Peterborough - INSPIRE: The Women's Portrait Project

Abeer Al-Salihi

Compassionate • Inspirational • Optimistic

I am a Syrian Woman and I chose Canada and made it my family final destination. I am a Muslim woman and proud of my colourful hijabs. I am a wife of a lovely Iraqi man and a mom of 2 kids who are teaching me new things every day. I am an engineer and… Continue reading

Alison Austin

Resilient • Gracious • Genuine

I like to think that I started life as a framed picture in my mothers’ suitcase, on her way to England, to share the news that she and my dad had just adopted a baby girl with family and friends. My mom said that that picture, me in a dress with a piecrust collar (all… Continue reading

Alison Scholl

Driven • Optimistic • Happy

I’ve decided to write a book. Its working title is “Alison’s Tips for Professionalism”. This book will be filled with stories and quick tips I’ve learned at work, through volunteering and going about my life. I’ll very likely need to write more than one volume. Why? The common thread running between these tips and stories… Continue reading

Allison Laming

Funny • Determined • Loyal

I am made up of pieces of all the people I love. I think about how lucky I am to have this life with the people that I share it with. I recently had the opportunity to meet an old friend for coffee. It had been more than 4 years since we had seen each… Continue reading

Amanda Nichols

Bubbly • Amazing • Passionate

Ever since I can remember, I have LOVED being at the fire station. I love the smells, the sounds, the people, the family, the job. Like my Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather before me I wanted to be a part of something bigger and more special than me. I wanted to leave this world better… Continue reading

Amanda Patching

Loyal • Determined • Caring

I was born and raised in Peterborough. I did try to move away once to Bolton with my now husband but was unsuccessful and only lasted a month. We defiantly didn’t do things the traditional way…. we had our son, bought the house, got married then had our daughter. Once we had our daughter I… Continue reading

Amber Rimmer

Outgoing • Compassionate • Strong

Today I am the mother of a wonderful, kind hearted, strong spirited, young lady who seems to have an old soul and in which we call our rainbow baby. We fought hard to bring her into this world and when I allowed myself to bond completely with her around 5 months; I was asking her… Continue reading

canadian female figure skater in arena for Peterborough photographer photography portrait of inspring women

Angela Jones

Passionate • Inspirational • Visionary

A key part of who I am, and the driving force behind my desire to succeed in life was instilled in me growing up as a competitive figure skater. The simple lessons learned in the sport came from practicing hours upon hours of skills. The focus was on the precise details of the skills, physical… Continue reading

Anne Arnold

Courageous • Giving • Compassionate

I have always believed in giving more than you receive and have always given back to my community. I was raised to always be kind to others and to go one step more when helping a friend. Just over a year and a half ago I lost the love of my life, my husband Gord.… Continue reading

Anne Driscoll

Strength • Beauty • Grace

Three words my husband inscribed on a keepsake gift, after watching me at my father’s funeral. Three words I have embraced throughout our lives together; over 41 years and counting. It has not always been an easy road; while our lives included cherished ups, we weathered many devasting downs. I remember the day we made the… Continue reading

women's portraits, portrait photographer, Peterborough portraits

Ashley Bonner

Passionate • Resilient • Determined

Life is filled with adversity, opportunity, tragedy, blessing, suffering and happiness. How you process and adapt to it will determine the outcome. Growing up in a low income, single-parent household, I learned what it was like to face adversity at a young age. My mom worked a couple of jobs in order to support me.… Continue reading

Ashley Buck

Compassionate • Motivated • Giving

My names Ashley Buck, I’m 23 years old, and I grew up on a farm in Norwood Ontario. At the age of nine I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and had to spend a lot of time at Sick Kids Hospital. A disease that was hard on me for many years, ended up inspiring and… Continue reading

Ashley Lamothe B.H.Sc

Creative • Resilient • Passionate

Nogojiwanong/Peterborough wasn’t exactly part of the plan, but in all honesty neither was single parenting two Jamaway (Jamaican Ojibway) boys. Life has a way of steering you in directions you never imagined to amazing opportunities. I grew up in and around Peterborough, raised by an amazingly resilient and strong single mother. I grew up with… Continue reading

