Meet Our Team: Client Project Manager, Melissa Hardy

What is your role at OneFeather, and what does a typical day look like?

My role is Client Project Manager, and I often have 1-3 client meetings per day, checking in with team members throughout. Other than that each day looks different!

Why did you choose OneFeather?

I originally joined as a member of our Field Staff. I was referred by a family member who is also currently Field Staff. As a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, my family and I were familiar with OneFeather's work and intrigued by the opportunity to travel to voting events.

I really enjoyed attending polling stations in First Nation Communities- it was an opportunity to see parts of Turtle Island that I had never been to before, and it was exciting to see the vote day unfold, and the nations receive their results.

When the Client Project Manager position at OneFeather became available, it was suggested that I apply for it and I'm so grateful that that I did. I enjoy working with our clients for longer periods of time and learning how to support them in their own unique circumstances.

What makes OneFeather unique?

OneFeather is one of the very few companies that I believe chooses not to be extractive in the way they make decisions. OneFeather manages to strike a balance between ensuring a sustainable future while making choices that are guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

How would you describe the team culture at OneFeather?

The entire team that makes up OneFeather aligns on one main vision- we want to use our talents to serve First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in their journeys towards self determination. We care deeply about our work and strive to make decisions that will positively impact those we work with and the world at large. We also take care of each other, if someone on the team needs support we all make an effort to provide it whenever possible.

If you could work on any project at OneFeather, what would it be and why?

I'm currently enjoying my work with Elections Services and would like to stay here long-term. I would like to grow my knowledge by working with nations we haven't yet supported.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming year at OneFeather?

I'm looking forward to my one-year anniversary of working here, as well as seeing the team again at our next summit.

Can you share a memorable project you’ve worked on?

Our team is currently supporting MNBC's General Election. I work remotely, so I don't always see what happens in our offices. I've been blown away by the incredible output of the Election Services team in our offices in Victoria. They've managed to create more than 22,000 mail-in ballot packages while juggling all of the other ongoing projects.

Thanks so much for sharing, Melissa! And stay tuned to learn about more of our 🪶 staff members, folks.