Meet Erin. She's from Fort McMurray and has lived in Kelowna for the past four and a half years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
A few come to mind, but my husband takes the cake because he makes me laugh every day
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I dislike shopping and I LOVE food so I'll name a restaurant here, Central! Always good food, friendly place, casual but unique.
Describe yourself in one word.
Realist.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Plop me down in the middle of a room full of my family and friends and I'll be just fine. My people are all I need and I don't get to see them very often.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love dining out in Kelowna! So many great places to eat. Good thing I balance that with fitness, highly recommend 9Round Kickboxing gym.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Nothing major comes to mind. I guess the best is yet to come!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being a midwife inspires me daily. Being surrounded by talented colleagues and being a witness to new life entering the world. I have the honour of taking care of women and their families and I don't take that for granted.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My amazing parents made sure I had the best childhood! I probably had a new favourite memory every week. When I was a teenager, five of my best friends took a trip to our friend's cottage in Honey Harbour, Ontario. That week is etched in my heart.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My husband and I have been participating in the MotionBall event the past few years. It's a not-for-profit organization that raises funds for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation. Basically, we get to play sports all day with some athletes!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would eliminate the idea that any one person is better than another.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Sparkling Hill.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I try to avoid going downtown simply due to the parking. I'd like to see better and cheaper parking options.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Being from Fort McMurray I have to say the mild winter here is fantastic!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Someday be able to give my parents a tiny portion of everything they've ever given me
2. Have a family
3. Revisit New York and soak in multiple Broadway shows
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I like to write poetry.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Maternity Care Westside.
Why did you get into/start this business?
My fascination with birth started young, specifically when Heidi gave birth in a gas station on Home Improvement. The idea that a human body can grow and birth another human is quite mind-blowing.
What is the goal of your business?
We provide family-centred, evidence-based care. Our goal is to help our patients feel empowered and capable, we want to provide a great experience.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Since I was 18 I just started moving around to new cities for university. Moving around knowing no one was lonely and scary but here I am.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Absolutely the same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'It is what it is'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I always like to stop myself and think 'Will this matter in five years? Next year? Next week? No. Move on.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
This is tough. I'm going to cheat on this question and say I want to be surrounded by the Dalai Lama's spirit, Ellen Degeneres' heart, and Jodi Picoult's mind. Okay and maybe Jennifer Aniston's looks.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
If the opportunity is there to support your neighbour, take it! It builds a sense of community and really does make a difference in their lives of the owners.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving to Kelowna alone to start my career, buying a house and getting married. Not bad for my twenties!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jason Wills because he's involved with the city initiative of harm reduction in regards to the opioid crisis. That is very needed!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
