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In a world that often measures people by risk, paperwork, and circumstance, there are still those rare individuals who lead with something far more powerful: Heart. Robbyn is one of those people. A woman of extraordinary intellect and creativity, Robbyn holds a doctorate in English and works at the University of Lethbridge. She is a painter, a writer, and a deeply thoughtful human being. But none of her titles, achievements, or talents define her as much as this simple truth:

There is a quiet power in kindness. It moves softly, like a gentle breeze that stirs the leaves but never shouts. It is the unseen thread weaving through our days, connecting us in ways we often overlook. I want to share with you stories that celebrate this quiet power—stories from the Invisible Woman Blog Stories of Kindness. These stories remind us that even when we feel unseen, our acts of kindness ripple outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully know. Kindness is

A Love Story Born from War Johannes Molenaar (1928–2006) and Hendrika Maria De Boer (1929–1978) began their life together in the shadow of one of history’s darkest periods—World War II. After enduring profound hardship during the interwar years, their story intersects with a moment of hope: the liberation of the Netherlands. In September 1944, Canadian forces entered the southern regions during what became known as the “Initial Entry & The Scheldt,” following the Battle of No

Sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones that challenge what we think we know. Raymond, Alberta is often described as competitive. Driven. Intense. And maybe, in some ways, that’s true. But that’s not what I saw. What I Witnessed I had the opportunity to visit one of Raymond’s highly successful schools—and what I experienced there was something I will not forget. I saw inclusion. Not as a concept. Not as a policy. But as something fully lived. I saw neurotypical chil

There are people in our communities who don’t just show up to work— They show up for people. With kindness. With presence. With a warmth that can turn someone’s entire day around. Teresa is one of those people. A Smile That Welcomes Everyone If you’ve ever walked into the YMCA in Lethbridge early in the morning, chances are—you’ve seen her. She’s the one at the front desk. The one with the genuine smile. The one who remembers your name. The one who notices when something feel

There are some people whose strength doesn’t come with recognition, applause, or rest. It comes quietly—through sacrifice, through endurance, through a love so fierce it refuses to break. Sarah is one of those people. A Life Built on Sacrifice Once a single mother of three living in Calgary, Sarah carried more than most ever will—and still found a way to give more. She worked two jobs, surviving on little to no sleep. Night after night, she would finish a shift, drive to her

There are some people in this world who don’t need recognition to do good—they simply live it. Today, I am honoured to spotlight one of those people: Carlene Atwood, a former Lethbridge resident and a lifelong invisible hero whose quiet acts of goodness have shaped lives, strengthened communities, and left lasting impressions on everyone lucky enough to know her. A Foundation of Quiet Goodness From the time we were young, Carlene was a steady, bright light. She was the kind o

In the quiet corners of our lives, there are women whose strength doesn’t arrive loudly. It arrives in survival. In sacrifice. In love that refuses to break—even when the world is. This week, I want to honour a woman who carries all three. Her name is Viktoriia. She came to Canada as a refugee from the war in Ukraine, bringing with her not only her daughter—but a story that most of us will never fully comprehend. And yet, if you met Viktoriia, you might first notice something

There are moments in life that don’t make headlines—but should. Recently, I had the incredible privilege of welcoming my uncle, Mike de Jong , to University of Lethbridge . At my request, he graciously agreed to come and speak with professors and students about a topic that continues to shape our province and our country: the Alberta–British Columbia pipeline. What makes this moment so meaningful isn’t just what he spoke about—but how and why he showed up. A Life of Public Se

In every community, there are people quietly doing good—without recognition, without applause, and without expectation. These individuals embody what it truly means to serve. Today, we shine a light on two of those remarkable souls: Bishop Steven Sommerfeldt and his wife, Christina Sommerfeldt. They are what we call invisible heroes. A Life of Service Steven serves as an ecclesiastical leader within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Highlands area. But hi

The Unseen Contributions of Women in Society Throughout history, the role of women in society has often been overshadowed, leading to a pervasive sense of invisibility among many women. Despite their significant contributions across various domains, the acknowledgment of these roles frequently falls short, leaving women feeling unrecognized and undervalued. Historical Context The historical narrative has often marginalized women's contributions, focusing predominantly on male