Fernanda Whitaker

Fernanda Whitaker has a diverse work experience spanning several industries. Fernanda currently holds the position of Co-Chair at the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC), a role they have held since July 2022. Prior to this, Fernanda worked at Innovate BC, where they held two different roles. Fernanda served as the Director of Partnerships starting in January 2021 and as the Director of Business Development starting in July 2018.

Fernanda's experience also includes working at the BIG Festival - Brazil's Independent Games Festival as the Executive Producer of International Content from January 2015 to July 2020. In this role, they were responsible for coordinating the international component of the festival, including the conference, identifying and inviting key international buyers and speakers, and managing the international program budget.

Before their role at BIG Festival, Fernanda worked at the BC Innovation Council (BCIC) as the Programs Manager from June 2016 to June 2018. In this position, they provided leadership and assistance for the Venture Acceleration Program and was involved in the review, evaluation, and development of new programs.

Additionally, Fernanda worked as a Business Development Consultant at Abragames - Brazilian Association of Game Development Companies from December 2014 to May 2016. Fernanda also has experience as a Trade Commissioner - ICT/Digital Media at Global Affairs Canada, where they developed and delivered business development services to Canadian companies involved in various industry sectors.

Fernanda began their career at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as an Immigration Secretary from June 1991 to August 1994. Prior to that, they worked as a Trainee in Data Processing at the Caterpillar Parts Department from August 1990 to July 1991.

Overall, Fernanda Whitaker brings a wealth of experience in business development, partnerships, event coordination, and international market development to their current role at the BCCC.

Fernanda Whitaker's education history includes a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (1995-1998). Fernanda also obtained an MBA in Internet Technology from USP - Universidade de São Paulo (2001-2003). Additionally, they pursued a degree in Marketing from FGV-SP in São Paulo, Brazil (1998). Prior to that, they completed a Technologist program in Data Processing at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (1989-1993). Fernanda attended Colegio Objetivo for high school (1986-1988) and Escola Americana e Colégio Mackenzie earlier in their schooling years (1974-1985).