Parnika Juneja

Turning Her World Right-Side Up
When I stepped off the plane from New Delhi at 17 years old, I carried more than just a suitcase—dreams, fears, and a determination to make something of myself. Alone in a new country, I quickly realized the road ahead was far steeper than I had imagined.
The first hurdle struck: the crushing weight of international tuition fees. In Toronto, where I first landed, I juggled odd jobs and countless hours of study, but no matter how hard I worked, it felt like I was barely treading water. The loneliness was deafening. I sometimes wondered if I had made a mistake leaving everything behind. But giving up was never an option.
I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Edmonton. It was a chance for a fresh start. Over the years, I worked in diverse roles—from Alberta Registries to automotive sales—while striving to achieve Canadian permanent residency. This milestone marked a turning point in my professional and personal journey and fueled my passion for building meaningful connections and helping others navigate their own paths.
“Own every step, even through challenges.”
This drive is at the heart of everything I do, from my work as a Real Estate Professional to my community involvement. Whether guiding clients through life-changing decisions like finding their dream homes or volunteering at local festivals, I’m deeply motivated by the chance to impact people’s lives positively.
My commitment to community extends beyond real estate. I actively organize events that empower and celebrate those around me, striving to create spaces where people feel supported and inspired. As a Bollywood dance enthusiast, I’ve also found a way to bring people together through cultural appreciation. Teaching and performing dance at local events have been a way to connect with my roots while fostering community engagement.
Through it all, I’ve pursued my International Business and Finance degree at the University of Alberta. Balancing school, work, and volunteering is a challenge, but it’s one I embrace wholeheartedly. My journey has taught me that resilience, purpose, and community are the cornerstones of success.
Looking back, I see how far I’ve come—from a scared teenager alone in a foreign country to someone who has built a life full of purpose and possibility. My story is far from perfect, but it’s mine, and I own every step of it. Because when life feels upside down, the only way forward is to just own it.
Lessons from our December Rising Star
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
No matter how difficult the journey, resilience is key. Even when faced with financial struggles and loneliness, Parnika pushed forward and never gave up, demonstrating that perseverance can overcome any obstacle.Embrace Change and Take Risks
Sometimes, starting fresh and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary growth. By moving to a new city for a fresh start, Parnika found new opportunities and began to realize her potential.The Power of Community and Connection
True success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about lifting others along the way. By actively building connections through work, volunteering, and community engagement, Parnika created a supportive environment for both herself and others.Own Your Journey and Stay Authentic
The path to success is never perfect, and that’s okay. Parnika embraced her unique journey, learned from her mistakes, and constantly stayed true to herself, proving that authenticity is a powerful tool in personal growth.Connect with Parnika at linkedin.com/in/parnika-juneja-2363b1132

My name is Carmelita Santana, a fourth-year Business Management student specializing in Marketing at Concordia University Edmonton (CUE). My vision is to launch my own international makeup line. Alongside my studies, I’ve served as Vice President of the CUE Management Union and as a Student Ambassador, guiding new and prospective students as they adjust to university life.
For the past decade, I have been deeply committed to community service. I have mentored at the Boys and Girls Club and tutored children in English as a Second Language (ESL), helping them improve their reading and homework skills. My passion for youth development led me to establish the Youth Group at the Fort Saskatchewan Multicultural Association, now 53 members strong. I organize leadership workshops and environmental initiatives like school pollinator gardens and growing vegetables for local food banks.
My dedication has earned me titles such as the Outstanding Girl of the Year in 2017 and nominations for Outstanding Youth of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce Awards in 2017 and 2019.
Looking ahead, I am eager to connect with other businesses, learn from them,and collaborate in ways that will enable me to become a philanthropist. My goal is to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children and women in impoverished communities in Canada and worldwide. I believe that we can create a brighter future for all with passion, purpose, and perseverance.

My name is Fasika Hidug, and I’m a 10th-grade student passionate about art. From an early age, I’ve been captivated by the power of art to express views, feelings, and the world around us. Through my drawings and paintings, I strive to translate my unique perspective and life experiences into art that inspires others.
Art has always been my way of evoking emotions and conveying profound messages, prompting people to see the world differently. Despite my challenges, the fulfillment I get from sharing my art makes all the obstacles worthwhile. I’m committed to continuing this journey, growing as an artist, and expanding my reach to touch many lives.
Art isn’t just a passion; it’s my voice and way of making a difference. Art has the power to change hearts and minds, and I aim to use my work to foster understanding, empathy, and connection in a world that often feels divided.

My name is Makayla Oldenburger, a high school graduate. Being in elementary school is like navigating a maze of uncertainties. I used to feel shy and nervous, especially around other kids. Sometimes, it felt like I was invisible, just watching everyone else have fun from the sidelines. It made me wonder if something was wrong with me if I was just not good enough for anyone to notice.
But then, something changed. I found friends who saw me for who I am, even when I couldn’t see it myself. They showed me that I’m not alone and that I matter. Slowly, I started to believe in myself more. I realized that I don’t always have to listen to those doubts in my head.
High school brought its own set of challenges and opportunities. I decided to take a chance and try things that scared me. Getting my first job at 16 felt like a huge accomplishment, something I never thought I could do.
Then, one day, my teacher asked me to help with our school’s open house. It was a big deal for me. Being chosen as a leader made me feel like maybe I have something unique to offer.
However, the real turning point was joining the EmpoweredMe leadership program. It was like a safe space where I could learn to be more confident and face my fears. They taught me that I’m capable of more than I think and that what others think of me doesn’t define who I am.
My journey with EmpoweredMe has been transformative. I’ve shed the label of a shy kid and emerged as a strong, capable individual with immense potential. Because of this experience, I’ve discovered that we are capable of more than we know, and other people’s opinions of us do not determine our worth.
It’s a powerful realization that has filled me with hope and inspiration.

Delaney Youngson, our Rising of the Month, has faced a lifetime of struggles with insecurity stemming from a rare genetic disorder that set her apart from her peers. Born with this condition, she endured criticism and negativity, leading her to develop a deep-seated obsession with comparing herself to others. The divorce of her parents at the age of 8 only intensified her insecurities, leaving her feeling unworthy and isolated.
In coping with her struggles, Delaney turned to the world of rap and Hip-Hop music, initially borrowed from her brother. Amid self-hatred and loneliness, she discovered solace in poetry, making it her therapeutic outlet. As she entered adulthood, she pursued higher education, ultimately finding her passion through journaling and volunteering at a yoga studio. Her dedication and ambition caught the company’s attention, leading to a formal invitation to join their team.
Delaney acknowledges the profound connection between self-perception and one’s thoughts, emphasizing that there’s no quick fix for how we feel about our looks. She has found joy through her journey, treating herself with kindness and redirecting her once upside-down thoughts toward confidence and success. Today, she actively spreads inspirational messages on social media, advocating for the importance of finding passion and not letting others’ opinions define one’s reality.
Delaney Youngson’s story exemplifies resilience, character, and leadership, showcasing her transformation from an insecure young woman to a thriving and confident music professional. Today, we celebrate youths like Delaney who demonstrate these qualities in their communities.
Purchase or stream Deleyni’s music. Links below:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FXPQvfEkiXJOhdejgVMUf?si=kWWo6DlCQZ6fuKTSBya_bg
SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/y6S9hh1Mq4McBD748
Apple Music/iTunes: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/deleyni-youngson/1668899900