What better way to become involved with a national organization, asks Adrineh Der-Boghossian, than to volunteer? Having done so for the Canadian Red Cross and Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada, Adrineh happily offered her services as a greeter for Editors Toronto after she joined Editors Canada in 2016. Soon she became editor-in-chief of BoldFace, the Editors Toronto blog. Two years later, she was the proofreader and social media coordinator of The Editors’ Weekly, the Editors Canada national blog. “It was a nice break not having to source content while still being involved with the association and gaining further experience in editing,” she says.
Extensive volunteer work isn’t all Adrineh brings to the page as an editor. She holds multiple degrees: a BA in psychology (York University), an MA in communications (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), an editing certificate (George Brown College) and a publishing certificate (Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University). “I love being a student and am constantly learning,” Adrineh says.
Working in communications for not-for-profit organizations prompted her pursuit of an editing certificate and a move abroad. In Armenia, she translated articles for a media advocacy organization, taught Freshman English at the American University of Armenia and met her spouse. Now back in Canada, Adrineh works as a project manager for a book publishing company while also proofreading and copy editing as a freelancer for other publishers.
As a member of Editors Canada, Adrineh enjoys being part of a community of like-minded people willing to help newcomers to editing. In her spare time, she loves riding her motorcycle. She encourages newer editors to look to their interests and see how they can apply their editing skills there. “We all have things we do besides editing—why not combine your passions?”
The featured volunteer recognizes the contributions of our dedicated people who keep Editors Canada going. Volunteers are the backbone of the association, and we are grateful for the many members and affiliates who answer the call when help is needed.
Want to make a difference in your association? Find out more about volunteering for Editors Canada.
~S. Robin Larin