Tag: Empowered

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.

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