Anne Marie Welsh, 30, is program co-ordinator for the North Bay and District Multicultural Centre. She has an honours BA from Nipissing University, and is a candidate for a MA in Women and Gender Studies and Ethnic and Pluralism Studies at the University of Toronto.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A: It has been working with Marla Tremblay and Don Curry to establish the Multicultural Centre. The long hours at the beginning have resulted in a caring and helping organization sustained by the passion and tireless effort of the growing staff and volunteers. The success (I have) achieved... is reflected in the success stories of the people who access our services.

Q: Who is your most valued mentor?
A: Marla Tremblay, an economic development officer with the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, and the brains, heart and muscle behind the city's immigration initiatives, was not only on the hiring committee that gave me this opportunity to work in this field, but she stood beside me while letting me find my own way. She has taught me women can balance the demands of work, family and personal time, and be successful at all three.

Q: What do you love most about North Bay
      and area ?
A: Beside its natural beauty, North Bay is about connections, collaboration, and community.

Q: What else would you like to accomplish?
A: I would like to continue to expand and improve the range of settlement services provided in the area, ensuring the most vulnerable newcomers (rural women and children) are able to access crucial services.