Age: 39
Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands
Company: Full-service law firm
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow enters important next phase
For Ginger Bertrand, some of her earliest childhood memories in Ottawa are centred around healthcare. “I grew up across the street from what was originally the General Hospital,” she explains,
World Junior Championships set to boost Ottawa’s economy and global reputation
The World Junior Championships will kick off in Ottawa in December, bringing tens of millions of dollars of economic activity to the city, as well as a chance for local
Education: Bachelor of laws, University of Ottawa (2009); bachelor of arts with distinction in sociology, Carleton University (2002)
Charitable involvement: Youville Centre
Biggest biz achievement: I am the most proud of having built strong relationships with my clients – I feel very lucky to work with people who feel they can rely on me and to be able to support them in the work they are doing.
Biggest obstacle: Becoming a parent at a young age was certainly not easy. That being said, it was an incredible source of motivation and has been a key factor in me becoming the person that I am today.
Biggest influence: I think my children have been the biggest influence on me. I have been parenting my entire adult life, so my decisions in going to school and starting my career have been made with them in mind.
Biggest lesson learned: Be direct with people and have the hard conversations early. People tend to avoid difficult topics, but approaching a contentious issue head-on as opposed to making assumptions can save you a lot of trouble.
First job: Counter staff and food preparation employee at a French gourmet food store.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Be less afraid to take risks and speak your mind. I think women are taught to play it safe and discouraged from being frank – and I think the more quickly we can shake off those lessons and find our voices, the better off we are.
Favourite pastime: Trying to convince my very old dog that he wants to go on a longer walk.
I’m currently reading: Disease and History by Frederick Fox Cartwright
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram
