[6] McNamara's work to support Ukrainian refugees on Vancouver Island began in March 2022 in response to a sense of paralysis from other, more established, organizations.

[13] In January 2024, McNamara co-directed the world premiere of the play "A Dictionary of Emotions in Wartime" with Ukrainian director Diana Budiachenko.

McNamara is known for her advocacy work surrounding access to recreation for people with disabilities and mental illness through the Victoria Cool Aid Society.

In 2018, she penned an open letter[18] to Victoria City Council in support of access to a barrier-free recreation facility known as Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.

She trained under coach Clint Lien with the Mercury Rising Triathlon club in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.