Mab Coates-Davies

My education in public history led me to the museum sector. I joined the Textile Museum of Canada in 2018 and moved through different roles in volunteer management, operations and communications, ultimately ending up as Chief Operating Officer. I completed a Master's degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management at Carleton University in 2025.

In 2026, I started a new role as the Executive Director at the Association of Canadian Archivists, a member-driven organization providing advocacy and networking support to archivists and records professionals across Canada.

Career questions with Mab

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

I love encountering new ideas and approaches to work, collaborating with other and building relationships. I always hoped to turn my love of history into a social job with practical impacts.

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

This is an evolving one, but building communications skills, understanding how people seek information and strengthening research skills! Working in non-profits, I've found myself learning new software or concepts and then implementing it the next day. The ability to research and condense information has been crucial.

How did Concordia prepare you for your career?

Concordia taught me a lot! Through the Public History program, I learned about the ethics of storytelling and how we represent histories. The practical applications of interviewing, synthesizing information and communicating to diverse audiences have all been things that have helped me immensely. 

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

One of my standout memories from Concordia was in a public history class, when a fellow student called out a sexist comment during discussion. I remember thinking she was incredibly cool, so after class I followed her out and randomly invited her to my birthday party. She came, and we’re still friends today! She also introduced me to a friend group that has profoundly changed my life. 

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

Relax! Slow down a bit and get an understanding of my neurodivergence. I was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD at age 30, and that diagnosis would have helped me to understand my work patterns and hold more compassion for myself. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

I think (and hope!) that we will see the principles of decent work be enacted more and more, mainly because Gen Z has a different outlook on work and are pushing for their time to be more protected.

We're also going to see the trajectory of philanthropic giving change with the great wealth transfer. The nature of giving will change in terms of volunteer labour as well.

These changes are exciting, but non-profit leaders will need to pay attention and adapt thoughtfully and compassionately. 

Feeling inspired?

• Get involved with Students of History at Concordia or explore other clubs that interest you.
• Volunteer with an organization for a cause you care about.
• Learn to talk about your work and tell stories to different audiences with clarity and impact through FutureBound’s storytelling and public speaking series. 
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.