KELOWNA, B.C. — [September 17, 2026] — When Trinity attended a United Way event in September 2025, she had no idea that one conversation would help shape the next chapter of her career.
At the start of her first year in the Paralegal Program at Okanagan College, Trinity Dunham, was referred to United Way through YFEF (Youth Futures Education Fund), a program focused on helping former youths in care successfully transition into post-secondary studies. After her second year of being involved in the United Way program, Trinity agreed to share her story as an impact speaker at the United Way kick-off breakfast; Trinity found herself standing on stage in front of a crowd — something she had never done before.
Unbeknownst to Trinity, members of the Pushor Mitchell team were in the audience. As longtime supporters of United Way, the team was there to support the organization and learn firsthand about the impact of its work in the community.
After her speech, members of the Pushor Mitchell team approached her to congratulate her on her presentation.
“I mentioned I was in the Paralegal Program at Okanagan College, and that led to a conversation about Pushor Mitchell and potential opportunities with the firm,” Trinity recalls.
The conversation stayed with Trinity well after she had tucked the offered business card into her wallet.
“It was like my good luck charm,” she says.
A few months later, when it was time to start her practicum, Trinity pulled out the card she’d been holding on to. She reached out to Joni Metherell, Pushor Mitchell’s Managing Partner. That initial conversation turned into a practicum opportunity and, eventually, a position with the firm. Today, Trinity works as a Legal Assistant at Pushor Mitchell.
Now, nearly a year after that first United Way event, Trinity returned to where it all began. She once again stepped on stage to share her story at the United Way Kick-Off Breakfast and join her Pushor Mitchell colleagues for United Way’s Day of Caring.
For Trinity, the experience is a reminder of just how much can come from simply saying yes to an opportunity.
“When I attended the event last year, I never imagined it would lead to an opportunity,” Trinity says. “Coming back now as a member of the firm does feel like that full-circle moment and reminds me how meaningful community connections can be.”
From One Opportunity to a New Career
What began as a practicum opportunity quickly became more. At Pushor Mitchell, Trinity found a workplace where she could continue learning, grow in her career, and build meaningful connections with the people around her.
It was the people at Pushor Mitchell who ultimately made her want to stay.
“Since day one of starting my practicum, I felt welcomed and supported, and genuinely valued by everybody,” Trinity says.
She describes the firm’s culture as supportive, collaborative, and community-oriented, with people willing to help each other succeed.
“I think it’s one of the first times in my life being at a job where I’m not dreading coming to work,” she says. “I really enjoy coming to work every day and doing what I do.”
Paying it Forward
For Trinity, returning to United Way is about more than volunteering. It is her way of recognizing the support that helped her get to where she is today.
“I think communities really are strongest when people support each other,” she says. “Volunteering is a way to contribute beyond your day-to-day work and help create opportunities for others.”
That belief is reflected in Pushor Mitchell’s ongoing involvement with United Way.
Each year, the firm participates in United Way’s Day of Caring, where members of the Pushor Mitchell team spend the day volunteering and supporting local non-profit organizations connected to United Way. The firm also supports United Way through its sponsorship of the annual United Way breakfast.
For Trinity, being part of that commitment now carries a particularly personal meaning.
The same organization that helped her with her career development and gave her an opportunity to share her story is now an organization she supports alongside her colleagues.
“When organizations support community initiatives, it benefits everyone and helps create stronger connections between people,” Trinity says.
Her experience has given those words a new meaning. What began with a willingness to step outside her comfort zone has led her to a career, a workplace where she feels supported, and an opportunity to give back.
Looking back, Trinity says the word that best describes her journey is connection.
One decision to try something new led to a speech.
That speech led to a conversation.
That conversation led to a practicum.
The practicum led to a career.
And now, as a member of the Pushor Mitchell team, Trinity is helping support the same organization where that journey began.
One conversation. One opportunity. One full-circle moment.
MEDIA CONTACT
Lindsay Marshall, Pushor Mitchell LLP
Marketing & Communications
Phone: 250-869-1108
Email: marshall@pushormitchell.com