Business student chosen as Bootlegger rep

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mckinlay_kate.jpg” caption=”McMaster student Kate McKinlay.”]

Kate McKinlay is one multi-tasking McMaster student.

In her fourth year in the commerce program at the DeGroote School of Business, this top student is also vice-president academic of the DeGroote Commerce Society, captain of the McMaster women's rugby team, a part-time employee in the campus's new athletics complex, and a volunteer with the Hamilton Public Library. Over the summer, between her work at a marketing company, she added fashion model to her list of credits.

McKinlay was selected to be part of Generation B, a nation-wide promotional contest for the clothing store Bootlegger. In its new advertising campaign, Bootlegger asked universities, arts councils, volunteer organizations to invite candidates to submit resumes. Kate was selected by McMaster to apply and subsequently was chosen to represent the Hamilton area.

In total, 55 inspiring young people chosen from across the country. The candidates are all distinct, yet possess such strong leadership skills and passion for their community.

And McKinlay is no exception.

“The thing I enjoy most about DeGroote and McMaster is the great sense of community,” she says. “I enjoy volunteering in the community in and around the school because I'd like to think I'm helping a little to continue that. I feel very lucky to have been selected. I've been able to meet some of the other finalists and it's amazing to be competing with some phenomenal candidates.”

During her summer job with CIM Ltd., McKinlay was recognized as one of their top summer students working on their national Pepsi campaign. She was subsequently asked to be a company ambassador during the school year and recruited and hired students for this past summer's promotional programs.

But for the moment, she's keeping her options for the future open.

“I will continue my athletic pursuits, and I might obtain a graduate degree,” she says. “I will definitely find innovative ways to give back to my community.”

McKinlay is well on her way to achieving her goals. She maintains top academic grades and was recognized last year as a Marauder Scholar for being a varsity athlete while maintaining an average over 80 per cent in DeGroote's honours commerce program.

“The most important thing I've learned at DeGroote is that you should never underestimate the power of a team, whether it be on the field or off,” she says. “Two heads are always better than one, and inevitably your teammates are going to be the ones who celebrate the highs with you and help you get through the lows.”

The winner of the national contest will receive a $10,000 scholarship. The winner will be selected by the number of votes they receive on the www.bootlegger.com web site. People who vote will also receive a $10 coupon towards a $40 purchase at Bootlegger.