Barbara Ryder

Creative • Focused • Thoughtful

” I stand with charcoal in hand and move my arm in sweeping motions across the page. This is how my brush stroke begins; practiced and honed through the years. Poetry comes in gushes; just before dawn. I feverishly jot it down with pen and paper that I have placed by my bed and edit… Continue reading

women's portrait photographer, portraits, Peterborough portrait photographer, heather doughty photography, inspire

Bea Quarrie

Creative • Committed • Nurturing

My first role in theatre happened in a community theatre in Guelph in a production of a play called The Visit. I was 12. I spoke only Hungarian. With coaching and a lot of practice, I managed to learn my lines phonetically and actually won an acting award. People in that group embraced, challenged, and… Continue reading

Billi Balment

Compassionate • Determined • Resilient

“INSPIRE – The Women’s Portrait Project ” popped up on my Facebook page and I thought ” how intriguing!” So I clicked and began reading. As I read, I was introduced to the real women behind the many faces I had recognized and some new faces too. I found myself thinking “WOW” what a… Continue reading

Bonnie Bushey-Ballantine

Intuitive • Compassion • Authentic

The Women in my life have been uplifting and helpful throughout my life to guide me with growth of moving forward and becoming a better person. I’m forever grateful. I live my life according to a fortune cookie quote that I received from my optimistic Aunt. It goes like this, “Live a life that will… Continue reading

Brenda Tapp

Adventurous • Passionate • Caring

I grew up living a very quiet life. As a child, I spent afternoons riding my bicycle along my street, climbing the tree in my front yard, and exploring the forest behind Highland Heights Public School. It instilled in me a sense of adventure for my small world on Hemlock Street. I was an avid… Continue reading

Brianna Gosselin

Sarcastic • Funny • Honest

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton Art has always been my haven. The place where no matter where I am in life. or what I’m going through, offers peace. I am an Intuitive Artist currently residing in Peterborough, Ontario with my English cocker spaniel named… Continue reading

Bridget Leslie

Kind • Fun • Determined

At the age of 46 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Luckily for me a new drug has just been approved in Ontario which targeted my HER2 positive diagnosis. Herceptin saved my life. With the support of my close friends and loving family I survived surgery, 8 rounds of chemo, 16 Hercepton, and 25 radiation… Continue reading

Brittany Cameron

Humanitarian • Inspiring • Victorious

I describe myself as an HIV Positive Mother, Wife, LGTBQ* Ally, Intactivist and Human Rights Activist. In addition to being a loving mother to three children, I am in a committed long term relationship with my partner who is HIV Negative. I came to Peterborough in November of 2005 to escape the streets, sex work… Continue reading

Caitlin Currie

Tough • Tender • Gumptious

I’ve been privileged to have always been surrounded by strong women and femmes who have inspired and supported me; this continues to be true today. I am surrounded by strong women who I am grateful to call my partner, my mom, my cousins and aunties, my friends and the strong women and femmes I work… Continue reading

Carissa McIntyre

Passion • Gratitude • Phoenix

My name is Carissa McIntyre. I am an author, and the mother of 3 beautiful children. I have called Peterborough my home for over a decade now, and it’s a wonderful place, filled with incredible people; people who have helped me completely rebuild and recreate my life, and I am very grateful for every single person I have… Continue reading

Carlotta James

Passionate • Energetic • Friendly

Present…Life in Peterborough: I am passionate about re-wilding urban greenspaces and creating pollinator pathways as a way of supporting resilient ecosystems and contributing towards a rich urban biodiversity in our city. For most of my life, I have been committed to community building projects, to protecting the natural environment, and to empowering citizens to develop… Continue reading

Phillipino woman sitting in office in Peterborough ontario for INSPIRE the womens portrait project photo taken by Peterborough portrait photographer heather doughty photography

Carmela Valles

Quiet • Loyal • Optomistic

“I didn’t speak English today”. This was the bold print on the wooden bamboo pendant of a necklace that I would have to wear if I was caught speaking my dialect at school. Either wear this around school in humiliation or pay up the class treasurer and miss your recess snacks. This was at first… Continue reading

Carol Lawless

Spiritual • Creative • Inspiring

Spiritual I grew up in a family that prayed to St. Anthony when you lost something. After failing my driver’s exam twice because I couldn’t master the parallel park, my mother told me to pray to St. Jude. “He’s the saint of impossible causes.” When I couldn’t get pregnant I asked my mother who I… Continue reading

woman walking on yellow line on Hunter city street in Peterborough city ontario having photo taken for INSPIRE the womens portrait project by peterborough portrait photographer Heather doughty photography

