2022 40 Under 40 Winners

Since Megan took responsibility for the Children’s Health Foundation’s online giving program, online revenue has grown by $351,275.

Her team’s work on the Children’s Health Foundation website received an International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) London Chapter Virtuoso Award of Excellence and an IABC Canada Silver Leaf Award of Merit in 2021.

She implemented telemarketing and door-to-door campaigns to help acquire 470 new monthly donors, upgrade 475 current monthly donors and increase monthly revenue by $85,000 (23%).

Megan has been a speaker at the 2019 Blackbaud Convention (bbcon), presenting about cross-channel fundraising and for Fanshawe College's Marketing program, discussing direct response marketing.

In my early career, I was working for a small insurance company. I planned a dinner for some clients at a local non-profit that supports marginalized youth and gives them opportunities to gain skills in the hospitality industry. I was so inspired by their stories and the response of my guests; I realized I wanted to be more involved with my community and make more of a difference with my skillset. Children's Health Foundation was looking for someone to join their communications team and it was the perfect fit.

My first week at Children's, I had the opportunity to hand out ice cream to kids on the inpatient floor at Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre. Many patient rooms were fully decorated with posters, plushies and art. For these families, Children's is a second home. It was in that moment that everything clicked and made sense. My role in Children's philanthropy can help so many families during their health care journey and helps ensure better childhoods for kids in my community.

When I was offered the Direct Response portfolio at Children's, it was full of opportunity. Not only was I able to use my skills in design and analytics, but I learned so much about the psychology behind this kind of fundraising. I was given the reins to put new plans in place, implement best practices and continue to branch out to new channels. I found my place in marketing and communications that could have a truly calculated, monetary impact on the organization and the kids we serve.

I love connecting people. When we form new relationships and work together, the possibilities are endless. I enjoy being involved in building communities and I always love to introduce people who may have similar goals or interests.

Always be looking for new opportunities to make a difference at your organization. Move past the status quo and help create solutions that can push your organization forward. Also, if it doesn't get measured, it doesn't get done. Track and analyze as much as you can to stay accountable to yourself, your colleagues and the cause!