To have every alumni be able to say with conviction, "THIS is who I say I am before the world gets an opinion"

Ann Gathoni Maina was born in Kenya and spent her childhood in Calgary before moving to Edmonton to pursue higher education. As a daughter of newcomers to Canada, Ann has seen firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up. Ann's mom intentionally put her in spaces where the depth of conversation and the beliefs and perspectives being discussed were not commonplace in society. In these spaces, she learned, grew, and expanded beyond the restrictions and stereotypes the world placed on her. 

As I was often one of the youngest in these rooms, I would hear, " I wish I knew this at your age. If I had known this sooner, my life would be different". For most people, especially women, self-worth, the ability to hold boundaries, and confidence in taking up space are not taught in our youth. We learn the hard way when life forces us to overcome difficult times.

Ann is grateful for the belief systems, practices, habits, values and mindset that changed everything since she was 13. By adopting a commitment to constant and never-ending improvement, Ann continues to evolve in her 20s. 

Ann has been a guest speaker in schools in Calgary and Edmonton for the past two years. The more she shared her life with others, the more Ann realized she works, operates, and leads her life differently than most young women her age, and there is value in sharing that. 

Ann cares about initiating conversations of substance and creating spaces for growth for young people. Through self-development educational interactive programs, specifically for young people in Junior high, high school and university, Ann wants to turn statements like, "I wish I knew this when I was younger" into "I know this now - when I need it, I will use it."

Ann has ambitions big enough to change things and dares to believe in the change.