From Classroom to Global Change: Three Alumni, Three Paths

Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

• In-person event
• 5320D, Richcraft Hall, Carleton University
• 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6

• Contact
• Ann Morneau, annmorneau@cunet.carleton.ca, 8262

Open to NPSIA students – please join us on Thursday, March 12th for a career chat with three (3) NPSIA alum who have gone into different careers since graduation.

Our speakers:

Terrence Cowl

Deputy Canada Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

Since August 2025, Terry Cowl has been the Deputy Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise. Terry’s team reviews complaints about possible human rights abuses by Canadian companies active overseas in the garment, mining, and oil and gas sectors. Previously, Terry was Executive Director of Trade Strategy & Economic Security at Global Affairs Canada, where his team provided strategic advice concerning trade diversification, economic security (including Canada’s forced labour import ban), supply chains, defence trade and critical minerals.Previously, Terry served as Director of the Responsible Business Conduct division at GAC, where his team led on Canada’s Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) policy and programming and provided strategic advice concerning the Trade Commissioner Service of Canada in areas such as supply chain management and trade diversification.Terry was also Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada – San Francisco/Silicon Valley (2017-2021). Terry’s teams in SF and Palo Alto supported Canadian entrepreneurs seeking technology and investment partnerships with firms in the Bay Area as well as supporting foreign direct investment from Northern California and Hawaii into Canada.His earlier assignments at Global Affairs Canada include Director of the Economic Analysis and Coordination Division, Deputy Director of the North America Commercial Relations Section and Economic Advisor for the North America Bureau. From 2007-2010, Terry served as Canada’s ASEAN Regional Economic Advisor, based out of the High Commission of Canada in Singapore.Before joining Global Affairs Canada, he held positions in other portfolios within the federal government – such as the Privy Council Office, Natural Resources Canada and Canadian Heritage. Originally from Nova Scotia, Terry holds a Masters degree in International Affairs (Carleton), a Masters degree in Political Science (Waterloo) and a Bachelors degree in Political Science (Acadia)

James Dykstra

Chief, Resource Mobilization at United Nations

James Dykstra most recently served as Chief of the Resource Mobilization Unit at the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in New York, where he led partnership development, strengthened institutional capacity, and coordinated the Department’s global resource mobilization efforts.

Previously, he served for more than a decade with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), with postings in Gaza, Jerusalem, and New York. At UNRWA, he played a key role in establishing the Agency’s governance body, monitored implementation of major infrastructure projects, and managed a portfolio of governmental donors contributing more than $250 million annually. He also advanced UNRWA’s strategic interests at United Nations Headquarters and with Member States.

Earlier in his career, James worked for over eight years in Ottawa, Canada. He served as Program Manager at Youth Service Canada before becoming Policy Advisor to the Minister of National Defence and subsequently Director of Policy to the Minister of International Cooperation. In these roles, he developed and communicated Government of Canada policy on defence, foreign affairs, and international development, and regularly advised Ministers and senior officials on strategic and political issues.

Born in Clinton, Canada, James holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Waterloo and McGill University, and a Master of Arts in International Development from Carleton University.

Taryn Russell

Executive Director at Results Canada

Taryn has 15 years’ experience working on global development issues with experience in the non-profit sector, the UN and the Canadian Government. She has expertise in advocacy, government relations, coalition building, facilitation and supporting grassroots movements.

Prior to her current role as Executive Director at Results Canada, Taryn held numerous positions at the organization including Deputy Executive Director. She has previously worked as Head of Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children Canada and has also held positions with Global Affairs Canada and the United Nations Development Programme. She is passionate about the power of advocacy to tackle systemic inequities in the world and really enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge of advocacy with others.