Martine Venne

Consultant

I have always known I was destined to go into communications. I set a course and unflinchingly followed it through. After earning my bachelor’s in communications with a specialization in international development from Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), I set off for the big city, Montreal, eager to tackle new challenges and build my career.

I brought with me all my experience as communications manager at Conservatoire de musique de Gatineau, where I oversaw the conservatory’s media relations and organized and promoted all orchestra concerts, choir performances, and student recitals. At the conservatory I discovered the fascinating world of classical music-the basis of all music today-and met some unforgettable people. Prior to that, I had also worked for three years as sales manager and journalist/host at UQO’s Internet radio station, RÉÉL-Radio.

Once I arrived in Montreal in late summer 2009, I worked as media relations manager at Association québécoise d’établissements de santé et de services sociaux (AQESSS). The health sector proved not only to be complex and strategic but also highly educational and enriching. Amidst the A(H1N1) flu pandemic, I quickly gained invaluable new media relations skills. At the same time, I was also in charge of organizing Malades de com 2.0, the premier event for Quebec health and social services communicators. In addition I was responsible for the 2010 AQESSS Awards, which presents member establishments with six categories of awards for leadership and innovation.

After my stint with AQESSS, I wanted to find a job that was stimulating and challenging. That is when I joined the dynamic CASACOM team as a consultant. Now I get to combine my skills and my love for public relations to take on exciting projects.

But there is more to life than just work, and in my free time I enjoy exploring the city and having fun with my friends and family. I love traveling and getting to know different cultures around the world. I am always up for adventure! I am an athletic and competitive person and was a figure skater for 17 years. That is one reason why I tackle life head on. My favorite saying is, “You reap what you sow.”

What is yours?