What is your best memory from Elmwood?
My best memories from Elmwood are from all the activities and clubs I participated in. There was such an incredible range of extra-curricular activities; from the Choir to the Classics Club, Drama, and all the sports teams. I loved being able to explore so many different interests and discover new things about myself along the way. It really felt like there were no limits – I could be a part of virtually any team or club that I wanted. I think creating those opportunities for self-discovery at an early age is critical to building confidence in a world that still tells women, and Black women in particular, ‘no’ at nearly every turn.
Which Elmwood teacher inspired you the most, and how?
There were several inspiring teachers but the person who stands out the most is Mme. Judith Sabourin, or ‘Sabby’ as we used to call her affectionately. I had Mme. Sabourin primarily for Spanish and she managed to make me fall in love with Spain just from her words and her stories of spending time exploring the country during the summer. When I finally had the opportunity to visit Spain, it was as if all of her words came to life. I was instantly smitten, and Spain remains one of my favourite European countries to visit to this day.
When you reunite with your Elmwood classmates, what do you end up doing?
I live in the US, so it is not often that I get to see my former classmates. However, when we do connect, there are always lots of jokes, laughter, moans, and groans as we retell the escapades of our youth!
After leaving Elmwood, what did you do?
Following graduation, I attended McGill University where I completed my Bachelors of Science.
List three words that best describe you.
Resilient, confident, curious.
What are you happiest doing when not working?
I love to do things with my hands! My consulting work is very cerebral and requires a lot of brainpower, so I like to switch gears when I’m not working and do things like baking and cooking that are more sensory-driven and involve a different set of skills.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can usually find me…
Making a cup of coffee, listening to John Coltrane while I make breakfast, or get ready to meet friends for brunch.
For more information about our partnership with Tracey for Black History Month, click here.