Editor’s Note

When I was asked to be part of Our Stories, I was pleasantly surprised. Being the editor of this compilation has been an honour and a privilege. Working with the student authors has been a highlight of this project. These young women are very talented, and I am sure that they will go on to become incredible difference-makers in their communities.

Some unsung heroes of this project are our children. We wanted to get this spot on, so my children and the Ottley boys listened tirelessly to all the versions of the stories, providing feedback through their smiles, giggles, and puzzled looks, when verses just did not sound right.

Mostly though, the backbone of Our Stories has been Amanda Ottley. With much drive and vision, Amanda succeeded in telling the stories of Canadian sheroes of colour across our incredible nation.

To all the women who read this, you are a shero. You have a voice, and you have a story to tell. To all the children who hear these stories or read these stories, you can achieve anything. Just dream!

Rachelle Gooden