Getting to Know…our Planner Member

Katie Lemenchick, CMP
Position: National Program Coordinator
Employer: Mental Health Commission of Canada
Joined MPI in 2012

Contact information
Email: klemenchick@mentalhealthcommission.ca
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katie-lemenchick-cmp-68b6924b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatieLemenchick

About Katie

Born and raised in Ottawa, my original plan in high school was to become a journalist. That dream quickly fizzled when I realized the top-notch grades that were needed to get into journalism school. So – I opted for my next best option – Communication Studies. I completed my degree at Carleton University, and then followed it up with the Event Management program at Algonquin College – by far the best decision I’ve ever made.

On a more personal note, I am a lover of reality TV, Frank’s Red Hot sauce, and cats. I am NOT a lover of the winter months, wearing socks, and olives.

Career Path

While finishing up my degree at Carleton, I remember thinking, “so what does a job in Communications even look like?!” I was scared, even though Carleton had given me a great education, the idea of actually pursuing a career in Communications felt daunting. I knew there was something else out there for me. During my last semester, the faculty held a career night which featured folks from various communications-adjacent industries. Samantha from Starfish Events was one of the speakers, and after listening to her speak, I was hooked. Events! Of course I loved organizing events, I had been doing it for as long as I could remember in my personal life as well as lending a hand with events at my part-time gig at a law firm. I applied to Algonquin’s Event Management program which ended up being the most rewarding experience I could have asked for. I landed my first events job with a non-profit association right after graduation, and the rest is history.

Side note: Samantha at Starfish doesn’t know how much of an impact she has had on my career, but I think of her often. Even though she has no idea who I am!

Social Media:

What is your favourite industry app?

I’ll admit that as a millennial, I have completely dropped the ball when it comes to technology, social media, and apps. However, my favourite program to use to keep organized is OneNote – I’m a simple gal. It does the trick, and who doesn’t love coloured tabs?

Inspiration:

What is one dream you’ve seen fulfilled?

A year ago I wrote down two goals that I had for the coming year. The first was professional—to write the exam to become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). And the second was more of a dream—to become certified to teach spin classes, a hobby of mine which I’m passionate about. Here I am now, writing this a year later, CMP-certified, and teaching spin three times a week. It’s been an extremely fulfilling and rewarding year!

Professional:

What is the best advice you have ever received?

This is a hard one because I have amazing family, friends, and colleagues full of wisdom who have provided me with endless advice over the years. If I had to pick, it would be something that my father says to me: “Things in life are meant to make us better, not bitter”. I am a big believer that everything in life happens for a reason, and that we can use every experience as a learning opportunity.

Personal:

What is the best thing about being the age you are now?

Everything. I’ve learned a lot about myself but know that there is still a lot more learning and discovering to do. I’m living my best life and am looking forward to conquering my next adventure!

Networking:

What’s your favourite ‘icebreaker question’ at a networking event/best conversation starter?

I find a compliment goes a long way, whether it be about someone’s outfit, bag, glasses, shoes…anything. It’s a great way to open the door to conversations plus I think generally in life, people appreciate being noticed.

Favourite Quote:

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” — Socrates

   Article Written By Alison Peverley, Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa

Article Edited By Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation