Stephanie Maghnam
Community Pillars
Stephanie Maghnam is a successful entrepreneur, community leader and extraordinary activist who has used her years of experience with diverse industries and platforms to benefit the residents of Ottawa.
Ms. Maghnam was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta where she studied journalism and broadcasting. She later became a television host and reporter for local community stations and was recognized for her outstanding contributions in public programming.
Following her move to Ottawa, Stephanie spent many years working with, and advocating for, the families of children and young adults on the Autism Spectrum. She has also advocated for mental health, affordable housing, consumer protection, food insecurity, seniors, rural affairs, and newcomers. As a businesswoman she has championed for provincial government funding that invests in the future of tech companies that deliver cutting edge technology on a global scale and has worked diligently to attract investments, keep talent, and improve job growth in Ottawa’s High Tech Park.
In addition, Stephanie is a garden and tech enthusiast who believes in green communities and has worked passionately to highlight the need for electric vehicle technology in reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate disasters.
Stephanie also believes in the importance of early childhood education and was appointed to serve on the board of The Children’s Place Daycare Kanata. It was the first licensed childcare centre in Kanata North’s high-tech community that provided non-traditional and flexible care (24 hours a day and 7 days per week).
Food security is important to Stephanie who has volunteered with the Kanata Food Cupboard and the Stittsville Food Bank. She has supported and contributed to the Molly Wilson Community Gardens, Trailing Edge Community Gardens, and Herzberg Community Garden in Kanata in providing access to fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in Kanata North.
While on the Executive of the Dunrobin Women’s Institute, Stephanie championed for green space preservation by helping to establish the Dunrobin Parkette. She also advocated for the successful installation of “Gale’s Garden” at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice in Kanata in partnership with Hospice Care Ottawa and Ottawa Water Gardens during her time serving on the executive of the Kanata-March Horticultural Society.
Stephanie’s commitment to community is reflected by her willingness to “step up” during crises. Through the COVID pandemic, she conducted wellness and home visits to community members in need and supported families and businesses with various pandemic essentials. During the 2017 flood disasters that hit the region of West-Carleton, she was an active volunteer in helping to provide disaster relief efforts for Constance Bay community members.
Stephanie founded Canadians for Lebanon, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for family reunification after the devastating Beirut explosions in August 2020. Her work and advocacy was instrumental in establishing and negotiating part of the terms and conditions of government announced support measures for Lebanese/Canadian families affected.
As a candidate for the Ontario Liberal Party in the Ottawa regional riding of Kanata-Carleton, Stephanie supported the future growth and sustainability of her communities by connecting people and resources together. She hosted monthly discussions and supported numerous community cultural organizations, causes and religious groups while demonstrating a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. She advocated for rural affairs that included access to internet, transportation, and improved disaster responses.
Ms. Maghnam has been an advocate for the rights of women and girls and has encouraged their involvement in politics. She helped raise thousands of dollars for women shelters and safe housing along with numerous other women’s causes throughout the city of Ottawa.
Stephanie has received recognition as Kanata North Citizen of The Year by the City of Ottawa for her volunteer advocacy with seniors and gardens. She was also recognized by le Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario for her tireless efforts volunteering with the school community.
