Women across the world have demanded basic human rights for more than a century: education, equal pay, reproductive rights, justice and in some cases, bare bones respect.
Political and social demonstrations for rights take place routinely across the world rooted in women’s efforts to improve their lives. But sometimes the biggest influence comes from seemingly small things that result in a major impact.
St. Albert Interfaith Connections is privileged to share the stories of five St. Albert women who stepped up to fill a niche and influenced the lives of many. The theme this year is Accelerate Action and Marilyn McGreer, Amanda Patrick, Ebele Iwelu, Elena Vlassova and Aida Mustapic have enriched the lives of many.
In a celebration honouring their achievements, Interfaith Connections is hosting a public event at St. Albert Community Hall on March 8 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. RSVP by Monday, March 3 at [email protected].
Marilyn McGreer
Education and Health
Marilyn McGreer was a nurse at Sturgeon Hospital and Youville Home before becoming the Program Chair of the Health Care Aid Program at Norquest College.
During her tenure at Norquest from 2009 to 2014, many people from the Philippines were registered in the practical nursing program. Many were successful, but many failed due to a lack of English language proficiency.
“I felt sad for them. They put their heart and soul and finances into the program and to not be successful was disheartening,” McGreer said. “They had the skills they just needed a bit of upgrading. In their country they didn’t speak English and they needed English.”
McGreer filled the gap by founding Vocational Pathways Association, a non-profit that assists nursing students develop English language proficiency. Additionally, she has published a book that covers all material to prepare for an English language exam. And with online access, there is a greater global reach with students from Quebec, Newfoundland and Tel Aviv, Israel.
McGreer is also heavily involved in promoting Black History Month and has published a book on Caribbean cooking. She uses food as a way to preserve her Jamaican heritage while fostering community and celebrating immigrant traditions.
“The three values my father taught me were education, spirituality and being part of a community. Out of that has come all these things I’ve been able to do such as helping foreign nurses and making their dreams come true.”
Amanda Patrick
Indigenous Initiatives
Amanda Patrick has lived in St. Albert and Sturgeon County since she was nine years old. She’s raised four sons ages 18 to 25 and can often be seen walking Tucker, her collie husky dog.
But mostly, Patrick is a proud Cree Metis iskwew (woman) who is the founder of Run/Walk for Reconciliation traditionally held on July 1 Canada Day. In the last four years, it has raised $20,000 directed to various Indigenous organizations including Poundmaker Lodge.
“I started this because I want people to think about reconciliation and what it means to them. It’s a way of showing their respect. At least 80 per cent of participants are non-Indigenous and that’s why I think the event is so important. It shows people want to do something. Many want to do something but don’t know how and this is a starting point,” said Patrick.
Perhaps the most profound influence on Patrick’s life was her kookum. She is the granddaughter of Charles Cardinal and Gladys Gauthier from Wolf Lake Métis Settlement. Gladys worked at a soup kitchen in Bonnyville and was renowned for her tea and bannock.
“I was lucky we were very close. She had 18 kids and was able to raise 14. She has about 50 grandkids. I feel grateful to have grown up around her. She influenced me in so many ways,” said Patrick. “She had a big heart and was non-judgmental. I learned that from her. It didn’t matter who she was talking to. She would treat them all the same.”
The Sturgeon Composite High graduate is a program coordinator for the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program. She also hangs the annual Red Dress display for murdered Indigenous women at St. Albert’s Healing Gardens, a place of reflection and meditation.
Ebele Iwelu
Youth Empowerment
Ebele Iwelu, co-president of Paul Kane High School’s Black Student’s Association (BSA), volunteerism within St. Albert knows no bounds.
The Grade 12 student has volunteered her time with African and African Descendent Friendship Club of St. Albert including Taste of Africa, Evening in the Park, the Men’s Hangout, the Women’s Hangout and St. Albert Youth Expo.
