Melanie Cressman, a member of the Satellite Club, and a work colleague of today's guest speaker Kathy Murphy was pleased to be able to introduce her, a crazy Maritimer full of hospitality, and since joining the United Way as Executive Director has shared her passion and empathy along with the importance of being appreciated and very welcoming to all staff and stakeholders. Kathy, originally from Nova Scotia, moved to Ontario in early 2012. She has over 25 years of experience in leadership positions within the non-profit sector, with an MBA from St. Mary’s University, a Certificate in Adult Learning and Development from OISE, and various diplomas in leadership development, and human resource management. Her background is varied, including five years as CEO of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, at Dalhousie University as Director of Medical Alumni Relations and leading sales and event management at Canada’s Immigration Museum, Pier 21. In addition she has run the visitors services division of the City of Halifax’s tourism department, then running her own restaurant, directing her family’s business, and supporting many entrepreneurial ventures.
Kathy’s passion for the United Way stems from both volunteering and working with those who are most vulnerable. “It could be any one of us at any time, that needs the help of the United Way,” says Kathy. “In many cases the strength of our community is being united in helping and supporting those most in need, which is what United Way Centraides have represented for over 100 years. In fact, I see it as a privilege to be of service to others and have spent my career in community economic and social development.”
Kathy's father and his sister were born in the Dominican, but when politics in the country took a bad turn, he moved to Canada at the age of 17, attended high school and met Kathy's mother who was Scottish. Her father was a newcomer to Canada and worked very hard, becoming a business owner, knowing what it was like to come from a poor country. Kathy herself grew up in a middle class family, in a small industrial Nova Scotia town that was known for its steel industry and mining. Kathy attended university in Halifax and met the love of her life, her husband Randy who is a veteran. They both fiercely love Canada and wave the flag at every opportunity. Kathy considers herself to be lucky to live in Canada, lucky in love and lucky in her career. During university she travelled and saw poverty first hand and experienced many areas of opportunity to show mentorship, leadership and embrace tolerance and inclusivity, sometimes behind the scenes for organizations such as Doctors Without Borders. Kathy worked at Pier 21 in Halifax, a historic museum site where one and half million immigrants came first to Canada. Kathy's father was an immigrant as were many who chose Canada as their country. Kathy also had an opportunity to work with high risk youth in Pittsburgh, but eventually life brought Kathy and her husband to Ontario.
Living and working in Canada is a privilege as far as Kathy is concerned and she is one happy Canadian gal! Kathy was thanked by Carmella Ruberto of the Satellite Club who described Kathy as a kind, humble, energetic woman who displays the true testament of her character, one who cares about her community.