclusion facilitator.
What Sylvia loves most about her job is the variety. No two days are the same and her position allows her the opportunity to work on all aspects of marketing and communications. And, you wonder, what got Sylvia interested in communication – a summer internship in a hospital PR department.
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