Where are they now? From YDC Executive to United Nations Reform at Global Affairs Canada
Where are they now? is a series that covers YDC alumni journeys — their career paths, their time as a YDC delegate, and how these experiences shaped their professional and personal lives.
When Marissa Fortune first joined Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) as a delegate in 2019, she was looking for an opportunity to engage with international affairs alongside other passionate young Canadians. Not only did she become a YDC delegate at the Youth 7 Summit in Paris that summer, but she later joined the YDC Executive Team as a Programs Advisor, then Programs Lead for close to four years.
Today, Marissa is a Senior Policy Advisor in the United Nations Division at Global Affairs Canada, where she leads Canada's headquarters work on the UN General Assembly's Fifth Committee, helping advance UN governance and reform while supporting Canada's engagement during the UN General Assembly.
Going beyond the Canada bubble
Having grown up internationally, she developed a curiosity about global issues that eventually led her to study Political Science and International Development at McGill University. Following advice to gain international experience and strengthen her French, she studied abroad in Paris before pursuing a master's degree in Development Studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
“I wanted to get beyond the Canadian bubble. Geneva is such an incredible hub for international organizations.”
Her graduate studies took her even further afield, including research in Ghana at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, an experience that broadened her understanding of international peace and security from another regional perspective.
Like many young professionals, however, Marissa's career plans shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. While finishing graduate school, she joined Global Affairs Canada remotely to support Canada's campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council.
Although Canada's bid was unsuccessful, the opportunity opened the door to a career in government. Since then, Marissa has managed Canada’s international assistance and humanitarian budget, contributed to Global Affairs Canada's Future of Diplomacy transformation initiative, worked at the Privy Council Office during a prime ministerial transition, travelled with the Prime Minister during the UN General Assembly, and now helps shape Canada's engagement on UN reform.
“It’s challenging work. It can be very technical, but it’s essential because it’s what keeps the UN system running. I like that it’s always evolving.”
But while her career has taken her from Geneva to Ghana, New York and Ottawa, Marissa says one constant throughout her journey has been the community and confidence she gained through YDC.
The value of the YDC network
For Marissa, one of YDC's greatest strengths is the community it creates.
When she moved to Ottawa, joining the Executive Team gave her an immediate network of peers who shared her passion for international affairs. Years later, those connections continue to appear throughout her career.
“Everywhere I go, I run into YDC alumni. Whether it’s Morocco, Geneva, Paris or Ottawa, someone from YDC is there.”
That network extends beyond fellow young professionals to ambassadors, senior public servants and leaders who remain invested in supporting the next generation.
What Marissa gained from the YDC Executive Team
After an empowering experience as a delegate in 2019, Marissa joined YDC's Programs Team to help create that same experience for others.
“I wanted to pay it forward. Being a delegate helped me overcome a lot of imposter syndrome. I wanted to help facilitate that confidence for other young people.”
As a Programs Coordinator and later Programs Lead, she worked closely with delegates throughout their journey, supporting their goals while collaborating with teams across the organization. Although balancing the volunteer role alongside a full-time career could be demanding at times, she describes it as an extremely rewarding experience.
“You get to see so much of YDC’s work, meet incredible people, and watch delegates grow throughout the process.”
Advice on joining the YDC Executive Team
For young Canadians or fellow YDC alumni thinking about joining the YDC Executive Team, Marissa sees the experience as an opportunity to continue growing while giving back.
“It really is a way to pay it forward. You’re working alongside people from across the country who care deeply about the same issues you do. You build lasting friendships, expand your professional network, and continue learning.”
She also emphasizes that YDC offers opportunities to develop practical leadership experience that can complement a professional career, from project management to stakeholder engagement and volunteer leadership.
“YDC gives you opportunities to engage with ambassadors, ministers, and senior officials early in your career.”
She notes that this is a skill many young professionals don't naturally develop in their day jobs, and one that has continued to serve her throughout her career.
Her advice for future executive members is simple:
“YDC is a volunteer, youth-led organization. We’re all here to support the delegates and the mission. At the end of the day, it’s about creating the best possible experience for the next generation of young leaders.”