Business Support Manager

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career a Business Support Manager?

In my current role, I manage a team of three direct reports who support monitoring, reporting, procurement, quality assurance and risk mitigation for the entire Risk Reduction and Resilience department at the Canadian Red Cross. Working on a centralized, internal-facing team in a non-profit setting means that I get to touch many meaningful programs and trainings, including those in the areas of climate change adaptation, youth engagement and injury prevention. Working at the Red Cross also means having the opportunity to contribute to response operations, such as wildfires or floods. My response work is focused on social emergencies, which is when a community experiences a socially-rooted crisis (i.e. not a natural disaster) that surpasses their local capacity to re-stabilize.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first job after graduation was a Homelessness Prevention Coordinator at Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg in the east end of Hamilton. That role introduced me to working with and learning from Indigenous community members. I learned a lot, which opened doors to take on subsequent roles, including my current role, which have also had a heavy focus on serving Indigenous communities.

How did your ideas about career options evolve from the time you entered first year university to your final year and beyond (and what influenced those ideas)?

Entering university, my goal was to become a psychologist. After taking a few first year courses I became more interested in sociology and began widening the scope of future job titles to consider. By fourth year I had found specific interest in family dynamics from a social psychological lens and applied to grad school for marriage and family counselling. I was not accepted into any of the programs I applied to and was honestly feeling pretty defeated. I decided to start applying to entry-level jobs while taking as many shifts as I could at my barista job. It took me almost six months of applying to every job ad remotely related to my degree to land the position as a Homelessness Prevention Coordinator. I loved working for an organization with a meaningful, community-oriented purpose, and it definitely shaped the direction of my career pathway.

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA (Hons.) Social Psychology with a minor in Mental Health, Addiction and Society – McMaster University

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)

What have you found most beneficial about the specific degree program you completed at McMaster?

My degree in social psychology focused on studying the relationship between individuals and society. It helped me identify how people behave in varying social settings. Not only does this benefit me in navigating my personal relationships it can be applied to work and professional settings too. Given that relationships permeate in any situation, I found my degree applicable to all aspects of my life.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Social Sciences degree?

A social sciences degree in my opinion really educates recipients on how to navigate the human experience in an increasingly diverse and globalized world. By focusing on the intricacies of the social/lived experience, a social sciences graduate is better equipped to be socially aware and understand how our differences can unite us.

What advice would you give to a current Social Sciences student who is exploring career options?

For social sciences students who are currently exploring career options, I would highly recommend pursuing experiential opportunities to enhance their profile through real-work experiences! A good start would be enrollment in the SOCSCI 2EL0 career course; while also exploring internships, volunteering or other hands-on opportunities. I also recommend connecting with past alumni for career advice!

How did completing the SOCSCI 2EL0 career course shape your career planning or your post-graduation journey?

By completing the SOCSCI 2EL0 career course, it helped me better understand how to create my own value proposition and market my skills to future employers. I was able to learn industry trends for career planning that I still practice today!

Family Law Lawyer

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Family Law Lawyer?

I am an Associate Family Law Lawyer at a firm in Vaughan, Ontario. I assist clients with all areas of family law, including negotiation, litigation or alternative dispute resolution processes, such as mediation or arbitration. Day to day, I am often in meetings with clients, drafting court documents and correspondence, or conducting legal research and advising clients on their options and strategy. This career path was something that I had my heart set on since I was a little kid – I love to think critically and put my brain to work whenever I can. I enjoy reading and writing, which is probably about 90% of being a lawyer. I also enjoy problem solving and oral advocacy, which are skills I put to use almost daily in my career.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

I followed a fairly linear path after graduating from McMaster in the spring of 2019. In the fall of 2019, I started law school at Windsor Law, where I graduated in 2022. Following my graduation from Windsor Law, I followed the traditional path of articling for 10 months before being called to the Ontario Bar in 2023, after which I re-joined the firm where I completed my articles as an associate. I honed many of my skills at that firm and created lifelong connections there. In April 2025, I started as an Associate lawyer at a new family law firm in Vaughan. I had always worked part time jobs throughout most of my academic studies – You could often find me serving or bartending, or sometimes even photographing weddings.

Did you get involved in any on-campus clubs, associations, or leadership roles? If so, how do you reflect on that experience?

I was heavily involved in the McMaster community, which was a large part of why my application for law school was so strong. I was a member of the McMaster Social Sciences Society for 3 years, acting as a welcome week representative, photography coordinator and media coordinator. I also was a member of the executive team for the McMaster Sociology Society as VP of Public Relations and with McMaster Relay for Life. My engagement in these roles led me to some of the closest friendships I have ever had, and that I still cherish and nurture to this day. Although the coursework was critically important, I genuinely believe that the most impactful part of my time at McMaster was my involvement in campus clubs/organizations and the connections that I made with other students.

What’s the most valuable or impactful piece of career advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass on?

You’re only human and you’re bound to mess up sometimes. The most important thing is to give yourself grace, take accountability and take steps to fix it. Allow yourself to be human, make mistakes and learn from them – this is how you grow and get better!

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• Honours BA Social Psychology – McMaster University
• Juris Doctor – University of Windsor Faculty of Law