The City of Plattsburgh, Community Engagement Coordinator Hometown: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Age: 33 Education: BAH in Political Science and Music from Queen’s University
With an air of confidence and composure, Courtney Meisenheimer has found her groove. A force of energy and positivity surrounds her as she looks to reframe historic notions about Plattsburgh and bring a youthful vibrancy. Courtney is already a master of creating connections and space for change.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company? I work with community members and organizations to create fun and memorable experiences for people who live in Plattsburgh. I hope to foster a culture of collaboration between City Hall and the community.
What are you doing to make a difference in your community? Working with the City of Plattsburgh affords me the opportunity to create change in our community every day!
What is the single most important characteristic for success? There isn’t one. We have to define what success looks like for ourselves and then pursue it as our most authentic selves.
What is your biggest professional success? Right now. It’s building my career while also raising two young children.
What important lesson have you learned in your career? The work is never done, so enjoy the process and enjoy the people you do it with.
What is your dream job? If I’m doing something that pays the bills, challenges me and makes a difference in our community, it’s the dream!
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken? In 2016, I moved from Toronto, ON to Portland, OR with my husband and left a job I really loved. I had to completely rebuild without knowing anyone there to start. We built a really sweet life and I proved to myself that I could make something out of nothing.
What is something that no one would guess about you? I play the saxophone!
Write a note to your younger self… Dear Courtney: So, there is this place you are going to eventually move to called Plattsburgh, NY. I know, you have no idea where that is, but give it a chance. You will find loving people and a community that will embrace you. Also, it actually might be colder there than in Canada so bundle up. :)
What can the North Country do to make this area more appealing to a younger generation? I moved to Plattsburgh as a stop gap to moving to Burlington, but after meeting other young people here who really wanted to participate in building community I stayed, knowing I could be part of building something instead of moving to something that already existed. I’d like young people to know there is space for them here in this community to build the place they want to live in.
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