Today’s run was unforgettable. Not just because we ran a little over 7km, but because I was joined by someone who has played a huge role in my life: Hilary Cormier.
Madame Cormier has been my teacher since Grade 9 and is now also my IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Coordinator. Over the past four years, she’s been so much more than just my teacher. She’s been a cheerleader, a guide, a source of endless kindness, and truly one of the best role models I could ask for. She’s the type of teacher who goes out of her way to create opportunities for her students, to celebrate their wins (big and small), and to make everyone feel like they matter.
Running with her today made me reflect on how lucky I’ve been to have strong women like her in my life. She’s someone who always sees the best in people and gives so much of her time and heart to her students, all while being a mom to two young daughters and training for a marathon herself. The fact that she made time to run with me today, during her own intense training, just shows how genuine and supportive she really is.
As we ran through town, I kept thinking about how important mentors and role models are, especially for girls. When you see someone like Madame Cormier balancing so much and still showing up with so much care and strength, it reminds you that anything is possible. And it makes me want to be that kind of person for someone else one day too.
This ties so closely to what I’m running for. In Tanzania, the funds from this project will support a Nanofilter Water Centre, a clean water kiosk that will be managed by a local woman, trained and supported to run her own business. Just like Madame Cormier empowers her students every day, this entrepreneur will empower her community by providing safe water and becoming a role model herself.
Strong women inspire more strong women. That’s the ripple effect.
Today, I ran with someone who’s shaped who I am and helped me grow in ways I probably won’t even realize until years from now. I’m so grateful for her encouragement, belief in me, and for the example she sets, not just for me, but for her daughters, our school, and everyone lucky enough to know her.
Additionally, on Day 20, I had the privilege of interviewing Ruth Lukwaro, the CEO of NanoFilter Company in Tanzania, via Zoom. Ruth’s journey from being a teacher to becoming a leader in clean water and entrepreneurship is truly inspiring. Her dedication to empowering women through education and business highlights the incredible impact educators can have. The interview was so powerful that I will be sharing it next, in a post of its own, so stay tuned for more insights from Ruth’s remarkable story.
In the meantime, I’m excited to share a video created by NanoFilter Company, featuring some of the real women whose lives have been transformed through education and entrepreneurship. You’ll meet Neema, who was part of the Happiness Project with my mom and now runs a large NanoFilter water center. Neema has grown to employ and mentor other women and girls as they build their own water businesses. Watching this video will give you the opportunity to see what some of the different water centers and kiosks look like, providing a visual glimpse into the impact of this incredible initiative.
Even though the Happiness Run for Clean Water and Gender Equality will soon be concluding, there’s still time to make a difference. Your generous donations will not only help me reach my goal but will contribute toward providing clean water to a community attached to a school and/or orphanage. This initiative will also employ a female entrepreneur with a living wage, empowering her to make a lasting impact in her community. Please consider donating if you are able.
Join Madame Cormier, all of my other guest runners/walkers, neighbors and friends who donated recycling, those who made monetary contributions already, and me in creating a ripple effect of positive change. Every contribution counts. Let’s make clean water and gender equality a reality together.
There is only one day of physical running left in this journey, but I will continue to work toward my goal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to run beside on Day 20.
Merci/Thank you, Madame Cormier. 💙
Happiness Run for Clean Water and Gender Equality 
Leave a comment