November 29, 2024

We’re excited to welcome Isabela Varela to Can-SOLVE CKD’s Operations Team as our new Communications Manager. 

Born in Chile and raised in Edmonton, Isabela is a strategic communications leader with more than a decade of expertise in storytelling and strategy. She has honed her craft in roles at the University of Alberta, Alberta Education, and marketing agencies specializing in nonprofit and public sector clients.  

A proud UBC alum, Isabela also holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Western Ontario. Her journalism background has shaped her approach to communication, which is fact based and grounded in empathy and an unwavering commitment to sharing voices that often go unheard.   

We’re thrilled to have Isabela on board to lead our communications activities and help raise awareness and understanding of Can-SOLVE CKD’s work. Moving forward, all communications inquiries can be directed to Isabela at ivarela@cansolveckd.ca.  

3 questions with Isabela 

With the formalities out of the way, we asked Isabela a few questions to get to know her better. 

What do you like most about working in communications?
What drew me to this work initially was my love of writing and gathering information. I’ve always been a bit of a nerd in that way. Over time, my focus shifted outward to other people, and I would say that my biggest strength is being able to engage almost anyone in conversation. That’s what I enjoy most about working in communications—having opportunities to talk to a wide range of people, hearing their stories, and helping to amplify them to build awareness, understanding, and connections.   

What’s your favourite way to unwind when you’re not working?
If it’s not raining too hard, I like to go out for long walks with my husband and dog, either in our neighbourhood or places like Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park. At home, I mostly relax by drawing on my iPad and watching series or movies. My current favourite series is Bad Sisters on Apple TV.  

Tell us something about you that people might be surprised to know.
I’m an encyclopedia of pop culture trivia. I watch Jeopardy, and one of my dreams is to be a contestant on the new Pop Culture Jeopardy show.