Earlier this year, NATIONAL launched a new initiative offering Canadian employees the opportunity to engage in volunteer activities during a paid day off. I jumped at the chance on April 30th to spend a day with the JCCM — Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal to record an episode of their podcast, La relève au Micro, as well as to host a panel at La Grande Rencontre de la Relève d’Affaires de Montréal (GRRAM). It has been nearly two years since I have been involved with the JCCM as a volunteer co-director of marketing, an enriching experience and full of opportunities as a member of Montreal's new generation of business professionals.
During my volunteer engagement day, I had the chance to speak with Mélanie Paul, an Ilnu entrepreneur from Mashteuiatsh in Lac-Saint-Jean, whose mission is to develop the economy of the First Nations of Quebec. In discussing her journey, we explored different perspectives on collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples towards reconciliation through entrepreneurship before her keynote panel at GRRAM.
This edition of GRRAM brought together over 250 participants in a dynamic setting at the Centre des mémoires montréalaises. Our panel focused on the future of media after the adoption of Bill C-18 on June 22, 2023, as well as the issues of access to independent information in the era of social networks. GRRAM members were able to ask several questions and interact with Yannick Pinel, Editor-in-Chief of RAD (Radio-Canada), and Florence Turpault-Desroches, Vice President of Communications and Philanthropy for La Presse, as well as Siddartha Borissov-Beausoleil, a lawyer at Lavery.
In short, my paid day off allowed me to become actively involved in causes close to my heart, while reinforcing my personal and professional development. My experience with the JCCM at the La Grande Rencontre de la Relève d'Affaires de Montréal was rich in opportunities for dialogue and collaboration on crucial issues such as economic reconciliation and the future of the media. My involvement with the JCCM—with the support of NATIONAL—allows me to continually meet new people and forge ties with people from different industries and backgrounds who I wouldn't otherwise have come into contact with.
“Gabrielle is a bold individual with exceptional insight. As volunteer co-director of the creative marketing committee for the JCCM's 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons, she stands out for her unwavering commitment. Her sharp critical mind constantly pushes her to question the status quo, always with a view to taking the JCCM further. Gabrielle is not only an exceptional professional, but also a trusted collaborator. Her in-depth knowledge of the ecosystem and trends in emerging business, combined with her ability to produce work of remarkable quality, makes her a valuable resource for the creative marketing committee,” said Sarah Kemerer, Assistant General Manager of the JCCM.
“Volunteer involvement is highly encouraged at NATIONAL, and I'm particularly pleased to support Gabrielle in her JCCM commitments, having been involved myself for more than five years. The JCCM community is strong and enriching,” added Mirabel Paquette, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communication.
These moments of sharing and learning perfectly illustrate the positive impact such initiatives can have, not only on individuals, but on the community as a whole.
