How long have you been with Charity Search Group?
It will be 1 year in April!
What is your favorite part about working at Charity Search Group?
My job at Charity Search Group challenges my ability to be adaptive. Every job search is different and so I am always presented with new criteria to follow and challenges to overcome. I also love getting the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues to brainstorm solutions together.
What does your job entail?
The majority of my work as a project coordinator involves sourcing candidates and keeping their applications organized for the search consultants. However, I do also search for and respond to RFPs, troubleshoot issues, and research clients sometimes.
What do you think makes Charity Search Group unique?
What makes Charity Search Group unique is our search consultants’ diverse experience in the non-profit sector. It makes searching for the right candidates that much easier. Other than that, I would say we are a very supportive team. We always look for ways to help each other be successful and collaborate when possible.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I danced for fourteen years and at one point wanted to attend the National Ballet of Canada and dance professionally.
How have you been involved in the nonprofit sector in the past?
I don’t have much experience in the nonprofit sector other than some experience as a development assistant at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am however always looking to learn more about the nonprofit space and do so by listening to my experienced colleagues’ advice.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love watching movies and tv series (especially those based on mysteries or documentaries) with my dog Arlo. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy being with my friends and family and trying new restaurants.
What causes are you passionate about?
Having lived in Toronto, Ontario for my undergraduate degree, I was exposed to the unsafe, stressful life houseless individuals experience every day. Right now, 11% of houseless people in Toronto are youth, and 39% of this group report struggling with their mental health. Seeing people my age houseless made me want to help at-risk youth in Toronto receive the support they need to build healthy, fulfilling and productive lives. When downtown, my co-op housing would collect goods to send to youth shelters in Toronto. I continue supporting these youth shelters with donated goods but I plan to create a greater impact in the future.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try. I used to get stuck trying to start a new project because I needed it to be perfect the first time. This fear prevented me from taking on many new opportunities and experiences. Overcoming this fear, I’ve learned that the worst that can come from failure is a lesson on how to be better, and that it isn’t something that should stop me from trying something new.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative, Analytical, and Motivated.
