People of PacifiCan: Marie Donnici

Meet Marie,

With a rich background that ranges from golf coaching to public health, and even the music industry, this Strategic Communications Advisor has many stories to tell. Her favourites? Sharing how people from British Columbia are moving forward with support from PacifiCan.

The lockdown wasn’t enough to stop this trailblazer from joining the Agency, and we are lucky to have her. Learn more about how this proud British Columbian is making a difference, one funding announcement at a time.

How did you arrive at PacifiCan?

In March 2020, I was assistant coaching a women’s university golf team to help cover the costs of grad school. I had just landed in Las Vegas for a tournament when I received an interview invitation from PacifiCan (then WD). I was keen to participate in the interview in-person, so I flew back to Vancouver with just my carry-on luggage in hand. The day after my interview, it felt like the world shut down because of the Covid-19 pandemic!  My return flight to the U.S. was cancelled, my classes were moved online, and some very kind roommates and friends helped ship back my belongings and sell my car. Although it was a whirlwind experience, I found out that I had qualified in the process.

What interested you about PacifiCan?

Before I started with PacifiCan, I was working in public health communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. I saw the challenges people across the province were facing during this incredibly difficult time. Working for PacifiCan offered me the opportunity to be part of B.C.’s comeback story. As it became safer to gather again, it was inspiring to see businesses recover and communities thrive with PacifiCan’s support. I also started just before WD’s transition to PacifiCan and PrairiesCan. I found the opportunity to be part of something brand new and just-for-B.C. really exciting!

What do you do in a typical day?

I fill my days planning funding announcements, preparing for new program launches, traveling to events and announcements across B.C., helping colleagues with their projects, responding to media enquiries, and writing about the amazing things happening in our province.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

Every day, British Columbians are doing incredible things. There is so much talent in this province. In communications, a lot of our work centers around telling a great story about British Columbians and how PacifiCan is dedicated to supporting them. As a proud British Columbian myself, I find telling that story to be so inherently rewarding. And when you are surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do and care about their neighbours, it’s a really good story to tell.

Any advice you have for people who may want to join PacifiCan? 

If you want to fill your days working alongside people who are committed to making B.C. the best it can be, this might be the place for you!

Name 3 songs that are on your Spotify Playlist

In a past life, I worked in the music industry in branding and promotions, so the list of songs on my playlist is very long! But, did you know all three of these artists are from B.C.? Here’s my made-in-B.C. mix:

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
Home – Michael Bublé
I’m Like a Bird – Nelly Furtado

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