Dorcas Onuh

Product and venture advisor with 10+ years turning market opportunities and user needs into viable products, ventures and growth strategies. Founder of CeedBase, combining product strategy, business modelling, commercialization and cross-sector partnerships to move ideas from concept to execution.

Founder - CeedBase

(2015-08 - 2019-12)

Founded and developed an early-stage digital venture addressing the gap between learning, verified skills, workforce readiness and employment.

• Founded CeedBase and shaped user needs into a venture proposition, product strategy and commercialization model
• Built and led a 0–50 multidisciplinary team across product, programs, partnerships and business operations
• Developed digital learning and credential concepts, business models and go-to-market strategies for education and workforce markets

Chief Operating Officer, Consultancy - Connected Development

(2020 - 2020)

• Piloted operational and educational transformation initiatives, translating strategic recommendations into programs and operating plans
• Advised director-level stakeholders and coordinated contracts, HR, board meetings and information management
• Assessed operating models and organizational effectiveness, turning evidence into execution priorities

Strategy Consultant & Special Advisor - Deeynotes

(2010-10 - 2020-09)

• Advised on governance, performance reporting, risk management, policy and organizational transformation
• Translated complex business and institutional issues into strategic direction and implementation priorities
• Supported initiatives through research, policy analysis, communications and stakeholder engagement

Senior Communications Advisor - Health Canada

(2018-01 - 2023-12)

• Led communications and digital initiatives, supervising staff and contractors to meet quality and delivery requirements

Advisor, Web Communications - Department of National Defence, Canada

(2017-01 - 2017-12)

• Coordinated digital and print publishing, approvals, quality assurance and metrics within federal communication requirements

Director of Ventures - Startup Canada| Canadian Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

(2016-01 - 2016-12)

• Advanced entrepreneurship programs, ecosystem partnerships and performance measurement across Canadian startup communities

Ventures Associate - SheEO / Coralus

(2016 - 2016)

• Supported founders and purpose-driven ventures through venture assessment, business-model review and ecosystem engagement

Research Advisor - R.A. Malatest & Associates

(2015-04 - 2015-12)

• Conducted client and market research, quantitative analysis and opportunity assessments for government and institutional clients

Graduate Teaching Assistant - New Ventures Creation, Telfer School of Management

(2015-05 - 2016-01)

• Taught new venture creation and coached learners on opportunity assessment, business modelling and commercialization

Operations Lead - Arthur Mbanefo Charitable Foundation

(2013-01 - 2014-12)

• Led operations, policy and stakeholder coordination while advancing education and research programs

Project Coordinator / Graduate Trainee - NPDC

(2008-01 - 2012-09)

• Managed project plans, contracts, budgets, deliverables and stakeholder coordination for technical projects

Advisory Board Member - International Talent Acquisition Centre

Program Advisor — Small Business Digitization Initiative - Information and Communications Technology Council

Board Member - BMO Financial Group Millennial Advisory Council

(2015 - 2016)

Female Entrepreneur & Equity Advisory - Women Startup Network

(2015 - 2015)

Interim Secretary, Board of Trustees - Arthur Mbanefo Charitable Foundation

(2014 - 2014)

Business Community Builder - Collabspace, Startup Ottawa and Hopefund

Speaker - Job Readiness Workshop; The Millennial Side Hustle Workshop

Next Generation Women Leaders Award — Nominee - McKinsey & Company

MENG - Business Management - UOttawa (2016-06 - 2016-06)

BSc - Physics - Bells University of Technology (2011-11 - 2011-11)