Communications Director, Elevated Grounds
Business Consultant, YMCA Business Centre
Freelance Writer, Expose Entertainment Magazine

1. Describe a typical Thursday.

There is no typical Thursday. By Thursday, I am at the brink of getting my major tasks complete before the end of the work week and every week is different. Hence, getting out of bed can be a bit challenging and yet motivating. Once I wake up, I say a prayer thanking God for life and giving me the to execute my purpose another day. It is important that I equip myself with positive spiritual energy before I start my day. I will stretch, shower and groom myself which I proudly say takes me forty five minutes on a good day. I take my breakfast with me and head out the door. Driving to work is also a rejuvenating period of time for me because I live in the suburbs and work in the city so that gives me time to reflect and mentally align my tasks for the day. I usually blast positive music of any sort during my drive. Upon arriving to work at 9am, I promptly check all 4 of my email in-boxes and begin working on my tasks. As a business consultant I have clients that book appointments with me for coaching. I usually have 3 appointments on Thursdays and in between them I work on my second job as a freelance journalist for Expose Entertainment Magazine. Being assigned stories on a regular basis always creates deadlines in my midst. I work on theses articles during the slow period throughout my day. For Elevated Grounds, a non-profit organization that uses the arts to awaken the infinite potential I assume the role as the the Communications Director. Because we offer youth programs year round, there is constant work to do. The down time period as a business consultant allows me to do this. After seeing my last client for the day in the late afternoon, I head home. As always, I blast my positive music to to keep the momentum going. Upon arriving home, I make the effort to spend time with my family and I usually watch a movie. I do some night reading most times. Currently, I am reading Oprah’s favorite "A New Earth: Awaken Your Life’s Purpose" and then head to bed. I make it my life’s mission to always have a progressive day and get something accomplished.

2. What was your first job out of school?

I was blessed because while I was finishing up my last courses in University I worked in the jobs I am working in right now. It’s important to network and pursue career interests before finishing school because once your finished your studies you will be set.

3. What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?

a) Having an open mind: In an industry that is constantly changing (the business and journalism world) it is pertinent for one’s survival in these fields to remain open to different discourses and perspectives. However, this presents the need to be absolutely grounded at the same time. I call it having a liberal spirit while still being very centralized.

b) Time management: Coaching up and coming entrepreneurs, writing for a magazine and communications material for Elevated Grounds, time management in each area is integral. Time management is a life virtue I think and it’s needed to maintain order and balance (something I attempt to accomplish daily).

c) Have the ability to be interpersonal: Interacting with the public is central to my occupations. This comes easy for me because I love to connect and interact with various people and learn from their experiences.

4. What do you love most about your career?

Connecting with all types of people from various walks of life is what I love most about my jobs. From hearing an innovative business idea from a former stay at home mom, to interviewing the cast members of the all Canadian hit show Degrassi and producing an article, to writing press releases for Elevated Grounds’ annual theatrical productions in each I gain the opportunity to learn tremendously from those I encounter.

5. Do you have any warnings?

I advise all people to follow their deepest passion and purpose in life. I learned that once you veer off the path of your true purpose, it is will be nearly impossible to achieve true happiness. Once you discover your purpose is when you truly live because your life will then make sense.

6. If you could try a different career for the year, what would it be?

I would love to be the Prime Minister of Canada as an alternative career. Working in the non-profit field through Elevated Grounds has given me great insight into the populations who are marginalized due to their socio-economic status being lower than the status quo. One of my first actions as Prime Minister would be assisting the lives of these people in addition to working towards ending the war in Iraq along with (fingers crossed) President Barack Obama.