Actuality¹⁶⁸

Portrait of Catherine Gingras

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 International Women's Day, the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal is highlighting inspiring stories in a series of eight portraits of women (or people who identify as women) who volunteer on our various committees.

Portrait 1 – Meet Catherine Gingras, a committed professional who promotes culture at Théâtre Duceppe.

As Strategic Funding Coordinator at Théâtre Duceppe, Catherine Gingras works in an environment where culture, philanthropy, and events converge. Also involved as co-director of the events committee, she actively contributes to the implementation of initiatives that support and promote this Montreal cultural institution.

A passion for human relations

What drives Catherine on a daily basis is, above all, human relations. She particularly appreciates the unifying aspect of her role: creating meaningful events, mobilizing stakeholders, and helping to bring culture and the performing arts to life.

Inspiring female role models

Several women have influenced her journey, both personally and professionally. Her mother and grandmother were important role models, as were teachers and mentors who recognized her potential and encouraged her to develop her confidence.

Be bold and take action

Throughout her career, Catherine has learned to cope with imposter syndrome, a reality shared by many professionals. Her advice to young women in Montreal is clear: don't let doubt hold back your ambitions.

“Flush imposter syndrome out of your system or learn to live with it, but go for it. The worst thing anyone can say to you is ‘no.’”

One piece of advice she received from a former colleague had a particularly strong influence on her: learn to trust yourself and follow your instincts. Listening to opinions is essential, but there comes a time when you have to make a decision and take action.

Stepping outside her comfort zone allowed her to discover that she was stronger than she thought. She believes that professional and personal growth often involves discomfort, even if it can seem intimidating at first.

The challenge of balance

According to Catherine, one of the biggest challenges for women today is maintaining a healthy balance. Juggling career ambitions, personal life, mental health, and social expectations requires constant vigilance. She stresses the importance of not falling into a quest for perfection, often fueled by social pressure.

Pride and roots

Today, Catherine says she is particularly proud to be surrounded by supportive people, passionate and positive. She attaches great importance to her environment and the relationships that accompany her on her journey.

To stay focused on a daily basis, she relies on simple but structured habits: reading the newspapers and checking the stock market every morning to stay informed, riding her bike when the weather permits, and maintaining a few rituals at the office, such as peanut butter toast and herbal tea to start her day.