Joanne Zuk is a graduate student in the Joint Masters of Public Administration program at the Universities of Winnipeg and Manitoba and holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg.  Joanne has worked in education-related positions since 2001, and for the Province of Manitoba since 2006.  In 2010, she took on the role of Manager of Policy and Planning for Manitoba Student Aid.  She leads a small team of professional staff who provide support and advice to senior management, and works collaboratively with federal and provincial government colleagues to advance policy related to improving student financial assistance.  Joanne prides herself on her multidisciplinary background, and seeks to lead by example and help her colleagues develop competencies in the areas of her expertise – performance measurement, strategic planning, and staff development.