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Employment Position: Account Manager
Employer: BDC
Occupation: Commercial Banker Birthplace/Home Town: Halifax, NS
Where else have you lived? Belgium (four years on and off), Australia (2 months), New Zealand (2 months), UK, mostly Edinburgh (8 months) Describe yourself in one word: Spirited |
What is the burning issue, your passion? What keeps you up at night?
I wouldn't say I have A burning issue. I was attracted to FUSION's Health & Wellness team because I have a strong interest in nutrition and active living, and I'm looking forward to promoting health and wellness in the HRM this year. Having worked for Habitat for Humanity for four years I'm passionate about helping people have an opportunity to succeed. I have an entrepreneurial drive and spirit and love my career that allows me to work with entrepreneurs and help them succeed in their businesses. Microcredit is an interest and some day I would love to get involved in that field.
Tell us a little about yourself
I was born and raised in Halifax but have been fortunate to have traveled and lived in lots of interesting places around the world. I keep coming back to Halifax though, for the reasons listed below! I graduated with a Finance degree from SMU in 2003. Shortly after graduating I spent four years as Habitat for Humanity HRM's Executive Director, a position that filled my life with challenge, passion and purpose. I'm active and athletic, with favourite activities being playing tennis, hiking with my dog, biking and doing yoga. I recently bought my first home and love getting my hands dirty in my backyard vegetable garden!
Why do you live in Halifax now?
I returned to Halifax a year ago after a year overseas. I missed the warmth of the people in Nova Scotia, something that is so rare in this big world. My immediate family are all in Nova Scotia and I have a fabulous circle of friends, so Halifax is definitely home.
What do you love about living in Halifax/being an East Coaster?
We are blessed with beautiful landscape, a comfortable climate (most of the time!) and the some of the friendliest people in the world. The city's size is perfect for me since I enjoy the activity and culture but also like being in a bikeable city.
What is your most memorable Halifax experience?
My Latvian Grandfather and I went to a Latvia – Canada hockey game a few years ago. He was so proud, taking pictures of the (crazy!) Latvians, beautiful tall blonds, etc.. It was a raucous game and a fun experience to have with him.
Why is it great to be young in Halifax?
We have the opportunity to enliven our city and be a part of new developments that will make Halifax an even better place to live for future generations.
What would you change about Halifax?
Regarding health and wellness, I would like us to be more aware of buying local food. I've recently learned that we spend 2.6 billion on food in Nova Scotia and 2.3 billion of that is leaving the province. We should be aware of where our food is coming from at the grocery store and start shopping at local farmers markets. I'd like us to be a more active and nutrition- conscious community. As a biker I would love more bike paths and clearly marked bike lanes, particularly on routes to downtown (such as Quinpool road) so more people could safely choose to bike to work. Finally I would like us to be able to attract world-class events and performers and have the facilities to support them.
What is your favorite restaurant/pub?
The Foggy Goggle
What is your favorite meeting spot?
I'll pick a new one -- Obladee Wine Bar.
What would you tell a new young person moving to Halifax?
Get involved because, for better or worse, Halifax is a tight community that is, I think, very welcoming but can be a bit insular.
If someone were to ask you, who should I ‘know’ in Halifax. Who would you recommend they meet?
Matt Whitman, who everyone probably has as a Facebook friend... but who I know from his time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Matt likes to help people who are new to Halifax get connected and meet people, through his volunteer work with OWL and networking groups.