At the beginning of the month, I was named GuelphToday’s 2025 Unsung Hero as part of the Community Builders Awards -which is wild and moving and a little overwhelming (in a good way).
The article highlights a lot of what I’ve poured into this community in many ways. But truthfully? I’m just one colour in a much bigger painting.
This city runs on the quiet strength of people you’ll often never see in a headline.
The ones packing care packages, fixing bikes in the rain, setting up chairs at 6am, checking if there are any barriers for an event, texting “you coming?” or just consistently showing up for others without needing to be asked.
I’ve been lucky to work alongside so many of these behind-the-scenes heroes. This award has my name on it, but it reflects a whole constellation of care, grit, and invisible labour that keeps Guelph connected.
I do this work because I know what it’s like to feel unseen. And I believe we can build a city where more people feel safe being visible in their brilliance.
💛 Thank you to everyone who’s ever made space for me, stood beside me, or reminded me that slow, relational change is still change.
This one’s for the behind-the-scenes builders
At the beginning of the month, I was named GuelphToday’s 2025 Unsung Hero as part of the Community Builders Awards -which is wild and moving and a little overwhelming (in a good way).
The article highlights a lot of what I’ve poured into this community in many ways. But truthfully? I’m just one colour in a much bigger painting.
This city runs on the quiet strength of people you’ll often never see in a headline.
The ones packing care packages, fixing bikes in the rain, setting up chairs at 6am, checking if there are any barriers for an event, texting “you coming?” or just consistently showing up for others without needing to be asked.
I’ve been lucky to work alongside so many of these behind-the-scenes heroes. This award has my name on it, but it reflects a whole constellation of care, grit, and invisible labour that keeps Guelph connected.
I do this work because I know what it’s like to feel unseen. And I believe we can build a city where more people feel safe being visible in their brilliance.
💛 Thank you to everyone who’s ever made space for me, stood beside me, or reminded me that slow, relational change is still change.