Tania Johnston

What is your current job and what do you love about it?

While I don’t work for a mechanical contractor, the majority of my career (19 years to be exact) has been entrenched in the mechanical contracting industry working on MCA Canada’s education portfolio.  Over the last few years I have taken on several new projects which include the development of the Student Chapter program and our scholarship series which has grown substantially over the last year.  The most recent addition to my portfolio is the development of the Women in Mechanical Contracting initiative.  Each program has been full of many rewards. I have met so many amazing people from across Canada and have created lifelong friendships.  I’m truly blessed with the opportunities and achievements that my career at MCAC has offered me.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self career advice, what would it be?

Be more confident, don’t settle for less than what you deserve! Get involved in committees…don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, your opinion matters and makes a difference!

What is the most unusual job you have ever had (in any industry)?

My background is in education.  Directly out of University I taught grade 3 on a first nations reserve in New Brunswick for two years and spent the following three years substitute teaching in Ottawa. From there I instructed adults in computer technology prior to joining MCA Canada in 2000.

Who was your best mentor? 

Working with so many different committee members/chairmen over the years has been an awesome opportunity.  To see how much they believe in the industry, their time devoted to making it stronger and well represented is inspiring.  Working for their own companies is not rewarding enough, they care about the industry and want to give back.  They have all been mentors in one way or the other.  Our retired CEO Richard McKeagan and past MCAC Chairman, Terry Billings, were the most influential in my association career development and taught me priceless advice that I use every day.

However, through the WIMC initiative, I am meeting so many inspiring women and can’t wait to learn from them!