By Irene Alifanova, Editor in Chief for Communicator | irenedjinn@gmail.com
I joined IABC as a student member in 2016, while completing a postgraduate Corporate Communications and Public Relations program at Centennial College. However, I was very much a non-engaged member. Yes, I’ve attended a few webinars and used IABC resources for award submission during my co-op work, but, like many of my fellow graduates, I was more focused on finding work than on networking and building my personal brand within the IABC community. I now recognise that this was a big miss on my part.
In 2019, when I got pretty much settled in my communications career, I decided to rejoin IABC and take full advantage of my membership. I reached out to the VP of Volunteering and expressed my interest in helping where it was needed most, joining the OVATION team that year and then moving on to the Communications and Digital Media in 2020, taking over the Editor in Chief role for Communicator. And what a blast it has been! I enjoy meeting new people and working with our always-growing, diverse group of contributors – learning their perspective on certain topics and hearing about their experience in the communications field brings me joy and helps me grow as a communicator.
In this summer edition of Communicator – “Making the most out of your IABC Membership” – we are focusing on the personal experiences of our members and how they benefit from IABC membership both professionally and personally.
In “Running with the pack” Suzanne Huggins discusses how her IABC membership helps her stay current and drive communications excellence in her cross-functional team.
Brent Carey, ABC, shares how active engagement with IABC can support your professional growth and propel your career forward in “How my IABC membership got me where I am today”
Anjali Rego shares how IABC helped her settle in a new country and build her credibility and personal brand in the professional community in “Making the most of my membership: A new Canadian’s journey.”
Finally, in “Why I joined IABC: A new member’s perspective,” Amanda Cosentino highlights what swayed her decision to recently join IABC.
Irene Alifanova, Editor in Chief for Communicator
By Cassandra Cleveland As a new mom and communications professional, returning to work after maternity leave brought a wave of mixed emotions. The excitement of rejoining the professional realm was tempered by the realization that the communications landscape had evolved during my time away, leaving me with a potential knowledge gap. Determined to bridge […] By Linda Bicho-Vachon I’ve always been a learner. In my former role, I completed my association’s certification program and stayed updated by attending industry seminars. The certification demonstrated that I had the skill and expertise to do my job and gave me confidence to grow my career. When I decided to transition to a […] By Prachi Shailendra As a communications professional who embarked on the Canadian journey in 2019 with over six years of international experience in corporate communications, I vividly recall the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the local job market. I soon realized that for newcomers, success often hinges on more than just a polished […] By Andrea Walasek Dear Readers, It is a pleasure to introduce myself as the Editor-in-Chief of IABC/Toronto’s Communicator publication for 2023-2024. As a dedicated professional who has worked in Public Relations for over 19 years and a proud volunteer with IABC/Toronto, I am happy to bring you the Winter 2024 issue, focused on a topic […] By Matisse Hamel-Nelis Matisse Hamel-Nelis reminds us that IDEA are more than just buzzwords; they are vital principles that can transform the world of communications. In the ever-evolving world of communications, the principles IDEA are gaining increasing significance. When applied effectively, they help foster a more enriched, engaging and impactful communication environment – enhancing meaningful internal […]Return to the Summer 2021 Issue of Communicator
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Up your game by Upskilling
New immigrant jobseeker? What’s your strategy to success?
Letter from the Editor
The IDEA Framework: Enhancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility in the Communications Profession