Busy Senior Marketing Manager pursues both career and family
For Catherine, being one of Northwestel’s newest female senior leaders isn’t out of the ordinary. Her entire career in telecommunications has been shaped by strong female leaders who came before her.
“While there’s still progress to be made, there’s a long line of women at Northwestel who are paving the way” Catherine shares.
She was hired at Northwestel 11 years ago by two women who taught her everything they know about marketing. After university she joined the company full time, excited to be in a department where she could learn from a female executive. “My female supervisors have always been strong, bold and confident, but also had an emotional side that they could harness in a powerful way.”
Catherine with her first boss at a Northwestel holiday party,
a woman she holds great respect for as a woman and a business leader.
Eventually Catherine’s drive led her to try a job in a more male dominated unit, as a Manager for mobile radio. “It was my first experience surrounded by only men and it was different. But I noticed the diversity and skill set that my being a younger, female employee brought to the table, and how it added a lot of value to the team.”
These days life is about to get busier for Catherine, who is expecting twins this spring.
“Before I had my first child I felt ready to go after a more challenging role, until I found out I was pregnant and dropped out of the competition. I regretted that decision, so with this pregnancy I’m not afraid to ask for support so I can accomplish my career goals at the same time as raising a family.”
“Maternity leave provides a great opportunity to travel.” Catherine pictured with her
daughter outside of her home town of Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia.
To retain driven and passionate employees like Catherine, there’s no question, it’s all about providing support.
From Northwestel’s latest launch of Parental leave benefits, to getting time off so her team of doctors could implement a medical plan that prioritizes her health, to being able to work remotely during Covid-19, Catherine appreciates the support as she approaches motherhood for the second-time.
“Without this support I’d crash and burn. Instead, I have the flexibility and financial support to make decisions that make sense for me and my family.”
#ChoosetoChallenge this International Women’s Day
From celebrating northern women in telecommunications and technology to recognizing the achievements and contributions of our female identified employees, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time for Northwestel to take a step back and say “Thank you”.
We encourage our northern communities and leaders to challenge inequality and confront bias. On March 8, and every other day of the year, we #choosetochallenge because from challenge comes change. Want to share your own IWD moment? Learn more about this year’s “choose to challenge” theme, then share a photo on social media using the hashtag #choosetochallenge.
Continue your IWD 2021 celebrations by reading our other employee highlight stories:
- IT Manager acts as role model for daughters and girls everywhere
- It was dress pants to Carhartt’s for this new Field Operations Manager
- Unstoppable Account Executives like Carmen drive success at Northwestel
- Excelling in the traditionally male dominated field of health and safety
