As we are wrapping up the year, I just wanted to pause a little bit, and say how much we are thankful and grateful for all our chapter members and volunteers who made the programming year of 2024-2025 a year of success.
While we don’t have a scheduled chapter meeting in December, we have the study group scheduled earlier than usual to accommodate all family commitments for the holiday season. Furthermore, we are excited for the 2025-2026 programming year with a lot of plans, workshops and events. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our Events Calendar for updates.
We really hoped to be able to gather with the chapter members for an IIBA-Ottawa-Outaouais in-person holiday gathering, but with everyone busy, we were not able to get something organized that fits with everyone’s calendar. I promise that we will make it happen and in person! So, whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or any other festivities at this time of year, I wish you and your families all the best.
Now, let’s look back at 2025, the year of hard work of IIBA-Ottawa-Outaouais chapter. So, in addition to our monthly chapter meetings, study group, lunch & learn, lean coffee, and book club, we had an in-person workshop (You're in the Driver's Seat!) and BA Blitz 2025 – Hackathon with ABLE Autism. We also had a very successful hybrid planning day, where the chapter’s team engaged with Lambton College students (future Business Analysts) and updated our Vision, Mission and Values.
The hard work paid-off, and IIBA-Ottawa-Outaouais made it to the finalist amongst IIBA chapters for the “Partnership & Collaboration” Award. Furthermore, our amazing Past-President Helen Racette was also nominated and made it as a finalist for IIBA “Volunteer of the Year” award. These two achievements are an acknowledgement and reward for the efforts spent by the entire team.
Finally, I want to thank all board members, past-presidents, deputies, volunteers, Lambton College, and all chapter members for the continued support and for making our Chapter such a wonderful organization to be a part of.
Please grab your favourite warm beverage in this snowy day and enjoy this end of year newsletter. A huge word of thanks to the incredible team efforts of the IIBA Ottawa-Outaouais Chapter and look forward for another year of achievements.
Ziad Sakr, MBA, CBAP ®, AAC, PMP ®
President, IIBA Ottawa-Outaouais Chapter