Through the Years with Marnie Webb, P.H.Ec.

Marnie Webb, P.H.Ec. Source: Marnie Webb

Brief Background about Marnie Webb
I graduated from the Univeristy of Guelph's Applied Human Nutrition program and have worked for Ontario Pork, the Food Biotechnology Communications Network, the University of Guelph's Food Safety Network, and now at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Guelph.

How long have you been involved with OHEA?
I became a Professional Home Economist and a registered member of the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) in 2000. Over the years, I have held various positions on the OHEA board of directors and executive team. I was vice president of professional development from 2006 to 2008 and vice president from 2008 to 2010. Currently, I am the representative of the Waterloo Wellington Home Economics Association (WWHEA) on the board. 

Why did you keep your OHEA membership and how has being a P.H.Ec. positively impacted your life?
I am proud to be a Professional Home Economist (P.H.Ec.) and a member of OHEA. Being part of a professional association is important to me personally for continuing education and networking. I have learned a lot from my fellow home economists and have met so many wonderful people through OHEA.

I feel being a Professional Home Economist guides me in my work even when I am in roles outside of traditional positions for home economists.

What led you to join OHEA?
After graduating I worked at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food with Bonnie Lacroix. Bonnie is a great champion of OHEA and a wonderful mentor. She introduced me to the profession. Thanks Bonnie!

Where do you see the profession going over the next five to 10 years?
It is exciting to see many student members and new graduates becoming registered members of OHEA. A growing membership is good because I think there will continue to be work opportunities developing for professional home economists in the next five to 10 years.

There is a rejuvenation and vibrancy to the profession with a renewed interest by the public for families to achieve and maintain a desirable quality of day to day life. Home economists can help, and we have been doing a good job getting the word out through the website, blog posts and social media.

If you could change something about your career, would you and what would it be?
I would not change anything about my career. Being a Professional Home Economist has allowed me to branch out to many diverse fields of professional practice.