Embracing change to welcome transformative experiences
Pathway(s): International Affairs, Public Policy and Human Rights
Title: Foreign Service Officer - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
We all have a different relationship with the word “change.” But instead of seeing it as something to avoid or fear, Marie-Claire Lemay decided to embrace it — leading her first to Glendon and then into her role today as a champion of diversity, creating opportunities for immigrants and refugees from around the world.
“Growing up in a small, francophone community, I always knew I wanted to work with diverse populations at the federal level or with an international organization, and Glendon laid the path to making that dream a reality.” Marie-Claire shares. “In my work now, I am constantly amazed at the brave people who leave everything behind to start a new life in Canada. Their courage continues to inspire me to welcome change like I did from the very beginning of my journey.”
Though Marie-Claire could have pursued her postsecondary education at home in Québec, being able to complete her studies in both of Canada’s official languages was an important priority for her. Following an early experience studying English in Michigan thanks to a scholarship obtained for her community service, this desire to live and grow in a bilingual environment led her to enroll in International Studies at Glendon Campus.
“Not only did Glendon help me become fully bilingual and position me favourably in my intended career path, but it also gave me access to a uniquely diverse community of students and professors with a vast array of perspectives, countries of origin and spoken languages. Even moving to Toronto, Canada’s most multicultural city, provided the perfect setting for me to expand my cultural horizons.”
Marie-Claire’s time as a Glendon student also came with new opportunities that she never could have anticipated, opening doors to put her education into action while further developing her skills in diplomacy and sociolinguistics. Among these experiences was a life-changing, one-year exchange at the University of Guyana.
“The exchange through Glendon elevated my student experience to a global level. Living in Guyana was humbling — I gained exposure to an unfamiliar country and culture, witnessed different ethnic dynamics, political instability and border disputes, and experienced first-hand precarious living conditions such as the lack of reliable electricity and clean drinking water. It taught me to be adaptable and resilient, and without this experience, my achievements since then may not have been possible.”
These experiences eventually led Marie-Claire to the competitive world of Canada’s Foreign Service. Much of her career has been spent overseas in a constant state of change, working with diverse communities, from refugees to investors, in countries like Turkey, Colombia, Haiti, Mexico and the United States, and even recently coordinating the resettlement of over 1,500 Afghan refugees on the ground in Pakistan. Today, she manages Canada’s visa and immigration operations in Brazil, facilitating avenues for visitors, students, workers and immigrants to contribute to Canadian society.
“Representing our country on the international stage is a great honour. It comes with challenges, whether being far from family in Canada, moving locations frequently or deploying to crises — but it’s a career I have never regretted. It’s all about embracing these changes head-on.”
And while she may not know where in the world her career will take her next, Marie-Claire believes we all should be ready to welcome change with open arms.
“Whether it results in success or failure, learn from every experience so you can be open to new opportunities as they arise. My career was in good part sparked by just a single reference letter from my early volunteer work, so even when an experience seems small or insignificant, the lessons that come along with it can lead you to unexpected yet unbelievably exciting possibilities.”
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
What is your hometown?
I was born in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and grew up in Québec City.
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
While I could pick many different cities for countless reasons, I would choose Tokyo for its vibrant lifestyle and originality, as well as its unique mix of futuristic technology and traditional culture. And don’t forget the food scene!
What is your favourite hobby?
I love trying new things, whether discovering new restaurants or dishes, a new market or museum, and, of course, exploring the world and learning as many languages as possible!
If you had one, what would be your motto?
“A ship in a harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had not dared to take risks and try new things while persevering throughout it all.
What was your favourite thing about being a Glendon student?
The camaraderie and “esprit de corps,” which was in part shaped by a shared commitment to bilingualism and openness to the world.