Actuality¹⁷³

Portrait of Alexia Baha

HIRING, TRAINING AND RETENTION OF TALENTS

Par

Marie Pelletier

JCCM - Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal

Gestionnaire de projet bénévole du comité marketing et création de contenu

As part of our March Portraits series, the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal is highlighting committed women who actively contribute to the vitality and innovation of our community.

Portrait – Meet Alexia Baha, an intrapreneur dedicated to youth and collective impact

As Intrapreneurship Program Manager at Venture for Canada, Alexia Baha works at the intersection of customer experience and program management. Her role is to guide Canadian youth toward concrete and formative opportunities, particularly by facilitating access to their first work experience.

At the same time, she is involved as co-director of the JCCM's member experience committee, where she actively contributes to promoting the JCCM and raising awareness of its programs among Montreal's next generation.

Creating opportunities, amplifying impact

What deeply motivates Alexia in her work is the opportunity to have a tangible impact on young people's career paths.

“Being able to help Canadian youth gain their first work experience” is much more than a mandate for her: it is a direct contribution to the future.

At the JCCM, her motivation is just as clear: to promote the organization, highlight its initiatives, and enhance the member experience. She believes in the power of professional networks to support ambition and create opportunities for development.

Inspiring female role models

Among the women who have influenced her career, Michelle Obama holds a special place. Alexia admires her leadership, authenticity, and social impact.

She also emphasizes her admiration for BKIND, a Montreal-based company founded by Marilyne Bouchard. The brand's genuine commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical beauty demonstrates that it is possible to build a successful business while respecting the environment and strong human values.

Dare to chart a non-linear path

Alexia shares a message of confidence and encouragement with young professional women in Montreal:

“Your path doesn't have to be linear to be legitimate. Every detour, every lesson learned, and every challenge equips you for what's next. Trust yourself and surround yourself with people who support your ambition.”

She also recalls a piece of advice that still guides her career path: “Don't wait for permission to take initiative.”

For her, professional boldness should not be conditional on external validation.

Navigating imperfect systems with ambition

According to Alexia, one of the biggest challenges for women today is navigating imperfect systems while protecting their legitimacy, mental health, and ambition.

Finding the balance between performance, assertiveness, and well-being remains an important issue. She says she is particularly proud to be involved in initiatives that have a real impact on the community and contribute to inclusion.

Audacity as a lever for growth

By stepping outside her comfort zone, Alexia realized that fear is not an obstacle, but a natural part of growth and development.

Adopting the “Do it scared” philosophy allowed her to move forward despite discomfort, to surpass herself, and to discover unexpected strengths. For her, uncertainty thus becomes an opportunity for learning and progress.

Anchoring and inspiration

To stay grounded on a daily basis, Alexia sets aside 10 minutes for journaling as regularly as possible to take stock of her priorities.

In Montreal, she likes to combine coffee and nature: starting the day at a local café, then going for a walk in Lafontaine Park to recharge her batteries.

When it comes to reading, she recommends Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, a book that had a profound impact on her and encourages women to fully embrace their ambitions.

Connect with Alexia!