SNACKING with Abbie

Abbie Simpson

Former President & CEO

Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association

“ Equality to me is understanding the uniqueness of each individual and creating a world where our culture, personality, and aspects of ourselves we cannot change are seen as assets and not hindrances. I find a lot of the time we talk about equality in terms of everyone being the same. But we are not all the same and every individual has unique experiences.”

Abbie Simpson
Former President & CEO
Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association

Instagram Handle: @abbi3simpson
LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/abbie-simpson

What are the go-to snacks you like to eat?
I recently rekindled my love for Teddy Grahams. Not the brand name ones but the President’s Choice or No Name versions. Whatever is cheaper and has more chocolate! I also love stovetop popcorn for when I’m feeling particularly snack-y.

Do you brush your teeth when you wake up or after eating breakfast?

Brushing my teeth is an important part of my getting ready ritual. If I wash my face after breakfast, then I will brush and floss after breakfast. My dental hygienist says I need to drink less coffee but has allowed me to drink as much as I want as long as a brush or rinse my mouth out after… So I’m probably going to move to an after breakfast person.

Do you wet your toothbrush before or after you apply toothpaste?

I wet my toothbrush before… Is that bad?

Who is your role model and why?

My role model since I was a kid was always Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Not because I wanted to slay vampires (although that would be awesome) but because she always solved problems - even when she had no idea what she was doing. I always felt like I had no idea what to do but was forced to solve large problems from a young age. Her resilience made me want to be more resilient and continue to achieve despite personal challenges and external pressure.

Who would you choose to play you in a movie about your life?

I wish Sarah Michelle Gellar was 20 years younger… or Reese Witherspoon. If you can’t get either of them then I would love to give the opportunity to a highschool theatre kid looking for their big break. They are probably just as annoying as I am in public.

Favourite Restaurant in Toronto?

Wow… I haven’t been in Toronto since 2019. That’s crazy. I don’t know if I have a favourite place but every time I’m in Toronto I try to get Korean BBQ, I don’t care where!

What does equality mean to you?

Equality to me is understanding the uniqueness of each individual and creating a world where our culture, personality, and aspects of ourselves we cannot change are seen as assets and not hindrances. I find a lot of the time we talk about equality in terms of everyone being the same. But we are not all the same and every individual has unique experiences. We should not be striving for conformity, especially in the workplace.

When It’s all said and done, the title to your autobiography is called_____?

In pre-school my friend told his mom “I like Abbie, but she is so bossy. She keeps telling me what to do.” This story has always stuck with me and has shaped how I evaluate my own leadership abilities and potential. I think if I were to name my autobiography I would like to incorporate that: Preschool CEO or something corny like that.

It’s 2021, what does this decade look like to you?

This decade is going to be focused on learning and unlearning. I have spent a lot of time thinking about mental well-being and what happiness looks like for me in the future. I hope to spend this decade working on the person I want to be in the world so I can be a better community member and friend.

Who made the best ‘Sunday Morning’ song A) k-os B) No Doubt or C) Maroon 5?

I am a sucker for No Doubt and the song “Spiderwebs” was a hit in my house as a kid. My Dad introduced me to No Doubt. I have all their CDs still.

What’s the last item you purchased with cash?

Other than brunch? I can’t remember the last time I handed someone who wasn’t my server cash.

What does retirement look like to you?

To me, retirement is sitting at my family cottage in North Eastern Ontario and looking at the still water while reading my unread stack of books I imagine I will collect throughout my life. I hope that I can have this well before retirement and hope to settle in North Eastern Ontario as soon as possible.

According to you, who is the best-dressed person in business?

I have no idea. I don’t necessarily look at the clothes people are wearing unless they are right in front of me. I also don’t follow a lot of women in business. But last year the President at Carleton’s Student Association was always well dressed and I was super jealous.

What skill are you determined to master?

I am determined to master French and home renovation. I have big plans to restore a heritage home in the future so I am going to need to master a whole suite of skills throughout life to accomplish that goal.

Do you believe there is a way to turn your passions into work, and if so, how?

I don’t think the goal should solely be profit. I think monetizing your passion in a sustainable way is great for people who want to spend their life continuing to develop and share their passion. I think that’s possible. I don’t believe that the goal should always be to monetize your passion as you lose the joy of creativity and focus solely on making more and more money. For me, my passion for heritage and community engagement can be easily monetized working in the public sector. But eventually, the pursuit of money will take away from the aspects of that field I love so there is a fine line to walk.

What are the 3 Albums that soundtrack your life?

Welcome to the Black Parade (MCR)

Jagged Little Pill (Alanis Morissette)

21st Century Breakdown (Green Day)

What three words would you use to describe the past three months of your life?

Reflection, Exhaustion, and Quiet

What Public Figure inspired your career path?

Leslie Knope. Not a real person but I really want to work in the public sector in parks or culture/ heritage. My dream would be having Leslie’s job but at the City of Ottawa or the NCC. I want to work with the community to create public spaces people love.

What’s your favourite book or author?

My favourite author is Stephen King. I loved his books and horror stories as a kid and have continued to enjoy his writing throughout University. My favourite book right now that I recommend to EVERYONE is From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle.

Name something you couldn’t go a day without. Why?

I can’t go a day without my phone. I love calling my friends and sending memes. I guess I am a typical zillenial.

Dogs or Cats?

I am 150% a dog person.