Lise Coghlan was introduced by Michelle Chatten-Fiedorec. Lise grew up in Montreal with her younger sister and brother. When she graduated from high school, she commenced work at the head office of Bell Canada, working in the travel department arranging the travel of the senior executives of the company. This was a seminal moment for her.
It was to be the start of a lifelong career and passion related to the travel industry. During her time at Bell Canada, she won a weekend trip provided by CP Air to Banff. It was her first trip and whet her thirst for more travel experiences.
Later, Lise was invited to apply for a position with the travel agency of The Bay. The interviewer liked her handwriting!! Lise commenced work at Bay Travel, starting at $90 per week. During this time, the manager of the department asked Lise if she would like to travel to Asia as a learning experience. The trip included visits to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei and other locations. Lise made a new friend on this adventure which resulted in the formation of a new travel agency.
Her first assignment was being located in San Diego for a year arranging travel for military personnel all over the world. But, alas, she missed Canada and our four seasons and relocated back to her roots in Canada. This time, to Toronto with Bay Travel. The agency was later acquired by American Express.Two years later, she was offered the position of Area Manager. She declined this opportunity and thirty years ago, relocated to Kingston which in many respects reminded her of her home in Montreal.
During her time working at the Cataraqui Centre in a travel agency, she was asked to arrange a tour for some of the clients of CKWS on very short notice. It was during this time that Lise met Ana Sutherland. Working at the Cataraqui Centre, gave Lise the opportunity to form many relationships with clients in the Kingston area. Her particular interest was to create self-travel adventures/experiences for her clients. She continued in this area of travel adventure with her clients until the recent game changing time of COVID-19. With all of the resulting restrictions of the pandemic, Lise was laid off.
But this only created a new area of opportunity for Lise. She decided to continue with these types of travel experiences for her clients, but as a sole proprietor/entrepreneur.
Nearing the age of retirement did not result in retirement for Lise. She took encouragement and inspiration from influencers - Hazel McCallion, in Mississauga who at 101 continues as a Canadian business woman as the current chancellor of Sheridan College and Coonel. Saunders who started his KFC restaurant chain in his mid-60’s.
The result for Lise was the creation of her own travel agency continuing to create travel adventures for her clientele. She is continuing to do what she loves to do and sees herself being involved in travel for many more years writing her own agenda.
Her hobbies include enjoying nature, walking the many trails in our area, learning to knit and doodle art. Working with the Humane Society on Sundays is a special time for her.
Lise is married and her husband is very interested in sports. Lise’s daughter, who is 36 lives in Ottawa working for the federal government in Foreign Affairs preparing background information for Cabinet Ministers.
Lise enjoys her membership and involvement with Rotarians, meeting so many special people and the many projects of Rotary locally and worldwide.
Lise closed by sharing a special story about a medal that her father received from the Governor General of Canada celebrating his work as a medical officer in the Canadian Army, as a family doctor and later completing his career working in Indian Affairs. Her father did much good and did it quietly. She is trying to live by his values.
Joyce thanked Lise for her very interesting presentation.