JR: After high school, I went straight into the Journalism program for a year, but it didn’t quite feel like the right fit. At the time, I was working at The Delta Prince Edward as a front desk agent, and my goal was to stay with the Delta brand and eventually move into their marketing and events department. With that goal in mind, I made the switch into the Marketing and Advertising Management program.
I wanted something versatile because I was young and still figuring out what I wanted to do. The program offered such a wide range of career paths and gave me a great foundation. Some of my closest friends today are people I met in that program!
JR: I stayed at Delta for a long time, even while taking on other roles. After graduating from 腦瞳憫, I joined the Cavendish Beach Music Festival as a marketing coordinator, and before leaving I was managing the tickets for the festival.
When my time at CBMF ended, I joined Versatile Management Group, a local events and marketing company. I started as a marketing coordinator, moved into the Marketing Manager role, and eventually served as Interim Marketing Director. During that time, I managed the Fall Flavours Festival and worked on events like the Jack Frost Festival, the PEI Festival of Wines, and the PEI Spirits Festival.
While my time with VMG was rewarding, a position opened up at The Delta in event management. The timing was right, and I returned to take on that role. Upon my return, I also managed the marketing for both The Delta Prince Edward and The Delta Beausejour in New Brunswick.
Ultimately, in 2023, I accepted a role with Island Waste Management as their Communications and Engagement Manager, and I have been with the corporation since.
My career hasn’t taken the path I originally anticipated, but networking played a huge role in every job I’ve had.
JR: I like to call myself a “girl in garbage”! As the Communications and Engagement Manager, I manage all outward-facing communications and public relations for the corporation. I love what I do! One of the best parts is working with the IWMC team – they are some of the most passionate people you’ll meet. Many of them helped create the Waste Watch Program more than 25 years ago. This job has also genuinely made me passionate about creating less waste, and when it is created, ensuring it is sorted properly.
JR: The idea came from a passion for reusing what we already have and reducing waste, and an interest in “circular markets” — essentially community driven programs where people trade items, as opposed to buying new.
About five weeks before Christmas in 2024, I posted in a local moms’ group asking if anyone would be interested in a free toy market where parents could pick out Christmas gifts for their kids. There are many programs that ensure PEI children receive gifts over the holidays, but not many that allow parents the dignity and joy of choosing those gifts themselves.
Seven of us volunteered to organize it, planning everything through a group chat. We put out a call for donations and were overwhelmed by the response. We received not just gently used toys, but brand-new items and incredibly generous gifts.
On the day of the first market, we weren’t sure anyone would come. Our first visitor arrived at 9 a.m. after driving from Tignish, and by 11 a.m., most of the items were gone. That year, we estimated that approximately 280 children benefited from our market. With more planning time the following year, we were able to collect more items, and we estimate that over 400 children received gifts from the 2025 market!
The Play Again Christmas Market is truly a labour of love with our group of organizers. It’s a market for everyone, with a focus on community, kindness, and creating something special without judgment.
JR: The most rewarding part has been being able to do work I love while also using those skills to help build community. The Play Again Christmas Market, for example, brings together so many skills I’ve developed over the past decade, from event planning to grassroots marketing, and the power of networking.
JR: I’ve had plenty of difficult, and sometimes funny, moments. Event Management was essentially putting out little fires every day. If you ever see me in person, ask me about the time I had to find live cattle for a “petting zoo” within two hours of an event. (Spoiler: I did get the cows).
On a more serious note, the most difficult experience was transitioning into motherhood while maintaining a career I was deeply dedicated to. Re-entering the workforce after having my son changed everything — my identity, my priorities, and how I saw myself professionally. It took years to find a balance between being a mom and being someone who works hard in their career. I love that my kids can see a mom who can do both and has worked to find a balance that works for our family.
JR: Remember that everything is solvable. Approach every situation with the mindset that you can solve it, even if it takes extra work. Take things one small step at a time, and you’ll get there.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly… sort your garbage properly!
