Meeting Meaghan Olmstead: The Mother Duck of the Yukon Ducklings
š A Reflection on Meeting Meaghan Olmstead: The Mother Duck of the Yukon Ducklings š
I recently had the incredible opportunity to meet Meaghan Olmstead, the dynamic leader of the Yukon Study group, during the CSC2023 – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference – Canada 2023 .
Over nearly three weeks, I witnessed Meaghan’s exceptional leadership skills and her ability to bring together individuals from nine different countries, each with unique perspectives and paradigms.
Managing such a diverse group and aligning them towards a common goal is no small feat, but Meaghan tackled it with grace and precision.
From the induction to the conference’s conclusion, she remained tirelessly committed, orchestrating hundreds of visits with surgical precision.
It’s not every day that you encounter someone who can navigate differences with such finesse, and Meaghan certainly excelled in this regard.
Despite our fair share of differences in perspectives, I can’t help but express my deep respect, love, and admiration for Meaghan, both as a person and as a professional.
Her ability to come out of her paradigms and comfort zone (Believe me its easier said than done ) for the greater good of the group was really commendable.
Her hospitality and care exceeded my expectations, earning her the affectionate nickname “Mother Duck of the group.”
I eagerly look forward to crossing paths with her again and extending the same warmth and hospitality when she visits India.
Meaghan’s professional journey is equally impressive.
Born in Ottawa and raised in New Brunswick, Meaghan’s diverse experiences across Canada have shaped her unique perspective.
Her prior role with the Canadian Red Cross, coupled with her Labour Relations Certificate from Queens University, reflects a commitment to humanitarian causes and ongoing educational pursuits, including plans for Pension and Benefits certifications.
In her role with the union, Meaghan has leveraged her distinctive viewpoint to assist numerous members, successfully negotiated collective agreements, and actively participated in key workgroups and committees influencing federal legislation.
Notably, her dedication to equity and diversity is evident through her co-founding and co-chairing of both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 2228 Womenās Committee and the IFATSEA Womenās Committee.
Meaghan Olmstead is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, embodying leadership, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of equity.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have crossed paths with such an inspiring individual and eagerly anticipate the positive impact she continues to make in the realm of electrical workers’ representation and beyond.
Here’s to the next encounter, Meaghan, and the prospect of hosting you in India! šš¤
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