When it comes to volunteering for Editors Canada, Berna Ozunal has been a one-person band. She started as vice-chair of Editors Toronto in 2012 and is currently chair of the national standards committee. She has also served on the national executive council as director of publications, director of training and development, and director of professional standards. She has contributed to the national and local blogs, led the launch of the Editors Canada webinars subsite, and is helping to create the “much awaited and needed first draft of a revised Professional Editorial Standards.” That draft is nearly ready to be shared with Editors Canada members for review.
Berna also supports new editors through her volunteer work. She has just completed her third stint as a mentor in Editors Canada’s John Eerkes-Medrano Mentorship Program and has given presentations to editing classes about the benefits of membership in the association. “I can go on and on about the benefits, but luckily they limit me to 50 minutes,” she laughs.
For Berna, volunteering is about giving back and “working together to advance the profession of editing in Canada—a noble task.” In addition to volunteering, she teaches Structural and Stylistic Editing at George Brown College.
Berna developed her own impressive skills through education and experience. She began editing over 20 years ago as a legal research editor. In addition to her degree in philosophy and communication studies, she has a diploma in film editing and certificates in plain language and graphic design. She now works for clients in Toronto and Ottawa and edits a variety of materials. In 2018, Berna received her Certified Professional Editor credential from Editors Canada, crowning a truly comprehensive career.
In Editors Canada, Berna has enjoyed meeting “so many interesting people doing important work” more than anything. When she’s not editing, Berna enjoys going to art galleries, participating in outdoor activities, like biking and ice skating, and tending to her Puginese, Olive.
The featured volunteer recognizes the contributions of our dedicated people who keep Editors Canada going. Volunteers are the backbone of the association, and we are grateful for the many members and affiliates who answer the call when help is needed.
Want to make a difference in your association? Find out more about volunteering for Editors Canada.
~S. Robin Larin