Alum Spotlight
30 January 2026
Luck Meets Passion
Beata Nawacki ‘17, Director of Global Affairs Canada speaks of her fond memories at Sacred Heart, and how it set her up on her path toward a childhood dream.
Beata Nawacki always knew she wanted to go to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). It was a dream that started with her father who inspired her from a very young age. It was there that she earned her Master’s degree in International Political Economy (IPE). After a series of events whether unplanned or strategic, Beata became Policy Advisor at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and within two years has navigated her way to her current role in international politics. She credits a combination of luck, networking, and the right experiences to her success. Although this might be a substantial component, Beata’s personal and scholastic pursuits, work ethic and demonstrated ability to take chances in the face of uncertainty has led to where she is today as Director of Policy to the Canadian Minister of International Trade at GAC.
A “Lucky “Path to Becoming the Director of Policy, Global Affairs Canada
After graduating from Sacred Heart, Beata pursued CEGEP at Marianopolis College where she completed an Honour in Social Science. Her favorite professor was Rebecca Lee, who happened to be a PhD student of Mark Brawley, IPE professor at McGill University, since retired. This solidified her interest in IPE. During the Covid-19 pandemic and despite feeling she would not have been chosen, Beata took the leap to express her interest in an honors thesis with the IPE professor. The pandemic allowed her to focus more on her studies and she graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and International Development at McGill.
Discovering IPE in undergrad led to her chosen master’s program at LSE where one of two fellow Canadians in the program was already working in Ottawa. As luck would have it, it was the perfect connection, place, time, and opportunity. Beata moved to Ottawa to become a Policy Advisor for GAC - a risk but it was one she was willing to take. Due to election timelines, there was little to no growth potential after due to the nature of politics; however, she became a Senior Policy Advisor and this opportunity further led to an expansion in her network. Through demonstrated tenacity, she attained the qualifications and built relationships within the political sphere of Ottawa, establishing herself enough so that when one door closed and her director did not run for Trade Minister for another term, another opened with the former Parliamentary Secretary. Networking was impactful, leading Beata to influential professors and connections that shaped her academic journey and professional career.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities - Empathy in Leadership
The challenges of working in politics, including increased workloads and the uncertainty of job security after elections did little to discourage Beata from pursuing her passion. She welcomed the lessons and opportunities: a campaign in Regina for a month - she was there; and, when people left her team, it was just another opportunity to grow and evolve into a well-rounded and empathetic team player.
Beata benefited from a former Directors and mentors whom she had a good personal and professional relationships with, providing her with excellent onboarding experience, learning experiences, and guidance in the world of politics. This helped to shape Beata’s outlook in leadership within her team. She hopes to reduce the same fears and anxieties in the workplace, knowing firsthand how it was like to start in politics...“seeing someone walk into the workplace and feel very out of place, it's been really rewarding for me to offer both structure and support to those who start off in their role. I feel that I've been a very good support to junior staff within my workplace and it's been really rewarding to be the person that people turn to even so early in my career. I think I've been very impactful in those challenging times and offer grace, validation and support when they are feeling the pressure and feeling nervous to do things that ultimately do have high impact, and they're all very well qualified to do, but just requires a little bit of confidence.”
The Impact of a Sacred Heart Education
“I love Sacred Heart. I had a great time there. I look back really fondly, and I feel very thankful for the way that I was set up from all of it.”
Beata’s “excellent experience” at Sacred Heart was a colourful one and she shares her gratitude for the support she received from all her teachers. Beata highlights an Advanced Placement course in Microeconomics in Secondary 4 which helped her build confidence and prepare her for university. This was her first exposure to economics after which the subject matter of IPE and trade in university landed her in her politics, bridging her childhood dream to other aspirations. The impact of the Religion and Ethics teacher, Mr. Gallo was substantial. The Advanced Placement in European History is something she uses a lot in life and career. And Ms. Aran Bangs, now Ms. Waldbrook, “is someone who I resonate with and still follow her to this day,” illustrating a love for all teachers that keep the Sacred Heart community strong, even years later.
Activities and Fondest Memories at Sacred Heart
“My friends from that time, they're all hilarious girls and I’m still friends with them.”
Desiring a varied high school experience, Beata volunteered and baked for her local church as well as participated in Sacred Heart events and extracurricular activities. She loved playing on the badminton team (pairs) and, despite joining only at the behest of her mother who is also a musician, Beata grew to love playing the flute on Tuesday Band which she did for all five years at Sacred Heart. She was also Co-Chair of the GAA, was part of the Book Club, as well as the Student Council. Beata remembers the excitement at being able to pull off an Amazing Race-themed start-of-school event as a Student Prefect. She always thought she would be on Amazing Race – perhaps another dream yet to be accomplished.
Immersing herself in the Sacred Heart community and activities also offered unique experiences. Her most memorable moments were the Sorting of students into Houses which she thoroughly enjoyed as a huge Harry Potter fan when she was younger; and, DASHABUSTADD synchronized swimming on land. “Do we look like we’re swimming?“ Trying their best to look the part, Beata and her friends used swimming caps as part of their costume; glue guns were used to decorate them with flowers which all fell off by the end of the performance. Despite high participation in her school and communities, Beata admits being shy in her younger years. She credits her peers and this specific event which helped overcome this. Some of her closest friends now are from Sacred Heart.
Advice for Graduating Students – Network
Beata advises taking advantage of the Sacred Heart Network and the support available to students, wishing she herself had started earlier in high School. Remembering how intimidating and overwhelming it was for those coming out of high school to choose, she feels strongly on empowering students to pursue the uncertainty with confidence, to build connections, and to talk about their life path to ultimately make better future decisions. Understanding that in doing so and in keeping informed, the hesitations, fears and anxieties can turn into excitement.
Seeing her own little brother go through future planning sparked nostalgia. “I didn't entirely know when I was his age, besides grad school… but there are so many resources and interesting people to talk to, and if I've been thankful every single time that I've cold emailed somebody,“ recalling a time when she cold emailed someone after reading an article from the Globe and Mail who then gave her the opportunity to connect. Even though it didn't necessarily lead to her current role, “it led to other really helpful conversations that helped me decide what I wanted to do. It was a learning opportunity.”
“The Sacred Heart Network is so vast… they are all over the world.” Beata remembers seeing members of the Sacred Heart community on a regular basis around Montreal, alums on the news, and even in present day Ottawa where she’ll encounter alums from the Sacred Heart Halifax.
On finding balance – maintaining personal interests and decompressing after work.
“Politics is an all-encompassing career. I really tried to maintain a yoga membership. Ultimately, I had to stop the membership, and now I'm only doing classes because the time was very difficult. I love to read in my spare time. I do lots of arts and crafts with friends.“
At the time of the interview, Beata was attempting to read Wuthering Heights before the movie release. She plans to read more in general and to prioritize yoga.
To the class of 2017 and future plans
“I speak to a lot of my peers still, and I run into them every once in a while. I've moved sort of further away than a lot of people but I hope that we do a reunion.”
Showing curiosity, resilience and proactiveness in all areas and at different stages of her life is a pattern one sees in this life path ignited by a dream, glittered by luck, and fueled with passion.
Good luck in all your future endeavors, Beata!
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