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Team Bios
Karen Wood
Founder + President
A team is only as good as its leader. With more than 25 years’ experience within the communications spectrum, from branding to marcom; from creating integrated campaigns to resolving corporate PR issues; from developing social/digital platforms and finessing communications strategies to working her magic with generous sponsorships and glam events, Karen does it all. Trusted advisor and superior connector with perhaps the most formidable network in the National Capital Region, Karen is the masterful leader of Knock on Wood. Whether you are a stakeholder, supplier, client, or colleague, you are always on Karen’s radar.
When not in the office you’ll find Karen: Entertaining friends poolside or puttering in her garden
What you didn’t know about Karen? She was in the Naval Reserve Summer Student program when she was 17.
Fav food: Red wine and Pad Thai
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Whitney Zelmer
Whitney's adventure in the event industry kicked off at KoW back in 2003. With a zest for bringing ideas to life, she dived into coordinating launch events for brands, businesses, and live shows, always with a keen eye for detail. Over the years, Whitney has orchestrated more than fifty annual networking events for the Ottawa Business Journal and expertly managed catering and logistics for events of all sizes at Thyme & Again Creative Catering. One of her standout moments? Playing a key role in Canada's Table, a spectacular dinner for 1,000 guests right outside Parliament Hill.
When not in the office, you’ll find Whitney: Taking long walks around the City
What you didn’t know about Whitney? She spent a year living in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Fav food: Chocolate ice cream.
General Manager + Account Director
Mary Jelley
Mary Jelley brings with her over 35 years of experience in the music industry as Branch Manager working with Warner Music Canada. During her time at Warner, Mary helped develop the careers of iconic Canadian Artists such as Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea, Alanis Morissette, and Brett Kissel. She has given back to the local community as a mentor, serving as chair of Canadian Women in Communications, and as a member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. We are pleased to have Mary on the KoW team as a Senior Communications Strategist. Mary fearlessly and expertly guides projects to success with a keen eye for detail, and her vast knowledge of the local communications landscape.
When not in the office you will find Mary: Hanging with her family, attending a concert or doing yoga
What you didn't know about Mary: She was born in a car!
Fav food: Indian
Senior Communications Strategist
Aqilah Rahim
Aqilah switched gears after graduating law school and tried her hand at event management and communications. Later venturing into public relations, she brings international experience to KoW, having worked with tech startups, F&B establishments and non-profits. From planning CSR campaigns to creating digital content to speechwriting, Aqilah is passionate about building relationships between brands and their stakeholders.
When not in the office you will find Aqilah: Reading, journaling, tending to her plants or picking up yet another hobby
What you didn't know about Aqilah: She’s learned 6 languages throughout her life, but sadly can only speak 2.
Fav food: Hainanese chicken rice
Communications Strategist + Account Manager
Sylvie Bigras
Sylvie is a seasoned communicator and nationally recognized emcee and facilitator with a career spanning decades across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Fluently trilingual, she brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and high-profile event hosting—working with organizations ranging from Canadian federal departments to international NGOs and Fortune 500 companies.
Sylvie has served as the voice and presence behind some of Canada’s most important ceremonial moments, including State Dinners for global dignitaries such as George W. Bush, Vicente Fox Quesada, and Prince Charles, and the Nelson Mandela Citizenship Ceremony.
She is also a communications specialist in the world of sport, having worked at 17 Olympic Games, four Commonwealth Games, and five Pan American Games. She served as Press Chief for the Canadian Olympic Team during the 2008 and 2010 Games and held similar roles at the Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Today, Sylvie collaborates with KoW Connected to provide media training and publicity services, helping clients build confidence and clarity in their public-facing communications.
When not in the office you will find Sylvie: Stand-up paddling, cycling, or cross-country skiing.
What you didn't know about Sylvie: She is a mom of two young men and one kitty (all of whom are embarrassed by her inner disco Queen…
Fav food: Anything on a patio in the Byward Market! (With a weakness for Vietnamese and Thai…)
Senior Communications Strategist
Julie Findlay
Spokesperson and publicist for brands and ideas that encourage and promote creative, fun, fit, health and socially conscious families.
Communications Strategist
Paula McCooey
Paula is a seasoned communicator with a background in journalism and storytelling that spans more than two decades. She brings deep expertise in crafting narratives that resonate—whether for media, brands, or public figures.
Before transitioning to strategic communications, Paula worked as a staff reporter at the Ottawa Citizen, with her writing and photography featured in national outlets such as the Vancouver Sun, Montreal Gazette, and National Post.
Paula has also developed communications for federal ministers, translating complex policy into clear, engaging messages. Today at KoW Connected, she combines this storytelling acumen with strategic insight to help clients amplify their voices, shape their narratives, and build meaningful connections with the audiences that matter most.
When not in the office you will find Paula: Cycling or skiing in Gatineau Park and beyond, playing racquet sports, or exploring one of the region’s many great coffee spots.
What you didn't know about Paula: She used to be in a band.
Fav food: Anything Thai
Communications Strategist
Alejandra Guarin Vega
Alejandra is a multifaceted professional with a background in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Her journey began with volunteering for non-profits in Colombia, which sparked her dedication to making a positive impact. After moving to Canada to study Public Relations, she found her passion for event planning, management, and social media.
Now at KoW, she is not only learning and growing but also channeling her newfound knowledge and dedication into her work, driven by a deep commitment to both personal and professional excellence.
When not in the office you will find Alejandra: Looking for new coffee shops in the city to read books
What you didn't know about Alejandra: She can’t imagine a life without coffee and books.
Fav food: Lechona
Digital Content Producer
Farouk Shaharudin
Farouk is a creative with over a decade of experience in shaping brand stories. He has a passion for using visuals and words to connect businesses with their audience. With a strong background in marketing, Farouk has worked with a variety of clients, including charities, sports teams, retail businesses, and real estate companies. He enjoys turning complex ideas into engaging stories.
When not in the office you will find Farouk: Watching sports. Depending on the time of the year this might be soccer, basketball, football, or hockey.
What you didn't know about Farouk: He has lived in 6 countries across 3 continents.
Fav food: The Malaysian classic, Nasi Lemak!
Digital Content Producer
Stephanie Kelly
Following 15 years of entertainment marketing and event management, Steph launched her own consulting agency supporting executives in their quest for work life balance; developing healthy habits and mindsets, and navigating transitions among a host of other specialties.
Steph's history of event planning and flawless execution, combined with her dedication to ensuring her clients' peace of mind, offers a unique contribution to KoW. With a solid foundation in digital marketing, Steph brings a wealth of expertise and tranquility to every business endeavour.
Digital Strategist + Special Projects