Amanda Bernardo
Public Sector Executive, Author
- BA Honours English with a Minor in History (Carleton, 2011)
Since graduating from Carleton University, I have worked across a range of roles that have consistently drawn on the skills I developed during my undergraduate studies. The ability to research thoughtfully, think critically, and write with clarity has shaped every stage of my career and continues to be foundational to my work.
I currently serve as a Director in the federal public service, where I lead organizational change management and service design within large-scale transformation initiatives. My work focuses on helping organizations navigate complexity by strengthening alignment, engagement, and execution across people, processes, and systems. While my current role is vastly different from my initial studies, their influence is still evident in my work, from how I frame complex problems to how I help others make sense of change.
Alongside my public-service career, I am also a children’s book author. My first book, Little Voice, was published in 2014 and later released in French as La petite voix. Inspired by the idea that we all carry an inner voice—sometimes loud, sometimes quiet—the story encourages children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. The book was recognized not only by Scholastic as one of the top ten inspirational books of 2015 but also by the Governor General of Canada.
In 2017, I published my second book, The Lighthouse, also available in French as Le phare, which helps children recognize, name, and talk about their emotions. Like a lighthouse guiding ships through rough waters, the book is intended to be a steady source of reassurance for children navigating big feelings, and for the adults supporting them.
More recently, I am working on my newest children’s book, The Road to You, inspired by my journey as a first-time mother. It gives a voice to the often unspoken struggles and triumphs of building a family, while celebrating the love, patience, and resilience that are essential for those who dream of becoming parents.
Across all of my writing, my goal is to spark meaningful conversations, both at home and in the classroom, on topics that are often overlooked, underrepresented, or difficult to navigate. I believe stories can be powerful tools for connection, dialogue, and growth, and I remain grateful for the foundation Carleton provided in helping me become a strong storyteller.