Alumni Spotlight: From Pitch to Public Service

Christiane Fox has spent her career at the highest levels of the Canadian public service, currently serving as Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. But long before she was navigating the complexities of public service, she was wearing the black and red of the Carleton Ravens, balancing the demands of varsity soccer and basketball with her academic pursuits.

"I am a truly proud Raven," Christiane says. "Wearing the Ravens jersey has shaped who I am as a mom, a professional, and as a coach to young athletes in my community."

Her time as a student-athlete at Carleton laid the foundation for a career defined by resilience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to public service. The lessons she learned on the field and court, discipline, adaptability, and teamwork, continue to guide her in the boardrooms and briefing rooms of Ottawa.

"Being a student-athlete requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to overcome defeat," she reflects. "These are the same skills that translate into the public service, which I often describe as the ultimate team sport."

That analogy isn't just a metaphor for Christiane. In her leadership roles, she has consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration, trust, and shared purpose, values she first encountered as a Raven. "Every professional win comes from discipline, hard work, collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to a greater good."

Among her many memories from her time at Carleton, one day stands out. Her nineteenth birthday. A day that went from scoring the winning goal on the pitch in the afternoon to playing that night on the Ravens basketball team against Montmorency in preseason. "Playing back-to-back varsity games in both basketball and soccer on the same day was exhausting and exhilarating," she recalls. "But what made it truly unforgettable was seeing my dad in the stands for both, cheering me on every step of the way."

That moment captures the essence of Christiane's student-athlete experience: the joy of competition, the strength of family support, and the pride of representing her university. But it also highlights the physical and mental demands of balancing two varsity sports, an experience that taught her how to manage pressure and perform under stress.

Now, as a senior leader in the federal government, Christiane continues to draw on those experiences. She leads with empathy and purpose, always mindful of the people behind the policies. And she hasn't forgotten where it all began.

"My hope is to see a stronger Women's Soccer Alumni Association," she says, referring to the growing alumni program. "One that plays an important role in mentoring current players and supporting their development both athletically and professionally."

Christiane envisions an alumni network that not only celebrates past achievements but also invests in the future of student-athletes, ensuring they have access to the financial resources, mentorship, and support they need to thrive on and off the field.

"As a student-athlete, you become part of an extended second family with your teammates, coaches, and support staff. These relationships last a lifetime because of your shared experience and the trust and respect that comes out of this experience."