Rebecca Gauvin is an outgoing self-starter from the Niagara Region, currently working as a Management Trainee at Algoma Central Corporation (ACC) where she is expanding her leadership skills. She recently obtained a BA in Business Communications from Brock University where she excelled in academics and project management. She was a finalist in the Grant Dobson Case Marketing Competition, a member of the Golden Key International Honours Society, and graduated with honours such as the Distinguished Graduating Student Award (awarded to the student with the highest average in Business Communications).
An active member of the Community Involvement Committee at ACC, Rebecca has worked on initiatives that support local organizations such as the United Way, Gillian’s Place, and Out of the Cold. She has a passion for the environment, and recently spearheaded a clean-up project that removed 92 bags of garbage from along the canal, and raised money for environmental initiatives at Heartland Forest. Rebecca hopes to continue building her leadership skills and working to become a positive role model in the Niagara Region.
In your view, what’s the most important attribute of a leader?
There are many qualities that effective leaders possess, but the most important attribute of a leader is the ability to inspire others. It is a leader’s responsibility to motivate others to be their best selves and encourage them to get involved in making a positive change.
How do you define civic leadership?
To me, civic leadership means recognizing the needs of a community and taking action to serve those needs while inspiring others to take part in the ultimate goal of bettering quality of life.
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
I have always had an internal drive to take on new challenges, and I tend to naturally take on a leadership role in group settings. I enjoy getting involved and searching for solutions, and I thrive in environments where I feel what I am doing has meaning. I have recently been fortunate enough to travel to Hawaii, Thailand, and Bali where I gained first-hand experience of global issues (such as our plastic problem), and want to take what I have learned and apply it at home to make a lasting difference in my own community.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
I believe one of the most significant issues facing our community is the pollution of our environment, specifically The Great Lakes – an essential resource for nearly 10 million Canadians. Unfortunately, nearly 22 million pounds of plastic waste enter the Great Lakes system each year, posing a massive threat to Niagara tourism, clean drinking water, wildlife, and the overall health of surrounding inhabitants. I believe that the Niagara Region has the resources for tackling this issue, and with the growing awareness of our plastic problem and growing popularity of reusable items, this is the perfect time to focus on making a difference.