“I am honored and inspired to have been asked to join Gem for Gems. I moved to Calgary from Montreal looking for change, stability and opportunity. What I found was so much more; a fantastic support network of friends and family who are encouraging of my goals and dreams. I am blessed to to be able to stay home with my son, while working part time providing nutrition assessments and am back in school pursuing my dreams of working in the medical field.

“I grew up in the town of Okotoks just south of Calgary. In high school I was always very involved in the community. It made me happy to be a part of the change that I wanted to see. Since graduating I’ve felt as though I’m not doing my part in helping the community move forward.
I graduated in 2014 and have gone to hair school and become a licensed hair stylist at The Vanity Vault in Calgary. I’ve been working there for the past two years.
Working with so many women on a daily basis has helped me understand the struggles that women go through as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and grandmothers. I enjoy making women look and feel beautiful on the inside & outside.
Joining Gems for Gems means that I can be a part of the community again and help women all over discover their sparkle.”

‘When I moved to Calgary in January 2015 my self-esteem and confidence were really low. I have been shown support, trust, guidance and friendship by so many women when I started my first job at Orangetheory Fitness Seton! Owners, trainers, coworkers and members in the gym helped me achieve what I have right now and would never think of – it’s thanks to them that I run the store today! Joining Gems for Gems means now it’s my time to pay it forward and help women in achieving their ”impossible”.’

Angela Stewart is a born and raised Nova Scotian. She is a Junior High math and healthy living teacher who has played a role in the academic, social and emotional development of teens for over 12 years.

“I am thrilled to become a part of such an amazing organization.  I currently run a program at my school that encourages young women to follow their dreams, to be confident, and to learn from talented women who live and work in their communities.  When my participants move onto high school feeling empowered, and motivated- I cannot describe the feeling.  I am passionate about being part of an authentic network where women lift each other up and support one another so that each of us is able to realize our goals, our worthiness, and our strength.”

Welcome Edith Riley! Long friend of our family! I love your passion to give back and so very much appreciate your desire to work with #gemsforgems in Nova Scotia! Alicia Marie Courtney Trowse Britt Mastroianni your ranks are growing and I’m so excited to see what the NS team will be able to accomplish this Christmas through the jewelry drive!

Edith lives in the Annapolis Valley (Nova Scotia) with her husband where they have raised three boys. She has been part of many community organizations through the activities with her children. She works at the Nova Scotia Community College as an academic support to both students and faculty and also as a part time teacher. Edith’s passion lies in helping everyone and giving back to her community every chance she can.

Born and raised in Kelowna British Columbia, I lived out East in Halifax Nova Scotia for four years, and have recently returned to my roots back in Kelowna! My career is in Health Insurance, in the Group Benefits Divisions for CapriCMW Insurance.

When I heard about Gems for Gems I had such an interest in giving my time to the organization as I believe in the cause and love how it revolves around making an actual difference- not just applying a band-aid. I believe in empowering women, lifting each other up and making women believe the sky is truly the limit. Together, there’s nothing we cannot do.

I am looking forward to spreading the word about Gems and am hoping to make a difference in someone’s life as being a part of this has already made a difference in mine.

“Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown, without telling the world it was crooked”

I have been fortunate enough to have an amazing network of women in my life for support, guidance and encouragement. Gems for Gems is a beautiful organization that provides such a positive environment for women who may not be so lucky.

I am so honoured to be even a small part of an organization that empowers and builds women up. I look forward to encouraging change in women and helping them realize and achieve all of their capabilities and goals through Gems for Gems.
Such a pleasure to have someone with such a love of life and big heart! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us!

“I truly believe women are strong because of our hearts, how deeply we can love, how that love can allow us to create life and do the impossible. Jordan and the other Gems are walking embodiments of the strength of love. When we feel a sense of Sisterhood we are able to step into that strength with more grace and confidence than when we feel we are standing alone. Our love grows deeper when we allow ourselves to praise each other, to lift each other and love each other and receive those gifts in turn. Gems for Gems is a beautiful example of Sisterhood in action and I am so honoured to be welcomed as a Gem.”

Hannah took up martial arts as a way to get fit with her children and was soon hooked! She now does karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai and jujitsu. Hannah competes in kickboxing and has won a number of provincial and national titles. In 2016, she won gold representing Canada at the WKU World Championships in Florida and hopes to repeat that in Athens, Greece later this year. She is a mom of 2 and teaches kickboxing and self defense at 5 Elements Martial Arts.

Hannah is passionate about helping women loves that Gems for Gems is creating true change for women in need.

Kate Hutchinson grew up in Victoria B.C. but now calls Calgary home. She first moved to Calgary to work at a local TV station, now she works as a freelance videographer. Kate works closely with the Gems for Gems team to create video to bring their messaging to life and help spread the word. Kate knew from the first time she attended a Gems for Gems event, it was a charity she wanted to support. She believes when women band together wonderful things are possible.