Age: 38
Birthplace: Canada
Company: Public affairs agency
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts
Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”
The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts
Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”
Education: Master of arts (communications), University of Ottawa (2010)
Charitable involvement: Mamawi Together
Biggest biz achievement: In 2015, we were honoured by OBJ for being one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies. Working with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as as a communications adviser and media relations manager is also a career highlight. Under my management, the MediaStyle team successfully handled thousands of media requests during a series of emotionally intense events.
Biggest obstacle: In my five years at MediaStyle, I have worked hard alongside my business partners to grow the company from a staff of four to 14. As with any business, there have been periods of slow growth and periods of extremely rapid growth. It hasn’t always been smooth, and I’ve learned a lot over the years. As part of the management team, I have been involved in domains such as hiring and human resources that were new to me and required me to expand my skill set greatly.
Biggest influence: Working with Sen. Murray Sinclair over the past two years has had an incredible influence on my life. His dedication to educating Canadians about how our country treated Indigenous and Inuit Canadians is awe-inspiring. It’s been an absolute amazing experience learning from his tenacity, decision-making and ability to captivate a room.
First job: Co-ordinator of a two-day outdoor social justice festival in Newfoundland called the Peace-A-Chord.
What’s left to do: There is so much injustice in Canada that needs to be addressed and I hope to be able to help in as many ways as possible. MediaStyle does important work to create a more equitable country.
Favourite pastime: Mountain biking
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Fury FC
Favourite local summer event: Ottawa Bluesfest
Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Instagram
Twitter handle: @caitlinkealey
