Unbeknownst to many, there is a lot of creativity that comes in promoting and supporting a business or organization, especially a non-profit.
It requires ideas that captivate and motivation individuals across countries as well as worldwide to get involved in fundamental causes that improve our global community. Individuals like Ciara Maurice make these visions a reality. Her work with Plan International Canada is a direct representation of her passion and dedication to the intentions of the organization.
We caught up with Ciara to talk more in-depth about Plan International Canada, as well as her career and how she got to where she is today.
The best piece of advice that I have received is…
Don’t panic yourself into a bad decision. It came from a career decision I was going to make a couple of years ago. I sought advice from my former boss, and she is the one who said it to me. I’m so glad I took that time to reflect because, every decision I made after that, led me to where I am today.
Someone I look up to is…
My mom. She is the strongest, most caring and empathetic person that I know. I try and channel her every day of my life and with the people I interact with.
The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is…
Turn on my coffee machine.
I couldn’t do what I do without…
My people leader. She’s absolutely amazing and super supportive. I’m fortunate to have that type of mentorship.
Can you explain what a brand specialist is?
I, as a brand specialist, get to tell the story of what Plan International Canada does to our public audience across Canada. Plan International Canada is a non-profit organization that focuses on children’s rights and equality for girls. As the brand specialist, I have the opportunity of taking a small piece of the incredible work that our programs team does in developing countries and bring that to live in a creative piece for our Canadian audience to see and inspire them to take action towards and help support the work that we do.
How did you get started?
I started in the call centre at Plan International Canada. I answered calls from donors across the country. It was great because I had that one-on-one interaction with them which was a nice transition into what I do now – I’m speaking to our audience on a mass level. It’s a great juxtaposition between the two.
What type of Notable are you?
I’m a defiant notable. It comes from the passion that I have for the work that we do as an organization in advancing women’s’ rights. We have come a long way when it comes to feminism but we are in this new wave now where we’ve discussed the issues, we’re talking about things that are sensitive, and now it’s how are we going to take action. I’m very proud to be a part of an organization – and things outside of that – that works toward defying the current normal that women are experiencing in life.
Why do you love your job? What sort of cool things do you get to do?
I love my job because of the opportunity I get to tell that creative story about what Plan International Canada does. They’re such provocative topics. What we do is take that and create compelling and intriguing stories for people to get behind what we do. The cool opportunities that come with that is being on set and being a part of taping those experiences and, at the same time, knowing that what we are doing is just a small part of what is happening in the larger realm of helping advance children’s rights and equality for girls around the world. Recently, our team went to South Africa and filmed our Defy Normal campaign and followed that with a trip to Malawi where we went to the field office there where we got to shoot some real-life footage.
What do you want to be known for?
I want to be known for being a reliable person.
What does ambition mean to you?
I think ambition starts with self-awareness and knowing your limits and the limits that society has set out for you and persisting beyond those limits to lead to your self-growth.
Looking back, are there moments that clearly stand out in your life as defining moments that have led you to this point?
Growing up, I spent a lot of time collaging. I liked taking different creative pieces and putting them together to tell a story. At the time, I was just cutting up my mom’s old magazines. It makes sense now when it comes to doing advertising that it all worked together.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment to date?
Winning a Notable Award!
Is there a business decision or professional decision that you look back on now and wish you had made differently?
No. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and everything has led to where I am today.
What’s the next challenge or project you’re tackling?
We are working on our spring campaign right now. We just briefed our agency. That will be launching in April, so stay tuned!
What is something we don’t know about you?
Secretly I wish I was a DJ.
Where can we learn more about you and connect with you?
You can connect with me on Instagram @ciarajadem.