New Executive Director heads Jeanne Sauvé Foundation and Scholars Program

McGill lecturer Désirée Marielle McGraw, who has worked with Nobel Laureate Al Gore to bring his climate-change message to Canadians, has been named Executive Director of the Jeanne Sauvé Foundation and Scholars Program.

The appointment was announced by Harold (Sonny) Gordon, Chairman, and Jean-François Sauvé, President, of the Sauvé Foundations.

Ms. McGraw did undergraduate study at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf and Concordia University’s School of Community and Public Affairs and graduate study as a Commonwealth Scholar at the London School of Economics. She has extensive experience in public affairs, with emphasis on sustainable development and international co-operation, for which she has earned national and international recognition. Ms. McGraw served as Director of Policy to Canada’s Minister of International Co-operation, and has worked with various international organizations including the United Nations. Following training with former U.S. Vice-President Gore on the science and solutions surrounding climate change, Ms. McGraw is now among a select group of Canadian spokespeople and serves as Vice-President of Mr. Gore’s Climate Project in Canada. Ms. McGraw currently lectures on Climate Diplomacy as part her ongoing seminar series on Governing Globalization at McGill University (International Development Studies).

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with such brilliant young people from every corner of the world,” Ms. McGraw said. “The Sauvé Foundation brings an impressive group of highly accomplished young professionals to Canada each year to hone their leadership skills, and prepare them for influential roles in their respective countries – and indeed the world.”

In setting out the Foundation’s goals, the Rt.-Hon. Jeanne Sauvé, Canada’s first female Governor General, spoke of the need to “address global issues, exchange opinions and ideas, gain insight, expand understanding and perspectives and hopefully create a network of leaders.” Her son, Jean-François Sauvé, said, “Ms. McGraw has precisely the experience and attributes that will facilitate the realization of my mother’s vision” of preparing young adults to develop their skills and potential to help build a better world.

McGill’s Deputy Provost, Morton Mendelson, said the university values its association with the Sauvé Foundation. “It is a pleasure to welcome the Sauvé Scholars to our community each year. They not only benefit from a great, international university, but contribute to it,” he said.

Ms. McGraw follows in the footsteps of the late James Wright, Founding Executive Director of the Sauvé Foundations, and Dr. Frederick Lowy, former President of Concordia University who acted as Executive Director after Mr. Wright’s tragic death in September 2007.