The project closest to her heart was the innovative Unity workshop. The project was mainly directed to black youth and envisioned stronger community ties within the visible minority group.
Iwelu’s proposal for the four-day workshop was for black youth 14 to 18 and it centred on networking and knowledge acquisition. Presentations were held on academics, social life, building friendships and support networks. Funding was provided through the Africa Centre in Edmonton.
“Unity was a passion project for me. It was something I came up with. It was something I’d never done before and it taught me a lot about running a project,” said Iwelu.
With so many things on the go, a lesson she’s learned is time management.
“I’d like to give a shout-out to my parents. They’ve been very supportive of the things I do in school and out of school. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. But I’ve learned it’s OK to take a break. I used to work at Tim Hortons, but I've taken a break from that.”
Iwelu has a deep interest in chemistry and biology on a molecular level. After graduation she will enroll at the University of Alberta’s biochemistry department with a future eye to either attending medical school or becoming a research scientist.
Elena Vlassova
Arts and Community Service
Elena Vlassova’s journey from Russia to Canada is a fascinating mix of creativity, dedication, endurance and resilience. Originally from Yekaterinburg, Vlassova graduated from the Ural State Academy of Architecture and Arts.
She moved to Canada in 1995, studied Imaging Technology at SAIT and in 2005 joined the Armed Forces as an Imagery Technician. She was posted to Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta’s CFB Cold Lake.
“I’ve seen every corner of the base,” said Vlassova. She added, “It it was exciting to me to take pictures of the dignitaries, military and civilian personnel alike, who were visiting 4 Wing in the years between 2012 till 2016 when I was posted to Cold Lake,” Vlassova said.
Now retired from the Canadian Forces due to an injury, she returns to her first love – art and painting.
Vlassova was lauded for organizing the 2023 Steel Spirit art exhibition. It was a powerful, at times breathtaking, exhibition featuring military and first responders' artwork.
She gathered paintings, sculptures, poetry and crafts from 15 artists and displayed them at St. Albert Place under The Steel Spirit umbrella. The first of its kind in the province, it received extensive coverage nationally.
Currently, she is a member of both St. Albert Painters Guild and Visual Arts Studio Association (VASA). In addition, she is pursuing a Fine Arts degree at the University of Alberta and hopes to teach art in the future.
“The fact I’m capable of taking art in school shows my aspirations. I’ve painted all my life but never had this much time to paint. I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue fine art studies at the university.”
Aida Mustapic
Environmental Initiatives
Aida Mustapic is a certified organic master gardener and a passionate urban gardener with nearly two decades experience growing her own organic backyard vegetable garden.
Mustapic’s understanding of soil chemistry along with chemical and microbial interactions are a key to her gardening success. She is also a strong proponent of regenerative agriculture practices and eco-friendly pest management.
Mustapic and her husband were raised in Croatia where the Mediterranean climate is conducive to growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
“It was very common to grow your own vegetables and a garden was a big part of my childhood. I remember my grandmother would have tea with freshly picked mint leaves from the garden. We grew tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. We even had an apricot tree that grew so many apricots, my father would take a plastic bag and fill it with the fruit. He’d hang the bag on the fence so anyone could help themselves,” said Mustapic.
She’s a strong believer that anyone can grow an urban garden and shares messages on her Facebook page called St. Albert Backyard Gardening. The 3,000 plus member group serves as a platform for exchanging gardening knowledge and experience.
“We started off with 35 members in 2019 and it was for the Northridge area. Gradually people from other neighbourhoods wanted to be included and it grew quite a bit during COVID. People were interested in learning how to garden. Right now, there are more and more people interested in learning how to start seeds.”
She has lived her life teaching groups of people the essence of gardening. But when her friend, Wanda, nominated her for 2025 International Woman of the Year, “It made me blush. I knew women of achievement were nominated, but I asked, ‘Are you sure I’m the right person?’ I’m so honoured and thankful people find what I do useful.”
