I have the honor to introduce Marie-Eve Desormeaux, a woman with a charming simplicity revealing a warm approach in both personal and professional settings. Originally from Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, she graduated from CEGEP Saint-Jérôme, in Special Ed, in 2003. At only 21, she joined the Pinel Institute in the capacity of socio-therapist and pursued her career there for 22 years.
At the Union level, Marie-Eve was first involved in committees, Youth and Mobilization. She completed several union training courses, and joined her Union’s Executive in 2015, upon her return from parental leave. Her daughter, Lily-Rose, now 11, whom many have surely met during union mobilizations, is the apple of her eyes.
Her greatest achievements are the mobilizations she led at Pinel for the safety of workers. These actions, carried out with her union team, brought together hundreds of CUPE activists from all walks of life, united in support for the cause.
Marie-Eve is first and foremost a team player. She describes herself as « fun to be with », with a lively, authentic, and deep human side. Her priority is simple: she wants people to feel good about themselves and be able to freely express their opinions around her.
When asked who had inspired her the most, she answered without hesitation: my parents. Her father, now retired, had a career as a federal prison guard, an experience that no doubt instilled in her a taste for the correctional environment. Her mother, a nurse, and a union activist, with high school employees, passed on her union spirit to her as well. Marie-Eve also mentioned Magali Picard, whom she admires for her confidence, her outspokenness, and her inspiring career.
This single parent recharges her batteries on camping outings with her daughter and their dog, Léon. One of her great satisfactions is to show her daughter that nothing is labelled for men only or for women only: everyone has the ability to accomplish anything. When she separated, she had to leave her trailer behind. But she missed camping too much, so she got a new one, and believe me, the trailer is there to stay!
For her, this new role of Secretary General for CPAS represents a new challenge that she intends to meet with pride and determination. She is grateful to the CPAS delegates for their trust, and has great respect for Michel, her predecessor. Marie-Eve wants to bring in a touch of newness, while remaining connected to Locals and their members.
Before closing, she is sending the following message to the new activists: « Ask questions, don’t be shy! It is by learning and challenging that you will find your place. To women: « Listen to your inner voice. Go for it, trust yourself and do not be afraid to take on important positions. Dare! »
Finally, a big thank you to you, Marie-Eve, for being the first to achieve gender parity in leadership roles in our union bodies: FTQ : Magali and Denis CUPE : Mark and Candice CUPE Québec : Patrick and Fanny CPAS : Samuel and you! A first, but not the last!
Good luck in your new role, Marie-Eve!
Sophie Bibeau