MACKENZIE MURPHY

What brought you to Humber and your program of study?

Growing up in Alberta, I always had my sights set on Toronto. That dream was sparked when I was just 12 years old and visited the city for the first time to receive the Canadian Living Magazine Social Action Award for my efforts in successfully lobbying for an anti-bullying bylaw in my hometown. While I was definitely proud of the award, what really stuck with me from that trip was the energy of Toronto: the ambition, the fast pace and the feeling that something exciting was always happening. I remember standing in Yonge-Dundas Square, looking up at the massive billboards, and thinking, "Yep, this is where I need to be."

When I decided to pursue a career in public relations, Humber stood out to me for two key reasons: its prime Lakeshore location and its strong, well-connected alumni network. As an out-of-province student, having the Lakeshore dorms just steps away from transit made it easy to immerse myself in both campus life and the vibrant Toronto community. But what truly solidified my decision was the impressive track record of Humber’s graduates — many of whom had gone on to build remarkable careers in the industry. I knew I wanted to be part of that legacy.

What was your favourite Humber memory or experience?

One of the highlights of my time at Humber was attending a panel event hosted by the Bachelor of PR program in my first semester. Listening to alums who had built successful careers across different industries was eye-opening and incredibly motivating. They shared real, unfiltered insights, everything from navigating the job market to making the most of internships.

From that moment on, I made it a point to attend as many industry events as possible, such as MLSE’s Sports Marketing and Public Relations panel. These experiences broadened my perspective on the endless possibilities within PR and helped me start building a professional network early on.

What was Humber's greatest impact on your personal and professional life?

Like many students, my on-campus experience was cut short due to the pandemic in 2020. But despite the shift to online learning, my time at Humber was still incredibly formative. Professors kept things engaging with interactive discussions, group projects, and real-world case studies, ensuring we weren’t just staring at slides on Zoom all day. And IGNITE Student Union did an amazing job keeping us connected, from digital events to care packages.

Rather than looking back at that time with disappointment, I actually feel a sense of pride. It was a crash course in adaptability — something that has become invaluable in my career. The skills we picked up, like hosting virtual events and mastering digital collaboration, turned out to be exactly what the industry would demand in the years that followed. Funny how things work out!

What are you up to now?

I’m back in Alberta as part of the corporate communications team at The Calgary Airport Authority, where I help shape and protect the brand reputation of both YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport. As a corporate communications coordinator, I tackle everything from internal and external communications to issues management and media relations. My work has allowed me to navigate high-profile communications in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Whether crafting key messages during a crisis, coordinating media responses or developing content that engages employees and the public, every day presents a new challenge that keeps me on my toes.

Humber’s hands-on curriculum provided me with a strong foundation for this work. The real-world projects, case studies and industry exposure I gained during my time in the program weren’t just theoretical exercises — they directly prepared me for the demands of the field.

What else do you want to share (e.g. Memorable trip; If you had a superpower; Favourite food or coffee shop; Personal and professional interests; Awards and recognition; Other milestones)?

Counting down the days until I can return to Toronto to ride the bull at Rock 'N' Horse Saloon and enjoy a fish taco from Fat Bastard Burrito again!