Get to Know… Natalie!
It’s time to welcome another new member to the Vovia team: Natalie McDougall. Natalie came to us from working in the world of Post Secondary as a recent graduate of the University of Calgary. In just a few months, she has ramped up quickly and is already managing a number of clients in various industries, and creating fun and collaborative relationships with those clients. Read on to learn about Natalie’s role at Vovia, what she gets up to in her spare time, her past in Track and Field, and much more.
What is your role/what do you do at Vovia?
I’m an Account Coordinator at Vovia, so my primary role is to ensure that all projects are executed on time, on budget and according to plan. This entails working closely with Vovia’s specialists, fostering strong and collaborative relationships with clients and creating client materials such as estimates, briefs and reports.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time outdoors with friends and family. Now that the weather’s getting a little nicer, most of my free time is spent outside. Whether that be having a bbq with family, hiking in the mountains or rollerblading along the river, as long as I’m getting some sun, I’m happy.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.
I started running track in grade 7 and continued running throughout Junior High and High School. Once in University I became captain of the Dino’s track and field team. My specialty was ‘long sprints’ so I competed in the 300 meter, the 4×200 meter relay and the 4×400 meter relay. While I loved the 300m, the relays definitely held a special place in my heart because they’re a team event so was able to share any successes or challenges with my team. Having graduated from university, I no longer compete but I still enjoy staying active.
What do you love/what are you most passionate about?
I love anything creative. Throughout my life I’ve tried my hand at a vast array of artistic activities. The list includes drawing, macrame, tie-dye, painting pottery, jewelry making and candle making. My most recent creative endeavour has been painting tote bags, which I love because then I get to carry around my artwork with me!
What is your favourite part about working at Vovia?
That’s a hard one because there are so many great things about Vovia, but here are a few of my favourite things.
- First and foremost, I love the people. Starting a new job can be daunting but everyone at Vovia is kind, supportive, and patient which has made the transition into the role pain-free.
- Second of all, the ‘go and get it’ mentality here is extremely motivating. Vovians are always striving to be the best we can be. This outlook means that we don’t follow the status quo and that we’re constantly testing new things for our clients.
- The third thing is the dog-friendly office … need I say more?