During the 2005-2006 academic year I took a leave of absence to work full-time as a writer/editor with a sales communications team at one of Canada’s most successful banks.

When I returned to Centennial College, I learned that my colleague Gary Schlee, had dived head first into the Web 2.0 world. Excited to incorporate this new knowledge into our curriculum, he introduced me to local and global PR practitioners blogging and podcasting at that time.

As I listened and learned, it struck me: most of these early adopters were middle-aged, mostly white guys. I quite like middle-aged guys. I’m married to one. But, I wondered: where are all the women? And, more importantly , where are Canadian women who might inspire our students–the majority of whom are young women.

Then, I began reading about Maggie Fox, founder of Social Media Group that bills itself as “one of the world’s largest and best-known agencies devoted exclusively to helping business understand Web 2.0.” A fearless entrepreneur whose Dundas, Ontario agency has more than tripled in size in a year, she’s much in demand as both a consultant and speaker.

When she agreed to come in this week and speak to our students, I was thrilled. Maggie didn’t disappoint. While she delivered a powerful message, her low key, confident presence spoke volumes. She let students know: “this is your time,” “you can do it,” and “learn all you can.”

After the talk, several female students told Maggie just how inspired, energized and encouraged they now felt about starting their careers in communications. They saw themselves in her place in a few years. Just like her. Confident. Competent. Capable. And, maybe even owning and running their own businesses.

One of the findings of Edelman’s 2008 Trust Barometer is that (at least in Canada), when it comes to spokespersons, people trust “people like me.” By the same token, students relate to PR professionals they can one day see themselves becoming. That’s such valuable learning. Thanks, Maggie!