Today’s Notable Young Professional is WE.org Associate Director of Media Partnerships Samantha Cherry, whose international organization empowers people to change the world both locally and globally. We caught up with her to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
Associate Director of Media Partnerships for WE.org, leading the development, strategy, and amplification of key media partnerships across the US and Canada.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
When the opportunity arose to work with WE.org I jumped at the chance to translate my skills to an organization that truly makes a difference. WE.org is an international organization that empowers people to change the world locally and globally. They do this through WE Day, a life-changing global event that celebrates youth making a difference, ME to WE, an innovative social enterprise that provides products that make an impact, and Free The Children, an international charity and educational partner that empowers people to lift themselves out of poverty. I truly believe in the work we do, and am grateful to combine my love of partnerships and marketing with a fantastic organization that enables me to see the positive results of my work each and every day.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Coming from the professional sports world, I will never forget the moment that I finished my first Grey Cup. The confetti cannon went off and it was surreal to see what months of hard work and an amazing team can accomplish. Working with WE Day has been a similar experience for me – being there with 16,000 kids and influential celebrities who are all passionate about a cause close to their hearts opened my eyes personally and professionally. After experiencing my first WE Day tour, it is clear why we have such amazing global brands partnering with our organization and why I am so proud and excited to be a part of it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Doing what I love, waking up inspired, having no regrets, and always being surrounded by amazing, positive people.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be yourself, trust your gut, put 110% into everything you do, and turn every situation into an opportunity.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I am a huge supporter of Rethink Breast Cancer and their signature event, Boobyball. I have been on the sponsorship committee for three years now and it is always incredible to see the innovative and amazing ideas that they are coming up with to support young women with breast cancer. I am also very passionate about raising awareness for mental health. It is something that is not talked about enough and is very close to my heart. I really appreciate and admire all of the work that Notable has been doing with the CMHA.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Overcommitting myself. I want to help everyone, be on every committee and always say yes. Learning how much you can manage and being realistic with your time is something important to learn. My mentor once told me: “Only do something if you can give 110%. Every little thing matters and there is nothing more important than how others perceive you.” That stuck with me.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Having what it takes to make a positive and lasting impression on everyone you meet.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
The Keg. There is nothing better than being on a patio with some great people, a glass of wine, and a baseball steak.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
I ask a million questions; Google and I have a love/hate relationship
Justin Timberlake’s new song, Can’t Stop the Feeling.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Ireland: Some of the best days of my life were in Dublin.
Next: Europe or South East Asia
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Seeing others travelling the world or when Kyle Lowry scores a three-point shot from half court and I didn’t go to the game.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Every time my roommate Lia says, “Wine?”
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Less: Cell phone data and Uber.
More: Exploring the world.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Complete happiness.
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