Meghan Kennedy
University of Calgary
“When I was younger, I was the type of person who was physically trembling when presenting in front of others, especially strangers,” says Meghan Kennedy. “But thanks to case competitions, I am so much more comfortable with public speaking—just seeing that personal growth in myself has been my best achievement during my university experience.”
A fourth-year student at the University of Calgary, Meghan has become very adept at pushing herself outside her comfort zone: in addition to participating in the JDC West Business Competition, she volunteers with the Calgary Drop-In Centre, the Mustard Seed, and her student union tax clinic. These extracurriculars—and pursuing her goal of one day becoming a CPA—are a lot to keep track of, but Meghan loves the community she’s built around herself, intertwining activities she’s passionate about with a desire for a social outlet. “It’s made my university experience so much better,” she says.
While juggling a demanding schedule can be overwhelming at times, Meghan draws strength and motivation from her mother’s experience pursuing a designation. “Growing up, I watched her go through the CPA program,” Meghan recalls. “Seeing her go through that while working and raising children at the same time really inspired me. If she can do all that, then I definitely can too.”
Maintaining a balanced and realistic sense of perspective is the key to reaching that end goal, says Meghan. “Sometimes it’s hard when you don’t see the results that you want, but that’s also good for learning and growing. I try not to get caught up in the itty-bitty details; I just keep the grind going because it will be worth it, and, eventually, I’ll have the letters behind my name to prove it.”
Q&A with Meghan
What achievement or contribution are you most proud of so far?
I recently competed at the JDC West 2025 competition and won the inaugural True Spirit Award—an award given to a delegate that embodies the theme of the competition (harnessing authenticity for success), empowers others around them, and brings forward out-of-the-box ideas. This makes me incredibly proud because I was chosen out of ~700 delegates to receive the award. I put many hours into the Haskayne JDC West team throughout the year because I have so much love and passion for the team and competition, and it is an honour to be recognized for this!
How do you strive to be a role model for other students on campus?
As I have entered the senior years of my degree, and through my involvement in JDC West and the volunteer tax program on campus, I have used my time to spread the knowledge I have gained from others throughout the years and pass it down to those younger than me. Specifically, having a relatively young JDC team this year, I was able to step up and make those who were new to the team more comfortable. It brings me so much joy and pride to see the growth of everyone and how I was able to play a small role in it.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for their help or inspiration?
I would love to give a huge thank you to my parents for everything. I watched my mom go through the process of getting her CPA while being a fantastic mother to my younger brother and me. She has been such a huge help to me throughout my undergrad, whether I need help with an accounting question or with internships, she is always there for me when I need it. My dad has been a crucial support in my life and anything I do and watching him sacrifice things so my mom could pursue her CPA and create a successful career has been so inspiring. I would not be the woman I am today without the support from my parents, and I can’t thank them enough for everything they do.
Capitalize and CPA Alberta are proud to introduce the 2025 class of Capitalize Campus Stars. The Campus Stars program recognizes amazing Alberta post-secondary students who are dreaming of one day becoming CPAs. Learn more about the whole 2025 class!