I have been working as a consumer advocate in the healthcare field for the last 9 years.  Informally, I have been doing some form of consumer advocacy for most of my life.
Long before I started my professional career, I was a consumer advocate.  Growing up in a family where everyone expressed opinions without hesitation, I watched my parents as they dealt with household consumer issues.  I watched them define the problem, get to the right person to resolve it, and negotiate to make things happen.  Soon, I became the designated speaker in the family, and later, for friends, when there was an issue to be settled.
Have a problem, complaint, or concern I can help you with? Send in your questions and quandaries to: AskMauree@colliersmagazine.com