Communications and engagement co-ordinator, SmartICE

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the northernmost community in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the remote Inuit community of Nain, Nunatsiavut. I attended Jens Haven Memorial School from kindergarten to Grade 12 before moving to St. John’s to attend Memorial University.

What is your current position?

I work at SmartICE as a communications and engagement co-ordinator. SmartICE is a community-oriented organization offering climate change adaptation tools, designed to incorporate sea ice monitoring data with Indigenous knowledge.

In my position, I’m responsible for helping to execute the organization's communication strategy, assisting with planning and facilitation of youth programming, community outreach and project support for community management committees in various areas.

What gives you the greatest sense of satisfaction?

I get the greatest sense of satisfaction by helping others and giving back to my community and Inuit. Whether that be through working as a regular point of contact between SmartICE and northern communities as a familiar go-to person, providing regional and cultural input into our training and programs in efforts to improve our curriculum.

I believe as an Inuk, I play a part in decolonization. I'm happy to work in a field that benefits Indigenous communities, helping with employment opportunities, working to build trust and foster community support.

Why did you choose the Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial?

I chose to study my bachelor of business administration (BBA) at Memorial University because pursuing business administration allows great opportunities for advancement! I would highly recommend a business degree because there are a wide range of opportunities with many jobs depending on your area of interests and expertise. The possibilities are endless and by choosing the business route, it opens many doors to job opportunities, to gain experience and advance in your career over time.

Memorial’s Indigenous Student Resource Centre on campus offers many services and assistance to help Indigenous students. The promotion of diversity and inclusion also attracted me to attend Memorial.

How did the Faculty of Business Administration prepare you for your career?

The business faculty prepared me for my career by introducing me to a variety of fields in the world of business through the many courses offered. It also prepared me with skills of careers within these fields. Business taught me how to apply the basis of subjects such as accounting, marketing, finance, management and entrepreneurship to real-world problems. It opened my eyes to the unlimited opportunities in the business world, helped me to find my passion in marketing and to apply these learned methods and strategies into today’s ever-changing business world.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most useful in your career?

Marketing Strategy and Marketing Tactics were very helpful courses later into my current career in communications. Branding strategies with a modern execution are very important to keep in mind in the field of marketing and communications.

In this field, we’re always finding new ways to appeal to an audience, communicate our message effectively, and to always demonstrate our organization in accordance to our brand, values and mission. Creativity is also a big factor in marketing. It’s important to think outside the box and to stay up to date on social media!

What is a highlight of your time at the Faculty of Business Administration?

The highlight in my time was all about forming connections. While it’s important to focus on education, you will look back on your university years with great joy knowing that you made the best memories with some amazing people.

Living in the student residence really helped me to form better relationships while attending Memorial. I had a large group of friends and numerous acquaintances. Orientation week and Winter Carnival stood out to me as a student staying at the residence. There were so many big events, dances and competitions! There was always something to do as a part of student residences, so many hobbies to be a part of, events and socials to attend.

What was your favourite or most memorable class?

My favorite class was Entrepreneurship. The class involved a lot of strategic marketing of a product or service. There was a lot of creativity in coming up with and analyzing business ideas.

This class also fueled my interest in social entrepreneurship, introducing me to the resources available and the opportunities within the province for starting your own business.

How did your experience at the business faculty help you find your first position after graduation?

My first position after graduation was a public affairs new grad with Vale. I was told that a confident personality was the deciding factor for this competitive position working primarily with the public.

I used many communication strategies that learned in my degree and prepared before going into the interview. It’s important to research your organization, prepare questions with answers beforehand, to explain how you will apply your knowledge, experience and education to benefit the specific position.

What’s the best business decision you’ve ever made? How so?

The best business decision I’ve ever made was “to go for the option that you feel would fulfill you the most'' because if you feel strongly passionate about something, you are more likely to do a better job and put in greater effort.

For one summer job, I chose a position for a job that didn’t have an appealing title. It ended up being the most demanding but rewarding job ever. I later requested to change the job title to something more fitting for the responsibilities.

That summer I was the cultural exchange co-ordinator where I managed and co-ordinated  a 10-day cultural exchange gathering between the Labrador Inuit and Dene Nahjo. I attended meetings and expeditions as representatives of marine solutions and planned the community event.

I thrived in this position because I pursued what made me feel more fulfilled with work that would benefit other people. Similar to my current role at SmartICE, I feel best when I am working for northern communities, with Indigenous people I relate to and understand to better co-operate for improved outcomes both for the communities and our social enterprise.

What advice do you have for business students as they consider their future?

My advice to business students as they consider their future is to pursue the direction they feel best aligns with their future goals. Many students are unsure of what business field they want to specialize in. That’s totally normal and okay. Take course electives you think may interest you and determine what you enjoy learning more about.

Upon graduating, a lot of companies require work experience and references when applying for a job. The Bachelor of Commerce (Co-operative) program is great for enhancing your work resume and gaining real-world experience. Your work terms can give you an idea of what company or field you would like to specialize in.

Since I did a BBA, my summer positions working with the government worked great on my resume when applying for jobs after graduation. Your experience and how you present yourself matters the most!

What have you done that you would say had the greatest impact?

Overall, I think that my overall education and work experience has had the greatest impact in helping to establish myself to where I am today. By attending post-secondary and obtaining my BBA, with experience in various government positions and organizations as a young woman from a small Inuit community, demonstrates that regardless of your background or where you are from, that you can do it too!

It will be difficult at times during your degree as the workload and surroundings can be a big adjustment for anyone, but if you try your best and establish yourself with as much experience as you can get, you are already on the right path.

You’ve been very successful in your career to date. What else do you hope to accomplish?

Many jobs that I’ve taken on in the past and present deal with working for Indigenous communities and working to improve circumstances for these communities through cultural revitalization, inclusion of traditional knowledge, representation and respect for Indigenous governance. These are values that I will always hold close to my heart and continue to work for in the future.

Within regional Inuit governments, there are many resources and assistance available for starting your own business. The younger generation of Indigenous people have even more business opportunities to offer within their communities and it’s good to know if I ever want to pursue self-employment, I have that option.

If you could pick one thing in the entire world to spend your time doing, what would it be?

If I could pick one thing in the entire world it would be spending time with my friends and family! Connections will always remain a priority in my life, especially if you strive to be successful in career, health and mindset. It’s so important to surround yourself with uplifting people that motivate and support you.

Tell us a random fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess.

I’m multiracial. My father is from Newfoundland and my mother is half Inuk and half African American, but since I was born and raised in Nain, Nunatsiavut, I feel more connected to my Inuit roots.