I began my career as a social worker in Calgary in the late 1980s, working primarily in addictions and mental health.  This sparked a life-long passion for the not-for-profit sector and its contributions to society.

Ongoing training and certification in many aspects of human service delivery throughout my career has provided the foundation for how I approach my consulting work. It allows me to never lose sight of why we engage in strategic planning, develop programs, coordinate projects and build overall capacity: to improve lives and strengthen communities.

From Front Line to Behind The Scenes

A move to the Okanagan in 2001 took me out of front-line work and into program development, project coordination, and the world of strategic planning.  This included the development of a restorative justice program for the local John Howard Society and several other programs and services for vulnerable populations involving community education and engagement as key components.  

Other projects included cross-sector collaboration, including a vocational training program in partnership with BC Hydro and a social enterprise cafe. During that time I was also active on several boards, assisting with capacity building, fund development and setting strategic direction.

“Carmen Hildebrand acted as the facilitator for The Rucker Archive in a Business Planning Process.  This was the first of its kind and has proved essential in the transition, re-branding and future growth of the company.  She deftly handled the strong personalities, multiple opinions and many ideas that the process generated.  She also was incredibly responsive to the needs and desires of the participants, adjusting the agenda and the planning process to address the identified needs.

I highly recommend Carmen to businesses and organizations who are interested in reviewing their mission and customer profile to use their resources as effectively as possible.”

Alison Moore
The Rucker Archive & OOMPH! Consulting

The Arts

In 2013, life took me to Vancouver Island where I spent a couple of years managing Shibui Art Gallery and Studio with my husband, and 2 years as Executive Director for the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.

The arts have always been another passion of mine as a lens through which we can view so many aspects of humanity.

Return To My Roots

In 2018, I found myself missing my social work roots, so I joined the Warmland Restorative Justice Society to facilitate forums and assisted them with their strategic plan.  It didn’t take long until I was back into my old comfort zone of providing consulting services, including an 8-month capacity building project for Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) Restorative Justice Program and strategic planning for Le’lum’uy’lh Daycare at Cowichan Tribes.

As a professional I find Carmen to be creative and collaborative and someone who is able to efficiently and effectively work towards achieving mutually beneficial goals, as well as finding solutions for those with whom she works.

Angela McManus
McManus Marketing & Communications

I live in beautiful Maple Bay on Vancouver Island and couldn’t do this without the support of my amazing and talented artist husband Jock, and our lovely rescue Shepherd-X Lexy.  Oh, and passion #3:  My horse Kostka!

Helping small to mid-size organizations achieve their mission is what I love.

Please contact me and let me know how I can help you achieve yours.