Ketlyn Maitland-Blades : Hommage to a Woman

Ketlyn Maitland-Blades : Hommage to a Woman

A commukamila hingston newnity member is being honoured for her many achievements and their impact on Quebec society.
Ketlyn Maitland-Blades is a laureate of the “Homage to Women” project, spearheaded by community group La Fête au Village. Chosen for their exemplification of this year’s theme, “social inclusion, emancipation and governance,” 16 women of various backgrounds and professions will receive the award this year.
Maitland-Blades was born in Dominica and raised in Cartierville. A gifted high school student, athlete and dancer, she originally wanted to be a teacher and dietician but instead decided to study finance.
She now works as a banker and is known for her professionalism, dynamism and communication and negotiation skills.  She has been a project manager, helped implement an automated system to improve payment accuracy and has served as the vice-president for a bonds clearing committee that represented six Canadian chartered banks.
Maitland-Blades is also a devoted volunteer, always willing to give her time to community events in whatever role is needed, whether it was as an organizer, coordinator, speaker or master of ceremonies.
Her solid track record as a community worker and organizer was highlighted last year after Tropical Storm Erika ravaged her native Dominica, killing more than 30 people, and destroying roads and homes, which left thousands of people without a place to live. She spearheaded fundraising efforts and organized the collection of goods from Montreal to be sent to Dominicans in need.  It took her and a team of like-minded volunteers only a week to gather 28 barrels and one box of goods to send back.
She credits her success to the people who have supported her, who she calls her “pillars,” since she was a student – teachers, community members and superiors at her work who believed she could succeed.
Maitland-Blades and her 15 fellow award winners will be fêted March 5 during a three-course dinner at the Plaza Antique, 6086 Sherbrooke St. W at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $50 for VIP, $35 for adults and $15 for kids. Call 438-870-3107 or 514-802-0552 or email hommageauxfemmes@gmail.com for more information.