Marie-Josée Allard

Following studies in theatre and communications, I worked in corporate event planning. Contacted by UNICEF Québec two years ago to help organize the 50th anniversary gala, I met a group of enthusiastic volunteers headed by Wanda Bedard. It was a wonderful and heartfelt experience. Today, I am proud to be part of the 60 million girls Foundation, knowing that my involvement will change the lives of thousands of girls.

Laurence Assouline

I'm a teacher and the mother of three children and I believe in education. In my mind, there is no doubt that the development of a society goes hand in hand with girl's education. When I attended the first 60 million girls conference, I was struck by the integrity, the dynamism and the optimism of the message. It became obvious that I had to be involved with this foundation which completely meets my values. With 60 million girls, I have the feeling and the privilege to be part of something important: acting for girls' education. When we offer girls an education, we offer them a better future.

Negin Atashband

My interest in Fine Arts led me to work in graphic arts and presently as a project director in the field of continuing medical education. When Wanda Bedard proposed to put my graphic art talents to the support of girls' education through the 60 million girls Foundation, I accepted right away. My determination to defend such a cause has today become a true passion for me.

Manuela Clément-Frencia

Today's utopic ideas may become tomorrow's realities'' And if that beautiful thought of humanitarian Théodore Monod became true through the determination and the knowledge that together we can build a more just and equitable world? That is precisely why I have chosen to become involved in the 60 million girls Foundation. A commitment of the heart and of the mind. A promise made as well to contribute to making the world a better place.

Louise Dalpé

''Across the world, as in our society, access to education is a necessary step to improving the living conditions of women. When we help a young girl to learn how to read, write and add, we also help improve her self-confidence, independence, and help change her view of the world and her future. Educating a young girl also benefits her family, her children, and her community. To be able to participate in a project that can really make a difference, by working with such highly motivated women, is an incredible experience and a constant source of inspiration. For all these reasons, I am very proud of my involvement with 60 million girls.

Lyne Dépatie

I enjoy a wonderful life both from a professional as well as a personal viewpoint. While I've supported many great causes, I have always felt at a loss to support world peace. Through the 60 million girls Foundation, I have a feeling that I am part of the solution by investing my time and talents in positive change that will lead to peace… one school at a time.

Louise Dyotte

After having worked as Vice President in our family business, I later chose to pursue my career with UNICEF. All those years as manager of various programs in the organization reflected a true social commitment on my part. Working with the 60 million girls Foundation fulfills my desire to pursue my participation in a better society.

Vida Fereydoonzad

As a full time student and choosing what I want for my future, contributing some of my time and talents to help the 60 million girls foundation puts my life into perspective, showing me that there's more to life than what directly affects me. My mother, Wanda Bedard, opened my eyes to a whole new world and allowed me to participate in this adventure of spreading awareness of the importance of educating girls. These young women have the potential to develop their talents and contribute to a better tomorrow. Age, gender, culture, or any type of diversity adds to the power each of us has to helping a cause we believe in. We have the wealth of knowledge to make a difference.

Ky'okusinga Kirunga

Originally from Uganda, I feel as much a Montrealer as a citizen of the world. I believe it is our responsibility to participate in continually building our society. I am thrilled to be associated with the 60 million girls Foundation whose mission is girls' education - it is through education that a solid future is secured.

Rebecca Lee, PhD

For the past 10 years, my work and research have focused on women's participation in the economic and political development of their communities. During this time, I have seen that the education of girls has long-lasting positive effects on development, the environment, and the overall health and well-being of the community. I am therefore thrilled to be a part of this foundation which not only aims to lessen the inequality between girls' and boys' education, but helps to lay the foundation for future sustainable development.

Mónica Ruiz Casares, PhD

As a lawyer by training and a practicing evaluator and researcher, I have been involved in issues related to child welfare, human rights, and education in the Majority World (e.g., formerly referred to as the developing world) for 15 years. A commitment to social justice, making silenced voices heard, and a passion for diversity and discovery have taken me around the world. Through my involvement with the Foundation, and particularly the Project Evaluation Committee, I am able to bring the Academic and Activist in me together to help girls discover the wonders of reading and the excitement of learning and standing for themselves.

Marisa Trottier

"When you educate a girl, you educate the whole family and the next generation." This proverb is at the origin of my commitment in favour of education for vulnerable children. The 60 million girls Foundation is a truly heartfelt mission for me: specific projects, a passionate volunteer force and a strong conviction of making a difference in the lives of hundreds of young girls.

Joanne Trudeau

Now retired as a teacher, I have always been involved in our community and more specifically with young children in schools. As a volunteer, I support several local and international groups including 60 million girls. My involvement in the foundation leads me to believe that I can make a difference.