Strategy & Communications Intern Nadia Hansen Reflects on Learnings & Time in Burlington Mayor's Office
Mayor's Strategy and Communications Intern Nadia Hansen reflects on her time in the Burlington Mayor’s office. Nadia joined my team in May 2022 and we extended her contract with us seeing how quickly she adapted and picked up new skills and excelled in them. She was a true asset and excellent addition to the Mayor's Office team, and while we are sad to see her go, we are excited for her future opportunities and professional development. ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTE: If you are sharing this content on your own channels, please credit mariannemeedward.ca. Thank you.
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By: Nadia Hansen, Mayor's Office Strategy & Communications InternI'm left with a bittersweet feeling as my time in the Burlington Mayor’s Office comes to an end. I'm very grateful and fortunate to have been in this role because this time period has been transformational -- no longer being a student and entering the professional space. In October 2022, I completed my Master of Arts in Political Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland and prior to that, I studied Human Rights and Social Justice at Carleton University.I chose this career path in politics because I care deeply about advocating on behalf of those who have been silenced and helping people in the most practical way. Politics has historically been a "boys’ club" and even less welcoming to people of color. I want to encourage and inspire individuals of various backgrounds to realize they too deserve a seat at the table.The most notable lesson that I’ve learned from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward is how to be an effective leader who is respected and admired. I’ve had a front-row seat in witnessing the massive commitment and work ethic required to be a Mayor. It’s not a role that anyone can assume and succeed in, but Mayor Meed Ward has consistently shown, during my time in her office, her love for advocacy through the detailed attention she gives all her responsibilities.A quality I believe is unique to the Mayor is her ability to navigate relationships in a way that is professional, but also personal to everyone she encounters. Expressing empathy is a critical protocol in each interaction with the Mayor’s Office and this contributes to the success of the team.That’s a lesson that I know will stick with me in both my professional and personal life.I know I have much more to learn, but the Burlington Mayor's Office has been an amazing place to start. I’ve come to understand how decision-making at the municipal level affects residents on a daily basis. Balancing community needs and policy can be a challenging responsibility to have, but the Mayor encourages her Council colleagues to take lead on issues they are knowledgeable in and passionate about. Good governance requires teamwork and I believe that’s why the residents of Burlington trust their Council.Now that I’ve gained exposure to policy analysis at the local level, I’m looking forward to experience in different scales and at different levels. I’m also interested to learn more about fiscal responsibility as inflation increases pressure on hardworking people.As I start new journeys, I’ll always reflect on the memorable lessons and experiences I gained as the Mayor’s Office Strategy and Communications Intern.RELATED LINK: