United, Marina is Helping Shape Winnipeg's Future

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Marina Clay didn't think she would settle down in Winnipeg, but as a young professional, she realized this is the city where she can make her mark. After living in Ottawa and Toronto for four years, Marina and her husband Trevor came back to Winnipeg to get married and build a life here.

"We love the culture, the people and the opportunities here," says Marina. "Winnipeg has a lot to offer."

As a designer at Number TEN Architectural Group, Marina takes part in her company's annual United Way workplace campaign. This year, Marina did more than donate money; she also shared her thoughts with United Way through Urban Exchange.

"I got involved with Urban Exchange through a colleague of mine who started sending emails to everyone encouraging us to take part and voice our opinions on our community."

When Marina started filling out the first Urban Exchange survey, she immediately knew it was different.

"I felt truly inspired," says Marina. "It engaged me to feel like a part of a community, like a larger body of people," she adds. "And for the first time, I felt as though I was being asked the right questions; questions that were relevant to me as a Winnipegger."

Marina is one of more than 3700 people who have taken part in Urban Exchange so far. All have generously shared what they love about Winnipeg and the direction it's headed.

The idea of helping shape our city's future and knowing that her voice would be heard excited Marina. "We all have thoughts and they all matter," says Marina. "Urban Exchange gives us an outlet to voice our opinions. And I know United Way will take the information collected through Urban Exchange and use it to benefit all of us."