As we launch Pride in the Park, I’ve been thinking a lot about authenticity—not just in our personal lives, but in our professional ones.
People sometimes ask why I use Mx. instead of Ms., Miss, or Mrs.
The answer is simple: because it’s me.
I use she/they pronouns and proudly identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. But long before I had the language to describe my identity, I knew the titles people used for me didn’t quite fit.
I always knew “Miss” never felt right. I remember being a kid and thinking I wanted to earn a PhD—not because I had my career all planned out, but because then people could call me Dr. Ella instead of Miss Ella.
Years later, while I was in university (don’t have my PhD…yet) and working at the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, I learned so much about the incredible diversity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, new terms, queer history—and about myself. During that time, I realized there was already a title that felt right: Mx.
When I began my professional career with the Government of Canada, I chose to use Mx. from day one. That choice stayed with me as I moved to Invest Ottawa, and now to my role at the Kanata North Business Association. Wherever I’ve worked, I’ve wanted to show up the same way: as my authentic self.
For me, Mx. is simply the honourific that reflects who I am. I also appreciate that it says nothing about my marital status. Whether someone is married, single, divorced, widowed, or in any other relationship, circumstances have nothing to do with their expertise, leadership, or the contributions they make. I’ve always believed our professional identities should be defined by our work—not our relationship status.
It may seem like a small detail, but small things can make a meaningful difference in helping people feel seen, respected, and included.
Today, I have the privilege of working with companies, educators, entrepreneurs, and community partners across Kanata North to help create opportunities for the next generation of talent. My hope is that every young person entering the workforce—and every professional already here—knows they never have to choose between being themselves and building a successful career.
To me, that’s what Pride is about.
It’s about creating communities where people are recognized for their contributions, respected for who they are, and empowered to succeed without hiding any part of themselves.
As we celebrate Pride in the Park, I hope we continue building a Kanata North where everyone knows they belong—and where they are free to be exactly who they are.
Happy Pride! 🌈”
Fun fact: Mx. Is pronounced as “mix” [mɪks]
By Ella Wiggins, Kanata North Business Association
