Employee spotlight – Marta Gomez
Meet Marta Gomez, Senior Business Officer at PrairiesCan
Marta Gomez has been a dedicated member of PrairiesCan’s team since July 2020, serving as a Senior Business Officer in the Edmonton office. Her role focuses on growing and diversifying the Prairie economy through program and service delivery. Marta explains, “A typical day for me means connecting with small and medium-sized enterprises and communities in Alberta, helping to scale up their operations to improve livelihoods and increase productivity.” Whether providing advice, pathfinding, funding, or bringing people together for better results, Marta’s work plays a significant role in supporting the region’s economic development.
What inspired Marta to pursue a career in economic development
Reflecting on her early career experiences working with Indigenous communities in the Andes of South America, Marta discovered the potential for local economies to grow rapidly when listening to the needs of the community and responding as an equal partner. “I knew community economic development was an important space to secure a fair and prosperous future for everyone,” she shares. This realization led her to a fulfilling career in the Government of Canada, where she could make a meaningful impact.
A memorable project for Marta
A recent encounter at a conference left Marta speechless when she was approached by a professional who enthusiastically introduced herself. “Thanks to the support received from PrairiesCan through the Tourism Relief Fund, I was hired into this newly created role where I get to do what I love,” the woman explained. Marta recalls that specific project she worked on, “I collaborated with a Destination Management Organization with the creation of their city’s first Indigenous Tourism Strategy, which included hiring Indigenous employees and services, as well as convening Indigenous leaders from the community. There were many emails, calls, virtual meetings and application drafts to set the initiative in motion. Being greeted and appreciated for the role I and team PrairiesCan played in someone getting a great job was unexpected, humbling, and extremely joyful.”
Marta’s career advice
Marta emphasizes the value of community service and encourages others to find similar fulfillment in their careers. “Serving the communities that serve you and your family is priceless,” she explains.
When asked about her favorite aspect of working at PrairiesCan, Marta notes, “The daily opportunity to add value to communities near and far.”
Innovative trends in economic development
One trend that deeply excites Marta is Indigenous economic reconciliation and the power of Indigenous tourism as an engine of economic growth for Indigenous communities. “Global demand for Indigenous tourism is driving Canada’s tourism economy, and PrairiesCan is here for it,” she affirms.
Marta beyond the office
Outside of her professional life, Marta enjoys dancing to Latin music, practicing yoga, and walking through Edmonton’s River Valley trails with her Beagle. Meditation and prayer are daily habits that help with her spiritual journey. She’s also learning to snowboard and improving her paddleboarding skills.
Marta loves mentoring youth, supporting local economies, and serving as a liaison for her community and the local water treatment plant. When she isn’t engaged in these activities, she relaxes at her family’s cottage at Sylvan Lake, affectionately known as “Casa Del Lago,” which is also enjoyed by visitors from all over Alberta as a vacation rental.