Resume

Carissa R. Forbes

Highlights of Skills & Experience

Excellent communication skills in English and French, proven ability to work independently, collaborative team player, strong organizational skills, honed good work ethics, trustworthy, hard-working, problem-solver, fast learner and detail-oriented.
Proficient in Zoom, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Power Director, Canva, FlipaClip, Infinite Painter, Wix, WordPress, CapCut.
Media Coordinator for the Social Justice Education Departmental Students’ Association (SJE DSA) (upcoming school year).
Pursuing Master’s Degree in Social Justice Education.

Education

University of Toronto 2021 – Present

Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Starting September 2025

Master of Education, Social Justice Education with a Collaborative Specialization in Education, Francophonies, and Diversity (first year).

Mississauga Campus 2021 – 2025

Honours Bachelor of Arts, double Major in Philosophy and French Studies.

Publications

“Utilizing AI to bridge the generational divide for adult learners” – American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Conference – September 26, 2025 – Co-Author (in progress)

Presentations

“Utilizing AI to bridge the generational divide for adult learners” – American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Conference – September 26, 2025 – Co-Presenter & Participant

Work Experience

Research Assistant (U of T) 2025 - 2026

Transcribed French and English interviews (using aTrain).
Ensured data is stored, backed-up and deleted in accordance with the professor’s protocol

Tutor 2025

Tutor students in French language - math, science, and history.

Volunteer Experience

University of Toronto

SJE DSA Media Coordinator 2026 - Present

Organize social media and create engaging posts, as well as pitch marketing ideas.

Centre de Recherches en éducation franco-ontarienne (CRÉFO) Symposium Construire ensemble May 2026

Introduced participants, helped with organizational aspects of the symposium, and guided participants to the rooms panels were held in.

Alliance Française Mississauga 2024

Supported instructors with summer camps and sorting props and costumes using experience with theatrical productions.
Assisted instructors with teaching French and history of Haiti’s revolution.
Led arts and crafts activities as well as games for campers.
Utilized experience in volunteering with musical theatre productions to create an inclusive and safe environment for campers.

University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)

Vice-President Social Black Literature and Arts Club 2024 – 2025

Created engaging posts for social media and pitched marketing post and video ideas, as well as assisted the promotion and organization of events including filming videos during the event, setting up the area, and cleaning up after the event.
Collaborated with other clubs to work jointly and market their events.

UTMSU 2022

Assisted with first year orientation week, directing first year students on where to go for activities, setting up spaces, and break-down after events.

Theatre Unlimited, Mississauga, Ontario 2023

Utilized art experience to help with set design (painting, building props, moving into the theatre).

Young Artists Theatre 2022

Utilized previous volunteer experience to work with instructors in leading warm-up activities and vocal exercises for youth ages 10-12.
Utilized experience in dance to work with instructors to choreograph small dance and movement numbers.

Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, Ontario 2018 – 2020

Utilized highly developed creative arts skills to assist participants with craft making and worked collaboratively with other volunteers from diverse backgrounds to determine various craft items to engage participants. Employed excellent communication skills to greet visitors in a positive and welcoming manner.
Utilized highly developed organizational skills to arrange set pieces, costumes, and sign in for campers, as well as worked with camp instructors to organize and lead activities for campers.

Accomplishments & Awards

University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) 2021 – Present

Leadership Bootcamp – 2022

St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario 2017 – 2021

Grade 12: Ontario Scholar, Extended French Certificate, Honour Roll, Junior Leadership Award, Arts Certificate

Luv2Dance Competition, Mississauga, Ontario 2013

Ballet – Gold (Junior Competitive Group), Street Jazz – Gold (Junior Competitive Group), Tap – Gold (Solo)

Luv2Dance Competition, Niagara Falls, Ontario 2012

Ballet – Silver (Junior Competitive Group), Jazz Hip Hop – Gold (Junior Competitive Group)

Interests

Writing – fiction, non-fiction, research-based papers/stories. French – literature, culture of Quebec and France, language acquisition. The arts – both visual and performing arts – including theatre, dancing, drawing, and visiting art galleries. Photography. Philosophy – feminism, political philosophy, and metaphysics. Archery. Steelpan.

Other

St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario 2017 – 2020

Concert Choir Ensemble

Community Theatre

St. John of the Cross Parish Mississauga November 2025 – March 2026

From Scripture to Stage

Brampton Music Theatre July 2025 – November 2025

The Prince of Egypt

Theatre Unlimited, Mississauga, Ontario October 2022 – April 2023

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Young Artists Theatre 2020 - 2021

Senior Musical Theatre Class, Coffee House – 2021, Coffee House – 2020

Toronto Metropolitan University Teen Musical Theatre 2019

Senior One Day Theatre Intensive

Mirvish Productions and Travelling Stage 2018

Into the Woods

Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, Ontario 2014 – 2019

P.L.A.Y. Project

Bye Bye Birdie, Game of Tiaras, The Sound of Music, Seussical

Beyond Bravo Broadway

Hercules

Bravo Broadway

Aladdin, Hairspray, Oliver, Newsies, The Little Mermaid

St. Therese of the Child Jesus Elementary School , Mississauga, Ontario 2016

The Trials of Alice in Wonderland

Professional Associations

American Association for Adult and Continuing Education – Member