Marsha Doucette is the Regional Coordinator at the Canadian Liver Foundation, where she does everything from organizing events to promoting liver disease awareness. Currently promoting Liver Health Month, check out how Marsha changes lives while remaining grounded in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the regional coordinator for the Toronto GTA chapter of the Canadian Liver Foundation. I am primarily responsible for the events and health fairs in Toronto & GTA region. I also recruit and train volunteers and community members to ensure that all are aware of the foundation’s mission.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I had been volunteering with the Canadian Liver Foundation back home (London, Ontario), organizing upcoming events, helping raise money, and communicating with those around me on the importance of liver health and how liver disease research is so crucial for saving lives. The London coordinator then told me of this job opening in Toronto; I thought what an amazing opportunity.
My dad is my inspiration, but it has turned into something much larger then that. I have met some amazing people, living with liver disease and their loved ones. Along with my dad, those people are my inspiration. I know I will be with the foundation for a long time, and that my hard work will make a difference in people’s lives. I am excited for it all.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is knowing that my energy and enthusiasm can help educate and inspire those around me. For example, I love meeting with corporations to educate and teach them about liver disease and who we are, in hopes of receiving funding that which will help find cures for the over 100 different liver diseases. I aim to teach at least 1 person about liver disease and how they can help their own lives or the lives of others.
The most challenging part is knowing I can’t educate everyone. I receive emotional phone calls, emails, letters; from people either living with liver disease or from their loved ones. There is nothing I can do to get him/her closer to the top of the transplant list, or to help them with the thousands of dollars in expenses to cover the cost of the liver disease and transplant drugs. I can however, be a voice, and ear, and a heart, but even then it gets emotionally difficult.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself inspiring and motivating individuals who want to make a difference. Whether that be volunteers or employees of the CLF, I want to be a leader and mentor, and to do the best job I can.
What does success look like to you?
Waking up each day excited. I believe that success is more than status. I hope that my aspiration to be a good person and to help others in need creates an epidemic of giving and sharing.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My interview for this position. I don’t think I’ve ever been so intensely passionate about what I am capable of. I was myself, because I did and still do, believe that I am the best person for this job. I still remember the 2 interviewers expressions – definitely memorable. I look forward for the next notable milestone in my career path.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what you love, and do it the best you can. Don’t settle for average if average is not what you want. There are so many resources and people out there who can help you make your life the way you want it to be. Sometimes where you want to be takes work and time – be patient and hardworking, you’ll get there, stay positive.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Of course I support the Canadian Liver Foundation, but I also support local charities or charities that are close to my friends and family. I like knowing that others around me are passionate to help, so I always give when approached.
I am a volunteer and supporter of Special Olympics. My sister has Cerebral Palsy, so I know first hand just how awesome those sports and activities are for her and others with disabilities. I also support events of The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy. To add to the list, I am a proud water activist – having a passion to educate and promote water sustainability. Along with local community involvement, I am a supporter of Ryan’s Well & Charity Water.
What to you is notable?
Someone who stands out in a crowd – for good. A notable person is someone who will go above and beyond to be successful, for positive reasons that benefit him/her, but also others around them.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry.
Check out Marsha and the Canadian Liver Foundation at their fundraiser in the distillery district this Friday.
Info and details available here.