rev-digital-FINAL-PRESS-2023-PAGES-AHCC-QUARTER-BLEED - Flipbook - Page 69
ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Justine Leveque
Position Title: Mayor
About Justine:
Justine is an outdoor enthusiast. She loves to go camping, fishing,
hunting and exploring nature. In fact, she shot her first deer in
2022, a beautiful 8-point buck. She is extremely passionate about
her career in health, wellness and fitness. She loves helping people
in every way, but her career path allows her to assist individuals
in achieving their goals, to feel better about themselves, and to be
their healthiest self. Justine believes that seeing people make these
positive changes is very rewarding, and in turn helps her strive to
continually reach and set new goals in her own personal health,
wellness and fitness.
Most significantly, I think that I have been rewarded with a
unique perspective in my lifetime by witnessing a major shift in
gender equity that has placed a spotlight on successful women
throughout the world in a way that I don’t think society has
seen before. Women are beginning to dominate the numbers in
education, in starting their own businesses, in running businesses
and by slowly increasing representation in many other important
roles, such as municipal politics. This is extremely inspiring, and
I feel honoured to be a part of this ever-changing phenomenon.
I hope with an increased recognition of women’s contributions
to society and by giving women a platform to speak about their
experiences, even more women will be inspired to achieve their
goals and follow their dreams.
What town do you operate your business/volunteer in?
The Village of Sundridge
What do you love about Almaguin, making you want to go
above and beyond in the community?
The Almaguin Highlands is a unique find in the Northern area of
Ontario, not only because of the pristine wilderness in which it
is found, but also because the warm-hearted people who live in
our regional municipalities share a way of life that is community
centered. Growing up in a family who are very involved in projects
and activities promoting the well-being of this region gave me
an interesting perspective to the importance of community
businesses and networking. I saw how supporting one another
and working together would ensure that everyone’s businesses
survived, and everyone’s children had a reason to stay.
What are you most proud of in your career/ life?
I am most proud of receiving my Bachelor of Science in Psychology
degree with distinction and of being elected a female mayor at
the age of twenty-three. I am also very satisfied with the variety
of experiences I have already had at my age both personally and
professionally through my work and volunteer involvement. I
have been able to dip my toes into many fields which has helped
me maintain an open mind, have a well-balanced attitude towards
others, and possess a well-rounded skillset for whatever life
throws my way. I am no stranger to adversity, but I believe the
hurdles I have overcome has just made me a stronger person.
Since I am very passionate about sustaining the vitality of this
unique region and in seeing our communities grow to their fullest
extent, I ran for mayor hoping to achieve goals that would help
our village to thrive like never before and prosper for many
generations to come.
What woman inspires you/ who do you admire the most?
I am lucky to be surrounded by many very inspiring and admirable
women whose achievements set an example for me as I embark
on my own journey to success. As a child, I watched my mother
and grandmother struggling along their own paths to success
with nothing other than their determination to work extremely
hard and to let nothing stop them from going above and beyond
to accomplish their goals. I watched them overcome the barriers
that were thrown at them in order to survive and to be the support
their family needed. Every day I see examples of women who
impress me with their skills, energy, and intelligence; these are
friends, co-workers and relatives, but if I had to choose one who
stands out amongst all others for her devotion to community and
family, it is my mother.
What message would you have for other women in the
community looking to start up a business/volunteer in the
community?
DO IT! Do not over-analyze and allow doubts to get in the way of
your dreams and ambitions. You will never succeed unless you try,
and even if you fail, at least you can say that you gave it a shot and
you won’t ever regret not trying. Life is too short.
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