Member Spotlight - Zina Acherir

Member name and designations: 
Name: Zina Acherir
Title: Event Planner but also part time student at Concordia University
Workplace: Neina Events based in Montréal
Volunteer Experience: Volunteering with MPI Education Committee and volunteering with Daniela Caputo’s events company

Contact information: 
Linked in: Zina Acherir 
Email: zinaacherir@gmail.com

How have you benefited from having a membership with MPI Ottawa?

I have benefited from having a membership with MPI Ottawa in many ways:

• Networking and making connections. I have met new people who later became friends. There is always someone here to welcome you with open arms and to answer all the questions you may have.
• Inspiration, it motivated me to start my own company at a young age. In October 2021 I started Neina Events, an event planning company.
• Education, MPI platform and MPI communities gave me access to a lot of courses and opportunities.
• Events, I had the opportunity to meet many educated and knowledgeable people through events. This is inspiring and motivates me to pursue my own goals.

What do you like the most about MPI Ottawa?

What I like the most about MPI Ottawa is how everyone is close to each other. The Chapter is really family oriented. People are there to help and coach you. MPI always offer events that allow you to grow your network and your knowledge about the industry.

What would say to someone that was unsure about joining MPI Ottawa?

The first thing I would say is that the membership costs almost nothing compared to the knowledge and people you meet. You pay once a year, but you get huge benefits and connections in return. If you are looking for something or someone to help you in the event industry then MPI is here to help and teach you. Everyone I’ve met through the chapter has always been supportive and willing to guide and support.  

How did you get where you are today?

I would start by saying always focusing on what I like versus following what people told me to do. I work hard: I am a full time Assistant Manager at McDonald’s, but I am also a full time student at Concordia University. MPI is the main reason I’m here today. My mentor Daniela Caputo helped me through my journey. She was my teacher during my program La Salle College. She believed in me, and she introduced me to MPI Ottawa and many other resources that will help me achieve my goals. I can proudly say MPI Ottawa is one of those resources and I know that my chapter will always be there to back me up and to support me in achieving my goals.

Tell us about a career highlight or biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement is the major change I personally went though. I came to Canada not knowing what I wanted in the future and was facing so many challenges. I had to re-do my high school education and many other things. I first finished my high school diploma at Galileo Adult Education Centre, and then pursued my education in psychology at Dawson College while working full time. Toward the end of my program at Dawson, I decided to go to LaSalle College to study event management. After graduating, I focused on slowly starting my own company, working full time and continued going to University to study business. This year I achieved my dream which is having my own company, and I can proudly say MPI Ottawa, Daniela Caputo and my family were my biggest supporters and helped me realize one of the biggest achievements.

Summarize a typical workday of yours.

A typical workday for me is to balance between my eight hour shifts and school. I also need to take care of my family. I have no days off. I work seven days a week, but, I like what I do and I enjoy the fact that I have many things to do every day which is the most important thing.  

Last words

If there are any students struggling achieving their dreams, I am open to help and to listen to them. If there is anyone questioning if they should join MPI Ottawa or not: do not question joining the Chapter, it’s something you will never regret. Never give up on what your dreams no matter what others say, people will always be scared to see you achieve more than them, always do what you think makes you happy.

Article edited by Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services

Article compiled by: Elodie Lortal, National Arts Centre