Eight remarkable women embarked on an extraordinary journey as participants in this year's Pathway Project. Over ten weeks of intensive writing workshops and four weeks of public speaking coaching, they prepared to share their life stories with an audience, using personal artifacts to symbolize their individual "Pathways."

We had the privilege of speaking with Jeanette Perez, a sales coordinator, and Tetiana Lushpaienko, a jewelry consultant. Tetiana has previously shared her story with the Ukrainian-speaking community.

Jeanette joined the Pathway Project to be part of a supportive community of women in Winnipeg. "The women here are not competitors but supporters of each other."

Her journey began with learning about the project on Facebook, where she immediately knew which story she wanted to share. Motivated by her experiences, especially being away from her family, Jeanette found the project an invaluable platform for connecting with Ukrainian and Canadian audiences.

"The project exceeded my expectations," Jeanette expressed. "I always wanted to tell my story, but I didn't know how to structure it in a way that the audience could truly understand." With the guidance of her coach, Rachel, Jeanette learned to infuse her narrative with emotion, making each sentence resonate with her listeners.

Public speaking was initially daunting for Jeanette, especially since English is not her first language. However, through the project, she gained confidence not only in her speaking abilities but also in her overall life. "I feel more confident now, not just in public speaking but in my own life. This project has helped me continue my life here in Canada."

Tetiana's story is one of resilience, having navigated life's challenges while trying to build a new life in Canada after the war in Ukraine started. Her motivation to join the project stemmed from a strong desire to share her journey with the Ukrainian community. "I wanted to share my story, especially with Ukrainian women. Being here alone, I was very motivated to participate and share my experiences."

For Tetiana, the project offered a platform to narrate her life story, including the significance of her ukulele, which has travelled with her from the Philippines to Canada. "I always wanted to share my story about the ukulele and singing, but I couldn't find the right platform," Tetiana explained. "This project helped me write my story in a well-structured, organized manner."

Writing and sharing her story had a therapeutic effect on Tetiana. "It allowed me to reflect on important events and see how I have overcome past hardships," she shared. The project also taught her valuable public speaking skills, helping her convey her message with the right pacing and emotional depth.

Both women highlighted the therapeutic nature of storytelling. Writing down their experiences and sharing them with an audience allowed them to process their past and gain new insights about themselves. Jeanette discovered new aspects of her personality, while Tetiana found strength in recounting her memories.

The Pathway Project has empowered these women to share their stories and fostered a sense of community and support. Through their narratives, they have inspired others, showing that despite challenges, resilience and confidence can lead to personal growth and new beginnings.

As they prepare for their final performance, Jeanette, Tetiana, and their fellow participants continue to embody the spirit of the Pathway Project—celebrating their journeys and the powerful stories that have shaped them