Two Years, Countless Memories: My Journey with MPI Ottawa

After seeing so many kind words shared during our recent AGM, I left feeling genuinely warm and fuzzy — and maybe just a little emotional (in the best way possible). It made me pause and reflect on what an incredible journey these past two years with MPI Ottawa have been.

It all started with a nudge, well, more of a very strong encouragement, from my mentor, Stephanie Lockhart. She suggested that I consider association management as my next career move and recommended that I take on this position with MPI Ottawa as a first step. I was hesitant, very hesitant, but Stephanie has never steered me wrong before, so I said yes.

Fast forward just one month later, and I was signing up for my CAE (because why ease into it when you can jump right into the deep end?).

These two years have been nothing short of transformative. I have been constantly inspired by the dedication, passion and hard work of our volunteers. It’s truly humbling to be part of an industry that values community as much as ours does, where giving back isn't just encouraged, it’s celebrated.

Along the way, I’ve made so many new friendships, the kind built not just over board meetings and email threads, but over shared laughs, teamwork, and mutual admiration for one another's talents and goals. I’ve learned invaluable lessons about governance, leadership and what it means to serve a member-driven organization.

This experience has inspired me to give back as well; I am now proud to volunteer as an event planner for one of our charity recipients, the Hopewell Eating Disorder Centre, who captured my heart during our April 6 visit.

Today, I simply can’t imagine my career without MPI. It has shaped me, inspired me, and connected me with a community that I am truly honoured to represent.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the MPI Ottawa Board of Directors for their trust, encouragement and unwavering support. A special thank you to Stephanie Lockhart for seeing potential in me even before I saw it myself, and for giving me the gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) pushes that have helped me grow in ways I never expected.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of these unforgettable two years. I am so grateful and hopeful, for the opportunity to continue growing, learning and working alongside all of you in the years ahead.

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