In Focus: Chalene Begin
In Focus is a new special spotlight series featuring employees who work behind-the-scenes at Mohawk College.
Position:
Events Coordinator
Department:
Office of the President
How long at Mohawk College:
8 years
Tell us what you do at the college?
The Mohawk Special Events team works out of the President’s Office and leads all President’s Office events, Convocation, college-sponsored events, and supports college-wide and department-specific events. We also support the Mohawk College Foundation with their fundraising and donor events.
As the Events Coordinator, I coordinate, plan, develop, promote, implement, monitor and evaluate detailed strategies and logistics for events at all four campuses. This includes events hosted by Mohawk College and those hosted by external clients in partnership with Mohawk, the President's Office and the Board of Governors.
What is the one thing that makes you want to come to work each day?
The people. I strongly believe that the people you surround yourself with make all aspects of your life better. Your core team helps you stay focused, enhances your creativity, gives you a sense of community, encourages you to strive for more in your career, and makes you laugh through the bumps along the way.
In my role, I have the opportunity to work with people in all departments across the four campuses, as well as external clients. This allows me to cultivate relationships, build partnerships, and develop and implement diverse events, all while growing as an individual and building my skillset.
It’s the people you meet along the way that make you want to come to work each day.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?
When I am not working, you will find me exploring in nature. Whether I am going for a walk with my dog, Beasley, embarking on an adventurous hike with friends, kayaking or portaging lakes, or going on an ATV ride in the North (and stopping for a river side fish fry!) -- exploring and being outside is all I want to do.
Next summer, I will be completing a 300 km (approx. 10 day) paddle that includes portaging between lakes and camping under the stars.
If you see me in the hallway, say hello and let’s go for a walk!
