Professional Support

AHEA 2024 Conference Committee - Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association (AHEA)

I  volunteered for the 2024 Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association (AHEA) conference committee. This opportunity aligned with my mission of supporting individuals and communities through collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity. Given my limited prior experience in conference planning and substantial experience in small event planning and promotional material drafting, I chose to contribute to the promotions and registration subcommittee. My task was to develop promotional materials, including a poster adhering to AHEA's style guide, and later, a brochure for the conference.

Coordinating the promotions subcommittee, I utilized my familiarity with Canva to craft an aesthetically pleasing poster in line with AHEA's brand colours. Adhering to the style guide presented initial challenges, restricting my creativity, but I managed to infuse my creativity into the design. Despite feeling like an impostor among seasoned professionals, the AHEA president's reassurance about my insightful contributions from a fresh and student perspective boosted my confidence. Currently, I am working on developing a conference brochure, balancing responsibilities between both subcommittees.

Through active participation in committee meetings, I contributed to selecting the conference theme, "Exploring Sustainable Living," resonating with a human ecological lens. Despite initial feelings of inadequacy, my contributions were acknowledged by the group, reinforcing the value of diverse perspectives. My ongoing experience broadens my understanding of conference planning and allows me to apply my skills professionally, enhancing my confidence and adaptability.

While I am certainly honing my creative skills through promotional efforts, the most significant takeaway from this experience lies in the collaborative dynamics with diverse professionals on the committee, representing the diversity within human ecology. The exposure to multifaceted perspectives enhances my understanding of complex issues and contributes to a richer collaborative environment. This engagement highlights the importance of continuous learning and the value of offering fresh perspectives, all contributing to a collaborative environment for enhanced well-being and social equity at an individual, family, and community level.