VolunCHEERED: Finding Value in Professional Volunteerism

I’m not going to lie — my first few times volunteering professionally, I may have been a little voluntold. Ok, hold on — let’s keep it positive — voluncheered!

At first, I thought, “This will be great for my corporate brand”. Then something shifted — I started realizing the benefits for me: my growth, my confidence, and my reputation within my organization and with industry peers. That shift, brought on by conversations and encouragement from my numerous mentors, then sparked the idea of joining the MPI Toronto Board of Directors.

Sidebar: See that picture at the top of this page? That was me on stage at theEVENT 2022, in front of about 300 people—right around the time my mindset about volunteering really shifted. Terrified? Absolutely. But I did it anyway. Here, I have to give a big shoutout to the incredible Co-Creators of MPI theEVENT—Ryan Young, Tim Whalen, and Marie-France Watson—for always encouraging me to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Without their mentorship, I’m not sure I would have ever stepped onto a stage in front of a live audience. Thanks again guys – you changed the game for me.

And we're back.  Deciding to apply for a role on the Board of Directors wasn’t as simple as raising my hand this time. Applying for a Chair role, and later a role on the Board of Directors (BOD), meant applying and going through an interview process. My first thought was, “Wait… for a volunteer role?”. But that’s where I discovered an unexpected value — the reflection it required. Writing down my reasons for wanting to serve made me pause and really consider my purpose. What did I hope to contribute? What did I hope to gain? That exercise alone was humbling and eye-opening.  

Through the application process, I also discovered the Governance & Nominating Committee (GNC) — members who generously give their time to make sure applicants are ready and aligned with the needs of the Chapter. They asked thoughtful questions, sometimes even suggesting roles that might be a better fit. Each conversation I’ve had with the GNC has been enriching — a genuine exchange between professionals united by the goal of strengthening our chapter and its members.

I had to look inward in a way I hadn’t before. Volunteering was instinctive—my grandmother founded the Special Olympics in Québec, so “get it done and do good” is in my DNA—but I felt that stepping into a Chair role (and later, the Board) demanded greater intention. Those roles taught me to trust the team, to think strategically with aligned goals, and that growth happens when you lead with clarity and purpose.

Since stepping into BOD roles, the benefits have gone far beyond what I had imagined. I’ve collaborated with people I might never have otherwise, gained new leadership skills through challenging (but rewarding) conversations, and found fresh inspiration that fuels my work every day.

As VP of Education & Special Events, my focus has been mentoring Directors & Chairs in guiding committees to collaborate on delivering impactful learning experiences and valuable networking opportunities. Looking ahead to my role as President-Elect in 2026 (and beyond), I’d love to see our already-strong DEI practices evolve strategically across the Chapter, deepen member engagement by growing our community, strengthen retention through mentorship, and ensure every volunteer feels the value of their contribution.

Professional volunteerism has taught me that giving back isn’t just about donating time — it’s about showing up with intention, being open to growth, and letting the experience shape you. 

👉 Chair roles are open, and if you’ve been thinking about stepping up, now is the time to apply! Not ready for a Chair role yet? Consider joining a Committee. Either way, it’s a chance to give back, connect, and discover the surprising benefits of professional volunteerism.

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, my advice is simple: GO FOR IT! I’m VOLUNCHEERING for you! The process alone will teach you something about yourself, and the journey that follows will give back more than you can imagine.

Lend your voice, your energy, and your ideas! Let’s build a chapter where people don’t just join—they stay, grow, and lead.