Chantal Makela, CEO of Spark Employment Services, assumes role of interim executive director at SWC<\/p>\n
Published Sep 06, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 2\u00a0hours ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 1 minute read<\/p>\n
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Chantal Makela, executive director of Spark Employment Services, makes a point at the grand re-opening celebration at the new location at 435 Notre Dame Ave. in Sudbury, Ont. on Thursday October 24, 2019. Photo by John Lappa \/Sudbury StarArticle content<\/p>\n
The Sudbury Women\u2019s Centre, now officially recognized by its acronym SWC, has announced a new strategic partnership with Spark Employment Services, marking a significant step forward in its mission to strengthen leadership and community impact.<\/p>\n
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Beginning this month, Chantal Makela, CEO of Spark Employment Services<\/a>, will assume the role of interim executive director at SWC. While both organizations will continue to operate independently, the collaboration is designed to foster innovation, enhance service excellence, and build stronger community connections.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Recommended Videos<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cThis partnership marks an exciting and strategic step forward for SWC,\u201d said Melissa Pitfield, chair of SWC\u2019s board of directors. \u201cBy working collaboratively with Spark Employment Services, we are investing in leadership, strengthening our organizational infrastructure, and creating new possibilities for our clients and community.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are confident that Chantal Makela\u2019s leadership will support SWC\u2019s continued growth and innovation as we move into this next chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n Sudbury Star Morning Briefing<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Makela echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity to build more connected support systems in Greater Sudbury. \u201cBy combining the strengths of SWC and Spark Employment Services, we\u2019re not only enhancing our capacity to serve, but also deepening our commitment to innovation, equity, and leadership development,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m honoured to step into this interim role at SWC and excited to foster growth and impact alongside a team equally dedicated to creating lasting change.\u201d<\/p>\n Spark Employment Services board chair James Burke expressed full support for the partnership and Makela\u2019s dual role. \u201cThis collaboration reflects our shared commitment to responsive, people-centered service, and we believe it will strengthen both organizations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n About SWC<\/p>\n SWC (formerly Sudbury Women\u2019s Centre) is dedicated to supporting women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals through access to basic needs, resources, services, and education in a compassionate and inclusive environment. Learn more at sudburywc.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n About Spark Employment Services<\/p>\n Established in 1986, Spark Employment Services is a non-profit organization providing employment and education services to residents of Greater Sudbury. Visit sudburyemployment.ca<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n