Co-founder of Pendulum, Heather Bakken is a respected former journalist who has worked domestically and internationally as a reporter, producer and publisher. She has covered federal and provincial elections.

Known for her excellence in public speaking, communications, media relations, marketing, and event facilitation, she is also a certified digital communications strategist who has been the creative force behind multiple campaigns. Heather has also worked on strategic initiatives in the private sector.

As a career journalist and broadcaster, she was an anchor at NewsWorld International and has worked on both sides of the camera for CBC News in Toronto, Winnipeg and Regina. For independent media she was the Executive Publisher of two political news publications covering Parliament Hill and Queen’s Park, where she expanded the scope and scale of the business. 

Committed to civic empowerment, Heather founded the Ottawa Debating Society where she promotes active, logical and respectful engagement in the exchange of policy ideas. She has served as a two-term president of the Canadian Club of Ottawa, and on the executives of the Rideau Club and the International Women’s Forum.

Heather is currently the President of World Press Freedom Canada -- an intersection of her passion for democratic values and her lifelong vocation.

Born and raised in Toronto, she has lived and worked in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Regina, and Ottawa, and has engaged in public speaking across the country.

Heather is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her dedication to public service.