Katie is a Business Systems Analyst in Information and Communications Technology at Niagara Health. Having completed her master’s degree in Applied Health Sciences, Katie has worked in a number of research-related positions to coordinate and build capacity for research in healthcare.
Katie is passionate about strategies for effective people and process change, as well as value measurement and sustainability within the healthcare setting. Katie enjoys music and spends time singing with her jazz trio, playing various events across the Niagara Region.
In your view, what’s the most important attribute of a leader?
It’s difficult to identify one attribute as being the most important for a leader. I believe that when looking at some of the widely accepted character traits for effective leaders (integrity, accountability, empathy, and resilience being just a handful of examples) what strikes me as being one of the most important attributes is the ability to find balance amongst these qualities. Depending upon the situation, the ability to know when to harness certain traits when working with others is a skill that cannot go unrecognized.
How do you define civic leadership?
Civic leadership can be defined by taking an active role in making a difference in the community. Ultimately, this means taking time to promote quality of life for all individuals living within the community. There are many ways that this can be actioned, whether it be through political or non-political routes.
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
Having lived and worked in the Niagara Region my entire life, I have a strong desire to give back to this community. One of the areas I am most passionate about is working to build capacity within the community through both an informal and formal systematic approach.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
I believe that homelessness is an issue that is significant to our community and needs to be looked at more closely, as this seems to be increasing.