March 8, 2022 | Online

International Women’s Day is observed each year on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women across the globe and raise awareness about ongoing gender discrimination. It is a call to take action for gender equality.

To bring the vision of a gender equal world to reality and in honour of International Women’s Day, CDI College proudly celebrates the women who make up our student population, staff, and community. They have all contributed to making CDI College a place that changes lives through education for well over 50 years.

Here are some of our all-star women from campuses across Canada who have inspired and made a difference in the community:

Michelle C.

Michelle dons many hats – an educator, a designer, a martial artist, an entrepreneur, a single mother, and a proud Métis woman. She has embraced a professional journey in several industries, and has forged her own path to shine through, even in the toughest times.

An instructor for CDI College’s Social Media and Web Marketing program, Michelle also operates a martial arts and fitness company. For Women’s Day this year, Michelle has a message for other women: “As women we routinely rise against adversity, we persevere through challenges, and we conquer seemingly insurmountable expectations. We are many things to many people, and above all we need to celebrate one another … so this month, and every month, celebrate all that you are, celebrate both the big and little wins, cheer for yourself and other women around you, provide yourself grace and show yourself kindness, give yourself space to acknowledge and appreciate all the incredible things you, as a woman, do, accomplish, and are.”

Manika S.

Manika has always been passionate about lifting other people up, and her passion shines through when she talks about her involvement in the local community.

Manika is an instructor for the Addictions and Community Services Worker program at CDI College and a strong supporter and advocate for mental well-being. She actively volunteers to speak on mental health and addiction and has been featured on prominent radio channels to spread awareness on such issues. Manika has some words of motivation for other women on this special day: “Believe in yourself. You are fierce, bold, and beautiful like a star. Mark your victory, stand out in the crowd, and you don’t need to hear it from someone, just know that you are the best version of yourself! Happy Women’s Day!”

Kelly C.

Kelly is a Career Services Coordinator who has been part of the CDI College family for over 12 years. For Kelly, this Women’s Day is all about celebrating the wonderful women role models that she has worked with over the years, and the women in her life who have taught her a lot about herself and her strengths.

Kelly’s profession revolves around tasks ranging from helping students with their resumes and interview skills to planning graduations and events, and preparing diplomas and transcripts. She also successfully matches employers and students for practicum placements for multiple programs on her campus.

She enjoys a good laugh and brings positivity to people around her. We asked Kelly if she had a message for other women and this is what she had to say: “Happy Women’s Day! I want to thank all of the beautiful, wonderful, charming, and funny women out there! Thank you for making life possible, thank you for being so different and strong! Never change who you are!”

Carly S.

Carly is the Lead of the Dental Assisting program at CDI College. She is a humble person who is thankful to be in a leadership position where she strives every day to inspire young women within the dental industry. For Carly, there is an unmatched joy in watching her students succeed in their personal and professional lives.

With the upcoming Woman’s Day, Carly reflects on a great quote from Judy Garland: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

Her personal role model is her 98-year-old Grandmother, Myrtle, who has been a compass and guiding light throughout Carly’s life.

Sarah A.

For Sarah, CDI College is like her second home. She graduated from the college and is now a Student Services Administrator here. She is a mother, a grandmother, and a passionate animal rescuer.

Before joining CDI College as a Student Services Administrator, Sarah spent 18 years in the tourism industry with WestJet. Sarah believes that change can be an important motivator in life, and she is excited to see where her path with CDI College takes her. Sarah’s ultimate goal is to watch her students succeed and we think her contagious optimism is sure to boost the morale of her students and our readers alike!

The women at CDI College are a cornerstones of our success and will continue to play an important part in our growth story. The CDI College family wishes a Happy Women’s Day to all the brave women out there who continue to push boundaries each day!