Meet Kirandeep
Kirandeep has been employed with Epic Opportunities since November 2009 as our Staff Development Facilitator. When asked what brought her to the organization, Kirandeep responded "...it was the values of respect, integrity, relationship, advocacy, inclusion and personal growth...I am so proud of what the organization stands for and to be a part of it all is very exciting...I get to work with some amazing people who are...passionate about the work they do."
As the Staff Development Facilitator, her role is to ensure that all employees of Epic Opportunities are receiving the necessary training they require to do their jobs more effectively. She's an "advocate for learning."
Kirandeep received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Winnipeg and her Certificate of Human Resource Management from Red River College. However, she does not see her education as being complete yet. Kirandeep hopes to return to university to receive her diploma in Human Resource Management and to write her CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional) exam in the next couple of years.
If you ask anyone around the office, they will tell you that Kirandeep brings an incredible amount of enthusiasm, creativity and organization to her job here. People really appreciate her positive outlook and straightforward approach. Recently, when Kirandeep returned from vacation, another employee shared how much she had been missed and what a great job people think she is doing. Hearing such positive feedback, Kirandeep said it made her feel "so grateful and lucky to work here." Really, we are the lucky ones. Kirandeep is a wonderful example of an outstanding employee - highly positive, honest, motivated, competent and friendly.
Ruth is a True Advocate
“You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles” ~ Helen Keller
When you meet Ruth, it doesn't take long to learn that she is a passionate advocate for people's rights. She is cheerful and friendly - and not afraid to speak up. Ruth is an outspoken member of "People First" and an active member of the community. You can hear the joy in her voice when she speaks of her love of dancing, country music and playing hand chimes. You hear the passion and determination when she speaks of her commitment to see all institutions closed! "We can't do it alone," she says. "What are you doing?" Well...what are you doing? Ruth has been supported by Epic Opportunities to live in the community for the past ten years. She recently celebrated her 68th birthday and is quite excited that her big 70th celebration is just around the corner - Ruth loves a good party! She is a hero - an empowered woman who is willing to stand up to be heard. Thank you Ruth, for being the strong woman you are and standing up to give a voice to others!
Several years ago a study was conducted by Community Living Winnipeg called, “When Bad things Happen”. As various life experiences of women who live with an intellectual disability were discovered, it became clear that further work was necessary. As a result, a group of seven women came together to help with this process. Ruth is one of the women and self advocates who was very involved in this initiative. She is recognized as one of the co-authors of a book called, Walking a Woman’s Path. Ruth recalls one of the most challenging aspects of the sessions was trying to find a magazine picture of a woman who wasn't "skinny" for a poster the group was working on. She said with disappointment, "we had to draw one because there were none in any magazines." The book is a collection of workshops relating to women’s issues. It includes topics such as: what it means to be a woman, safety, speaking for ourselves, power and the abuse of power.