There were so many teachers and coaches that really made an impact on me. The number one teacher who stood out during my five-year Shawnigan journey was Lynne Grass. She was my advisor and introduced me to field hockey.

Lynne helped me to come into my own. When I first came to Shawnigan, I was not confident - but Lynne helped me build my confidence. She was tough on me; she had this high bar of excellence, and she really encouraged me. She was always my sounding board, and she pushed me to drive harder in all areas. Lynne helped me excel in everything I put my mind to. I wouldn't call her a cheerleader because she was tougher than a cheerleader, but she held the bar high and was with me every step of the way. She made a big impact on me.

 

I felt like Shawnigan prepared me [to go to Queen’s University] because I was used to living on my own, and having taken this step towards independence made me feel comfortable attending Queen’s. One of the key reasons I chose Queen’s was because of Shawnigan, as my support system at the School really pushed me to think bigger and I had incredible support from my family. The foundation that Shawnigan provided was instrumental.

Being part of the varsity field hockey team at Queen’s really anchored me, like my sports at Shawnigan helped anchor me. It was like this mini family within the larger family - and again, that's exactly what Shawnigan provided me with. 

I remember back when I was applying to all these schools, I wanted to apply for the Queen’s Commerce program. However, I applied for the Arts and Sciences program. It took me two years to transfer into Commerce. I learned a lesson back then - if you want something, then go out and get it. I have now been in business for 23 years. 

It’s an interesting reflection, to make sure I listen to my own inner voice. Shawnigan helped me build this confidence.

 

 

Jacqueline Flett approached me; we were in Groves’ and we played field hockey together, so I knew her well. She reached out to me on LinkedIn and mentioned she had been watching my career progress and development, and asked if we could have a conversation. 

I was hard on Jackie in that first meeting. The things that I remember about Shawnigan were incredible. I had an amazing time, but it was still very old school back then. It was very male-dominated, so I pushed her on what diversity looks like. Where are we with women leadership? How are we preparing students for the future around tech and innovation? I wanted to make sure that I would be adding value to an organization, that my voice is heard, and that the Board is inclusive. Jackie put my mind at ease. 

 

I wanted to understand more about how Shawnigan is changing for the future - how Shawnigan is keeping things from the past special, and how Shawnigan is integrating new learnings to help the students be future focused and have that future mindset. 

I think continuing to make sure that the students take ownership in their own learning journey. That they continue to have a say and are active participants in their education. I am really big on that. 

For example, look at how universities are evolving, how jobs are evolving, and how technology is completely turning everything on its head. I want to make sure we are preparing this next generation of leaders to be ready for that world, and to take a real active voice and active participation in their education. I think that's a big piece of continuing that side. And then of course, since I am in tech, I want to see how Shawnigan is going to use technology and innovation in their education. 

 

The advice I usually give is specific to the person I'm mentoring or coaching. In general, what served me well is to remember walls and obstacles are there to show us how badly we want something, and if you're determined and passionate, you will find a way. You'll build different relationships, you'll learn new skills, and you'll come at it from a variety of different angles. 

Challenges and obstacles are there to remind me how badly I want something. I’m going to dig deep and I’m going to approach it ten different ways to get it. This extends back to my hard work and grit. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and this drive is always at the forefront for me. Shawnigan helped grow that.

 

Go bold. Go big. Do it. You are the only thing holding yourself back.

 

I would say my parents, since they both provided such different perspectives. My mom and dad were quite different role models.  

I also look up to Justice Ginsberg (RBG). My favourite quotes by RBG: