Changing Lives

A Thank You Letter From Rochelle Moore

COS Education Award recipient, who received Minerva Award for her studies at the Justice Institue of BC

July 19^th, 2011

To the Minerva Foundation

I would like to thank the Minerva foundation for helping me with my academic goal at the Justice Institution of British Columbia and without your generosity I would have not been able to complete the Aboriginal Leadership Certificate Program.  I have been out of school for some time and have had some troubles finding financial support to continue school and I was grateful that your foundation has been so supportive and helping me complete the program. 

I had received an award from your foundation in the fall of 2010 and I am so grateful for that award as well, the support that you show aboriginal women and all women trying to find a career in the professional fields is amazing.  In my speech that I had made back in April 2011 to thank the Minerva foundation for this award came from my heart and I know that I have a soft spoken voice and would like to let you know that in that time, that speech was one of my very first public speeches and I apologize it was hard to hear me. 

As I had mentioned in that speech, I would like to say again that I wouldn’t have been able to complete this program if it wasn’t for your foundation.  Also I am writing this at the end of my program and would like to inform you that I have completed the program with an “A” average and I am writing my practicum paper at this time.  I will attach a final transcript to show my accomplishment in this program.  Thank you once again and I look forward to reading of other women’s success stories, in which your foundation has helped to achieve.

Sincerely, Rochelle Moore

View her speech at:

http://jibc.ca/support-jibc/impact-your-gift

 

Special feature on Minerva’s  Protégées

Click here to check out some of our amazing protégées talk about their Minerva experience.

The first Spirit of Minerva Award Winners

Spirit of Minerva Award Recipeints from left to right: Valerie Casselton, Anne Levesque, Angela White, Taron Scott, Kelly Trach, Amanda Reaume, Marie Stenzel, Christy Smith, Jody Wilson-Raybould, and Laura Aslan.

Minerva’s second annual Alumnae event was a major success! This year, for the first time ever, Minerva was able to honour 10 incredibly deserving women awards in 5 different categories. Read on and learn about each one of these amazing women and what they have contributed to Minerva.

To see the full gallery of the Alumnae photos click here!

OVERCOMING THE ODDS

The recipients in this category had to demonstrate an improvement in life circumstances in the face of adversity.

Taron Scott, member of the Nisga’a Nation,  is a young mother of three young children and lives with her husband in the Lower Mainland. After giving birth to her first daughter after graduating from high school, Taron took a year off her educational studies to become a mum. Returning to school a year later, Taron continued to juggle her studies with being a fulltime mum. Baby number two arrived during her period of study, with Taron marrying her partner and completing a certificate in First Nations Studies with a certificate in Nisga’a language from UNBC. After having a third child Taron did not return to her education.

Taron went onto participate in the Minerva Helping Women Work™ program where she regained her confidence to go after her dreams and got her values and priorities in order.  After realizing her passion lay in childhood education, she was placed in an employment program at a daycare in a neighboring community where she commuted to work every day, which is no mean feat in Northern BC as some of you may know!

After fighting for and receiving some funding from the Village Government to relocate her family to Surrey BC in order to attend the Native Education College, Taron had to overcome many challenges including raising the necessary funds in order to relocate, moving so far away from her community and being asked to move out of her rental unit only on week after moving in. Taron has stayed optimistic and will graduate this year and has chosen to further her education with a post-basic diploma and will remain in the Lower Mainland until 2012. In her nomination, Taron was called an inspirational role model to women, be they aboriginal or non-aboriginal.

The second recipient of this award is Laura Aslan. Laura was 34 years old when she decided to enroll for the Computer Science Studies program at UBC. Statistically speaking, this program is mostly made up of young males aged between 18 – 23, so Laura was already in the minority! Laura was also a single mother, having moved to Canada from Romania and now had no family support to fall back on. Receiving no alimony from her ex-husband also caused challenges for Laura.  

Laura unfortunately faced the challenges that most new immigrants face, including language and cultural barriers. The academic system was very different for Laura, and whereas dropping off courses or choosing optional courses may seem trivial to some, these were new and incomprehensible to Laura.

Laura had recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Psychology, and was one of the only mature students on the program who did not have a background in math or engineering. Despite all of these challenges Laura never missed a class and maintained a GPA above 80% throughout the program. Even through the emotional, financial and cultural challenges Laura has maintained an optimistic outlook and has completed her Bachelor Degree in Computer Science. She was helped along the way by Minerva, and in 2005 received the Janet Fleck Ladner Award.  

EXCELLENCE IN PERSONAL GROWTH

The recipients here had to demonstrate the effective use of skills, contacts or aid obtained through participation in a Minerva program to fulfill personal, educational and/or career goals.

Our first recipient of this award is Kelly Trach. Kelly was in Grade 8, shy and lacking in self worth when she found a role model in her teacher, Mr. Harding. Working alongside him as a teaching assistant, Kelly was empowered to be emphatic and caring as a leader, and learnt from Mr. Harding that not only was she capable, she was exceptional.  She longed to foster the same independence in the students as he had installed in her. Attending the North Shore Leadership Conference was the first chance she had to exhibit the vision she had gained. Despite being the youngest leader, she was chosen as the Chair, and she went on to challenge the senior leaders and succeed in her role. She had become a change maker.

