Asiya Shams

Tuesday, June 18
NCF AGM: Board candidacy for Asiya Shams

Nominated by the NCF Board of Directors

What skills will you contribute to the NCF Board?

With over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, digital transformation, and project &portfolio management, I bring many skills to the NCF Board. My background includes:

• Digital Strategy development, leading comprehensive digital operations assessments, and formulating robust digital strategies to align with organizational goals ensure a clear path to digital transformation and competitive advantage. For instance, I successfully streamlined some of the clients' processes and improved customer experience.
• Expertise in Project and Portfolio Management, ensuring the application of project management best practices to deliver high-quality outcomes. Proven experience prioritizing projects based on strategic value, resource availability, and potential impact.
• IT Application Implementation and Change Management Support, Selecting and implementing IT applications that best meet clients' needs, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across operations. Providing support to help organizations navigate the complexities of change, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum adoption of new IT tools.
• Vendor Management, Ensuring strong relationships with vendors, monitoring performance, and resolving issues to ensure effective collaboration. I excel in vendor selection and management, negotiating favourable terms and ensuring vendors deliver solutions that meet or exceed expectations.
• Business Development, Identifying new opportunities for growth and developing proposals that demonstrate value. My experience includes cultivating relationships with potential clients and contributing to business development efforts.

What are the most important functions of NCF for its members?

The National Capital FreeNet (NCF) provides several important functions for its members: NCF provides high-quality Internet access, especially for those who can't afford the services of the incumbent ICT oligopoly.NCF contributes towards digital literacy and educates its members on how to navigate the internet effectively.

NCF advocates for improvements in Canada's information and communications technology regulatory practices and is committed to ensuring that people, particularly those with low incomes or from marginalized communities, have safe, secure access to the internet. Lastly, NCF offers community services and acts as a meeting ground for like-minded community members.

These functions align with NCF's mission to bridge the digital divide and provide affordable and secure internet access to the people of Ottawa.

Why do you want to be an NCF director?

I am passionate about advancing digital equity and believe that everyone should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today's digital world. Serving on the NCF Board of Directors would be a platform for me to leverage my expertise to further this mission, contribute to the organization's strategic direction, and help ensure that NCF continues to provide valuable services to its members. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with a team dedicated to positively impacting our community.

My extensive experience in digital strategy, project and portfolio management, and change management, combined with my commitment to business development, will enable me to contribute effectively to the NCF Board. I look forward to using my skills and experience to support NCF's mission.

Thank you again for this opportunity. I am truly excited about the prospect of contributing to the future success of NCF and am committed to supporting its mission of advancing digital equity. I look forward to attending the AGM and beginning this journey with the NCF Board.