Getting to Know – Emily McKay

Name and designations:
Name: Emily McKay
Position: Events and Operations Administrator
Employer: Invest Ottawa
Joined MPI in: February 2020

Contact information:
Email: Emily.mckay9@gmail.com
Linked IN: Emily McKay

Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Southern Ontario in a township called Kincardine, along Lake Huron. I am the middle child of three girls. Growing up I lived on my family farm where we raised beef cattle. I spent my summers at my grandparent’s house showing cattle in 4H and spending time with my many cousins.



How did you join the industry?
I would say I joined the industry when I joined MPI in 2020 and it was definitely not straight path. I completed my undergrad in History with a minor in Art History at Carleton University and wanted to work in a museum. However, after university, I ended up volunteering for a few organizations Capital Heritage Connexion and the Bytown Youth Council at the Bytown Museum where we ran some fun events. I decided that I really enjoyed events so I applied to the Event Management Program at Algonquin College in 2019. When the pandemic hit I went back to working in a retirement home, running activities, and this past fall I accepted a job at Invest Ottawa.

What is your favourite industry app?
Maybe I am biased because I run the Instagram account for the MPI Ottawa Chapter but I love Instagram! I think it is such a great platform for business, events or connecting. I love that you can post stories and post others stories live from events and really feel like you are at the event itself. To me, visuals are a great add to events or businesses!

What might you consider doing if you could get over your fear?
I would love to be a mentor or leader some day. I have some social anxiety and am a bit shy so I always find it hard to network but I have been trying hard to go to events and push myself. I think if I can continue to push through my social anxiety I could do great things!

What is the best advice you have ever received?
I think this comes from a movie but it basically is about how, with having 20 seconds of courage you can do great things. I find if I am brave enough to put myself in situations and I show up even though I am scared, I end up having a good time and it is better than I expect!

What is the best thing about being the age you are now?
I am turning 27 this year so just the fact that I am still young. I love hearing everyone’s stories about their career and having this hope and drive and knowing I still have time to make mistakes and learn!

What was your favourite networking event?
I would actually say some of the MPI events have been great but my favourite so far was the recent Golf Networking dinner, it was fun!

Article edited by Article edited by Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation