We’re so pleased to announce that a new staff member, Esther Baffour, has joined us at the CIRHR in the role of Executive Assistant to the Director. Esther is an operations and administrative professional with over five years of experience supporting leadership teams, coordinating projects, and streamlining processes in academic and government settings. She is an alumna of the University of Toronto Mississauga and, having recently completed formal project management education, she is now working toward earning her Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) designation. Her most recent project was serving as Lead Project Coordinator for the 32nd International Conference on AI and Software Engineering, hosted by Algoma University, and she looks forward to contributing her expertise to the CIRHR team.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Esther to learn more about what it’s like to return to her alma mater, how her new role will support the ongoing success of the Centre, and how she flexes her creative skills when she isn’t at the office. Check out the full interview below.
This is a "coming home" of sorts for you -- what do you recall from your time at the University of Toronto?
I made such fond memories here when I was a student. It was academically rigorous, but the Mississauga campus was a really tightknit, community-focused environment. That was something I really appreciated, and I think it helps students make and maintain relationships that last throughout their university journey.
I’m already beginning to find that this is true of the Centre as well. The Centre seems to be very community-focused, and everyone has been welcoming and open to conversation.
What drew you to the Centre and what kind of work will you be doing?
As an alumnus, this feels like a full circle moment. I’ve been looking forward to returning to the University and, as a member of staff, I’m excited to collaborate with my new colleagues and professors at the Centre. In my role, I’ll be supporting work related to academic searches and tenure processes, the coordination of talks and speaking events, and the administration of Centre projects and other day-to-day duties.
You also come to this role on the cusp of completing your Project Management certification – congratulations!
Thanks! Yes, I’ve completed my coursework and I’m currently studying in preparation to take the final exam to get certified. I think this certification will be incredibly useful in this role and an asset to the team, especially when it comes to building structure, streamlining processes, and coordinating events with lots of moving parts.
Lastly, tell us something our community might be surprised to know about you – what energizes you outside of the office?
I’m passionate about creative writing, specifically poetry, and I have also performed spoken word pieces a few times. I value time with family, and I love going out to restaurants and trying different cuisines.
Please join us in welcoming Esther to the CIRHR! We’re a lean team here at the Centre and we couldn’t be more grateful for the wealth of experience she brings to our community!