Ali Azadmanesh
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
I’ve been part of the Ontario Public Service for more than twenty years, starting at Queen’s Park with the Ministry of Health. Part of my first job was connecting clients to various health and home care services in the province, speaking with people from all kinds of communities. Once I learned about Federated Health Charities, it clicked for me – this work connects to the supports we provide every day. And with my loved ones having struggled with cancer, the mission hit close to home.
Over the course of my career, I’ve worked in five ministries, and it’s been inspiring to see how each one brings its own strengths, traditions, and culture to Federated Health. Every ministry approaches the campaign a little differently, and that diversity is something I’ve always appreciated. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing the campaign from many angles over the years and want to help share that perspective by supporting leaders and teams in continuing to build awareness and connection across the OPS.”
Being invited to join the Council truly meant something to me. “I feel privileged to be asked to contribute in this way.”
Federated Health also helped me personally, volunteering gave me a way to meet people, build a network, and find community. Later, at the Ministry of Labour around 2010, I helped coordinate the ministry’s Federated Health Charities campaign and even served as a sponsored employee for United Way. Those experiences grounded me in the value of giving back.
The pandemic disrupted much of what made the campaign feel personal – events, conversations, that human touch. Now I’m focused on how we rebuild that. Could we offer learning sessions on topics like caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses? Even more ways to connect people to the health causes we support. And through the Advisory Council, I can bring these ideas forward.
I also see opportunities to bring our charities directly to OPS employees. Ministries are always looking for meaningful speakers – so why not build a speaker series that supports health, employee engagement and raises awareness at the same time?
Looking back, Federated Health has been a steady thread through my OPS journey. It’s helped me serve, learn, and stay connected – to colleagues, to community, and to the values that brought me into public service. And now, through the Advisory Council, I’m excited to help strengthen that connection for others.
“Awareness is key to everything in life,” I like to say. “But really, what I mean is that people are the key – and supporting one another is what this work is all about.”
