Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Megan McRae is an Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President at Walker Environmental.
After graduating from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Applied Science, Megan took the year to travel South East Asia and the UK before returning to school in the fall. She enrolled in the Public Relations Post-Graduate Certificate at Niagara College and was hired at Walker Environmental shortly after graduation.
Megan has spent time volunteering with Women’s Place of Niagara, and in her spare time, she can be found on the soccer field or taking her dog, Oliver, on a hike.
In your view, what’s the most important attribute of a leader?
The most important attribute of a leader is the ability to listen – to listen to your peers, your coworkers, your employees, your customers, and your boss. This comes with being respectful of other people’s opinions and being receptive of other people’s thoughts and suggestions. A leader does not need to be in a position of authority, but a leader does need to take initiative, exhibit determination, and be kind to others.
How do you define civic leadership?
Civic leadership can be defined as combining efforts and resources amongst a group of like-minded individuals who have the ability to influence and affect change, resulting in positive outcomes across the community.
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
I have been looking for ways to get involved in my community which I live and grew up in, as well as for opportunities for personal growth and development. I am motivated to explore civic leadership because this gives me the opportunity to blend the two, and to learn from current leaders in our Niagara community – an invaluable experience that you cannot take away from a textbook or Google.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
Within the last few years, Niagara has seen terribly high rates of suicide, specifically at the St. Catharines Burgoyne Bridge. There has been initiatives taken, with ongoing discussion installing barriers as a preventative measure. This is excellent – and every action helps, but it is not the solution.