She continued to feel a desire to make positive change. Founding a Free the Children club she helped to fundraise to build schools in Ecuador. As a Grade 11 Leader at the 2010 Learning to Lead™ BC Leadership Development program, Kelly continued on her journey of discovery to be a great leader.  Kelly is now pursuing her dreams at UBC. Congratulations Kelly on proving that youth is not a barrier to being an inspiring leader!

Our second recipient is Anne Levesque. Anne completed her first University Degree as a mature student and went onto participate in the Minerva Helping Women Work™ program in 2006. Having raised three children, Anne spent the majority of her career initiating, leading, and managing grass roots Not For Profit organizations. Anne specialized in areas such as Environmental education, ecological scientific research programs and public policy discussions around sustainability. Although she was living her passion as an activist, she was not thriving financially as she raised her three growing children.

After completing her MBA at Royal Roads University, Anne started her job search. Sending off over 35 resumes and attending 10 interviews, she was unsuccessful in her 6 month search. The MBA had given her greater business knowledge but had not given her the confidence in the leadership skills she had gained. Then, along came Minerva Helping Women Work™ where becoming a protégée was a turning point for her. The program supported her to gain confidence in her leadership skills and the attributes she brings to a team. Anne was taught to embrace the strong passionate advocate she naturally was rather than becoming something she thought others would value more.

Only a few weeks after completing the program she was offered the National Executive Director position at Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in Ottawa. After 2 years Anne has since come back to the West Coast and is a Directing Manager of the ENGO Caucus.  She continues to use the program’s teachings.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HER COMMUNITY

These recipients had to demonstrate a dedication to achieving political, business or social change in communities/organizations of their choice through volunteerism, or not, following your passion of dedication.

Our first recipient is Christy Smith. Christy participated as an Emerging Leader in the 2008 Follow A Leader™ program. Christy has continued her relationship with Mandy Farmer, her mentor, and credits much of her success today to her relationship with Mandy and the opportunities to be involved with Minerva’s programs. She has also proved to be an active volunteer, and has been providing pro bono, or at cost work to the Victoria Chapter since 2005.

In September 2010, Christy began taking pledges to run the Goodlife Fitness half marathon in support of the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre (WSAC). With no training in long distance running, and with only month to raise her goal of $10,000, she proceeded with a social media campaign to try and drum up support. In only 10 days she reached her goal! By the time she finished the race she was raised $12,500.00 and earned the recognition of Top Fundraiser (in history).

Christy has since committed to another fundraiser with the WSAC which will be held on May 04^th. Christy has created a t-shirt design to raise awareness of the cause, and her goal is to debunk some of the myths surrounding sexual violence against women. Christy is such an inspiration to her community.

Our second recipient in this category is Angela White. Angela has been a participant in many of the programs of the Combining Our Strength™ Initiative in Fort Nelson since 2008. She currently sits on the Volunteer Boards at the Fort Nelson Family Development and Fort Nelson Literacy Society. She also plays an active role in the Northern Rockies Children and Family Action Committee and the Northern Rockies Social Planning Council. She also plays an integral role in the Fort Nelson Women’s weekend, and Minerva’s Community Circle in Fort Nelson.

Angela has become a mentor to the young women of the Fort Nelson community through the ‘Go Girl’ program. She worked with the Fort Nelson First Nation on their annual community celebrations, conducted medicinal plant walks at the Prophet River First Nation, works with the community of Ft. Liard, NWT to expand their access to various services and is an ardent supporter of Northern Environmental Action Team. 

Angela is extremely passionate in all her community work, and somehow manages to find time to work for Encana too. Congratulations to Angela for this well deserved recognition.

LEADERSHIP

The recipients here had to demonstrate achievement of a high level of influence and/or responsibility in business, politics or social endeavors.

Our first recipient is Jody Wilson-Raybould. Jody first participate in Minerva’s Learning to Lead™ South program before going onto having a long time involvement with the Combining Our Strength™ Initiative and also sat on Minerva’s Board. After achieving a Bachelor of Arts with a major in history and political science, Jody went onto receive her Law degree in 1999. From 2000 – 2003 she worked as a Provincial Crown prosecutor in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Then in 2003, she was elected Commissioner to the BC Treaty Commission where she stayed for the next six years.

In October 2009, Jody was elected to the position of Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations. She currently represents 203 First Nations groups in BC ensuring that regional perspectives are included in National political discussions and decision making. Jody juggles this very busy workload with her volunteer commitments, including being a member of Minerva’s Patron Circle. We are honoured to be able to recognize Jody for this award.

Our second recipient is Amanda Reaume. Amanda participated as an Emerging Leader in the 2007 Follow A Leader™ program. As the Executive Director and driving force of the Antigone Foundation, she helps to encourage young women to become politically active through leadership, politics, activism and feminism.

