PAST MCA SUMMER STUDENTS: MEET LEAH MITCHELL

Every summer job holds the potential for something more. In this series, we’re highlighting Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) employees who began as summer students, showing Akwesasró:non youth how early opportunities can grow into meaningful careers. Students interested in joining a supportive and inspiring organization are encouraged to sign up for MCA’s summer student applications that are now open! Today, we spotlight Leah Mitchell, whose work at Tsiionkwanonhso:te Long-Term Care Home supports the wellbeing of elders while helping guide the day-to-day operations of the Home. 

Leah Mitchell is the Acting Assistant Administrator at Tsiionkwanonhso:te Long-Term Care Home within the Department of Health. In her role, she assists with the overall management of the Home, working with departments across the organization to help meet long-term care standards and support daily operations. She also works closely with department heads to troubleshoot challenges and connect staff with the resources they need to succeed. One of the most rewarding parts of her role is getting to know the residents, learning about their personalities, their likes and dislikes, and the stories and history they carry. 

Leah’s journey with MCA began as a summer student throughout high school and post-secondary, where she gained experience working in several departments, including Mohawk Government, Finance, Economic Development, Office of Vital Statistics, and Community Health. These experiences helped her develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management, while giving her a better understanding of how different areas of the organization work together. She studied Advanced Business Administration with a focus on accounting and originally planned to work in finance but soon found herself drawn to the health field. She began her career as an administrative assistant before moving into supervisory and program management roles, eventually becoming the Acting Assistant Administrator. She has also completed the required 100 hours of Long-Term Care Administrator training in Ontario. 

To youth interested in this field, Leah encourages building strong communication and teamwork skills and spending time with elders to learn from their experiences. She shares that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Trying new things, asking questions, and learning along the way are all part of the journey. For those considering a future with MCA, she says the organization offers opportunities to grow, gain valuable experience, and build a meaningful career while giving back to the community.