Your personal volunteer story
My volunteer story with MPI started in 2021 when I’ve joined the Ottawa Chapter and started volunteering with the marketing committee. Shortly after I became Chair of Chapter News and Views portfolio. The following year 2022 I wanted to get more involved so I volunteered at the Global level and joined the Rise Award Selection Committee. The same year, I have also served on the MPI Canadian Foundation under the leadership of the fabulous Jennifer Beatty.
What made you want to volunteer at MPI? Or why you chose to start volunteering.
I followed an advice given by my work colleague Lisa Levia who was already a member of MPI. At that time, I was looking to get my CMP and I need education. I’ve signed up for the MPI Academy Basics Bootcamp: Meeting Fundamentals I’ve joined MPI. After the first MPI networking event, members were telling me: “you get from MPI as much as you put in” you should volunteer. Best advice ever! I’ve joined the marketing committee back then and my MPI story started.
What ROI have you gotten since volunteering for MPI?
ROI are numerous but here are a few highlights:
- Incredible connections with members at your local chapter but also internationally
- Inspiration from speakers or members
- Boost of creativity when attending MPI events
- Friends for a lifetime
- Continuing education via the MPI academy or via the events organized by the education team of your local chapter
- Acquiring new skills by collaborating with others on committees
What inspires you to continue to serve?
What inspires me to continue to serve is to participate to conferences such as EMEC or WEC. I am always meeting new members with whom I want to share and exchange ideas. At EMEC I was lucky to meet MPI Board Members, they were friendly and approachable, that also inspired me to continue to serve.
What makes volunteering with MPI special?
What makes volunteering with MPI so special is because MPI is more than an association it is like a family. Members are not just colleagues, they become friends.
Expectations versus reality of volunteering
Volunteering is a time commitment. It is extremely rewarding but you need to commit, complete your tasks and participates to meetings. From the energy and the time you put in you get the recognition, connections and new skills. To volunteer you must be passionate about what you do and find the committee that fits your interests/strengths.
April 2022 - The Event
November 2022 – Rising Star Award
March 2023 – EMEC