As a winner of the YWCA Young Women of Distinction Award in 2008, Amanda also earned her BA Degree in 2007 and her MA in 2009 at UBC. Founding the Antigone Magazine in 2006, she is now writing a book about female political leaders, blogs on feminism and political action and initiated the Dreams for Women postcard art project as well as the Antigone calendar project.

Amanda has planned, or participated, in a range of meetings, conferences and summits aimed at helping women, such as the 2009 Women Economic Security Summit, The Connected Networking Luncheon and the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women to name a few. Amanda is a young woman full of promise and energy, and we are thrilled to recognize her achievements.

MENTORING

The recipients here had to demonstrate a dedication to women’s leadership development through the recruitment and/or support of women as they take their first steps towards personal and financial empowerment.

Our first recipient is Valerie Casselton. Valerie participated as a Community Leader in the 2008 Follow A Leader™ Program. In her day job, Valerie works with senior editors at The Vancouver Sun to lead a newsroom of more than 135 people, overseeing professional development and building strategies to achieve newsgathering, readership and financial goals. Valerie has been very supportive of women and men in her newsroom, often seeking out people that she can mentor and helping and supporting them. She is constantly seeking to become a better mentor and create mentorship relationships among her staff. Valerie has also taken a special interest in the contribution that she can make to her community through her position. This contribution has put an emphasis on mentorship.  Valerie currently chairs the advisory board of Langara College’s school of journalism.  She has served as a board member of The Centre for Investigative Journalism (now The Canadian Association of Journalists), and The American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors (AASFE). In all these roles, she has used her position to help mentor, support, and develop young journalists.

Valerie’s dedication to mentoring is something that her Follow A Leader™ protégée, Amanda Reaume, was lucky enough to witness firsthand from the moment that they were matched. Valerie included her in Sun editorial meetings where she got to see firsthand how editorial decisions were made.

She put a lot of thought into structuring the day that Amanda spent with her. She spent a great deal of time getting to know Amanda’s interests and then introduced her to various figures in the news room who she thought Amanda could also potentially learn from. Amanda was able to spend time with the Arts Editor (an opportunity that later led him to offer her a freelance opportunity to review of book for the paper), and spent time speaking with the Vancouver Sun Editor-in-Chief Patricia Graham.

Valerie has made a concerted effort to keep in touch and provide more mentorship opportunities with Amanda since the programs end. They have attended events together, with Valerie attending and supporting Amanda at important launches for her own Foundation. She is generous with her time and talents, and understands the importance of the mentor role. Congratulations to Valerie on this deserved award.

Our last recipient is Marie Stenzel.  Marie, as many of you will know, has been a long term mentor on the Minerva Helping Women Work™ Program. Marie has worked closely with the program over the years, and has been an inspirational mentor to Ana Rocho, and many other protegees of MHWW.

As a mentor, Marie offers a trusting relationship combined with experienced guidance and, one of the most important aspects, a genuine interest in her mentees wellbeing and success.  She is generous with her time and counsel, an attribute that has benefited a number of community and professional organizations that she supports through her volunteer efforts including the Canadian Association of Paralegals, the Continuing Legal Education Society, the Lawyers Assistance Program, the Western Businesswomen’s Association and, of course, the Minerva Foundation.

Marie’s assistance and encouragement were of immeasurable value throughout Ana’s process to establish herself in a new country, a new culture and a new language. Marie stayed in touch and was there if she needed someone with whom to share some ideas or discuss options.  For Ana, being connected to someone like Marie, who combined a genuine affinity for her as a person with the ability to relate her experience in the form of positive support, was a tremendous advantage.

One of the factors that clearly influenced Marie to become an effective mentor was the help she received from those who took the time and the interest to mentor her.  She understands the value of associating and collaborating with people who recognized her abilities and gave her the opportunity to prove her value and build her own self-worth.  Recognizing the value of associating with positive-thinking and compassionate people, Marie has made a specific effort to ‘give something back’ by devoting herself to the same role with the Minerva foundation. While the focus of her mentoring efforts has been to support women in the legal profession, her contributions to the community set an example for all who know her.

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Elaine’s husband delivered an emotional bombshell 18 months ago: he was leaving her. While he was both willing and obligated to provide child support, his financial commitment to her would end as soon as he could make it happen. After a 20-year hiatus from the insurance industry, she has to return to work. She has stabilized herself emotionally and is ready to prepare for her first job back. To begin, she is asking these big questions:

• How can I support myself and eventually maximize my income with the skills I have?
• What do I WANT to do…eventually?
• What do I HAVE to do … now?

When Greta’s* mother became terminally ill, she quit her job and became the primary caregiver. She was ready to change jobs anyway, and she knew that time with her mother was limited. Now she’s on her own again, her savings are almost gone, and it’s time for Greta to move into her next life. She has fears around her ability to confidently re-enter the workplace after 3 years of unpaid service, especially not knowing exactly what she wants:

• How can I combine my new talents & interests with my previous skills to find meaningful work?
• How can I find work I enjoy and still?
• How do I work out a map and stay focused as I move ahead?

* a composite of stories told by women helping to develop this program.