Cassia Piper

Positive • Sociable • Eloquent

Hunter St has been the perfect backdrop to my life. This is where my parents fell in love, welcomed me home from the hospital and fell in love again with their forever partners. From there my four strong and supportive parents watched me take my first steps along Hunter St patios and make friends with… Continue reading

Catherine Hanrahan

Workhorse • Brave • Forward Thinking

Workhorse In my adult life, I have never had just one 40 hour a week, 9-5 job. A friend of mine called me a workhorse and it rubbed me the wrong way at first, as if it were a phase in life that I had to get past. In my 20s, I worked long hours… Continue reading

Cathy Svetec

Passionate • True to Myself • Just Do it

I have often been called passionate, apparently due to the way in which I speak, coach and raise my children. My inspiration started with my parents. My father suffered a brain injury when I was 13 and life changed forever. I watched my mother take over as his caregiver and our family support system. She… Continue reading

Catia Skinner

Courage • Passion • Gratitude

People always ask me how I ended up in Peterborough, after growing up in a city with a population the same size as Canada. Here is my story. I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. I was in my second year of university, taking an economics degree, when I started my career. My first job… Continue reading

Charlina Westbye

Resilient • Geniune • Forthcoming

Being born and raised in Peterborough, I have been asked, more times than I can count, “Are you related to…?” When I graduated college and sought a career, it helped to have a Father who worked at GE for 42 years, and a Mother who was well connected in the local business community. My Mother helped me get… Continue reading

Chelsea Lockhart

Determined • Honest • Caring

I am very grateful to be apart of the Inspire Project, and to be among some great women in our community. Family is a big part of who I am, and they have always been supportive no matter what adventure I pursue. I grew up in Toronto then moved to Burleigh Falls with my parents Jim and… Continue reading

Cheryll Dancey

Patient • Active • Strong-Willed

I’ve been thinking long and hard about what to write for my bio, the truth is there’s so much behind who I am today that it could never possibly fit into 300 words.. so I’ll start with how I got here. About 2 1/2 years ago a, for lack of a better word… toxic relationship… Continue reading

Christie Lee

Courage • Integrity • Strength

I learned to play hockey when I was 38 years old….because who ever said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks; because it was a challenge, something I had always wanted to do and maybe just a little bit because he told me I couldn’t. I wasn’t raised to be with someone who didn’t value me… Continue reading

canadian woman sitting with golden retriever dogs for photo by peterborough portrait photographer Heather Doughty Photography for INSPIRE The Women's Portrait Project

Christine Baayen

Artisit • Dog Lover • Compassionate

I was a late bloomer, I think. I really didn’t know where my interests lay or what I was meant to do in this life. This was applicable both professionally and personally In response to that I did everything I could to learn anything and everything…from languages to travel to people. I’ve worked in everything… Continue reading

Christine Teixeira P Eng.

Loyal • Genuine • Diligent

A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads: continue in my engineering career or follow my dream of entrepreneurship. I had wanted to start my own business for some time, but was struggling with figuring out when to take the leap. It was a risk to leave a successful full-time career and jump… Continue reading

Christine Watts

Resilient • Strong • Compassionate

I must admit, when I found out I was nominated for Inspire, I was surprised! To be included amongst this group of fantastic women is a great honor! I also found it quite a challenge to write about myself. What do I write? So, here it goes….. As a kid, I was fortunate enough to grow… Continue reading

Cindy Windover

Fun • Thoughtful • Community-Builder

A few years ago, I described myself as the small-town girl who’s never left her small town, and I’m totally ok with that. And …. I LOVE shoes ! Like, I mean LOVE, LOVE, LOVE shoes or boots ! I’ve never met a pair I didn’t like. I grew up surrounded… Continue reading

Clea Charette

Courageous • Creative • Curious

I love to create natural products for you to enjoy. As a child my siblings would find it curious that I wanted receipt machines and cash registers instead of “toys”. I created a homemade lemonade stand at age 7 and I was on my way to selling things. I was raised organically… Continue reading

Colleen Carruthers

Thought-Provoking • Insightful • Creative

I moved to Peterborough from Toronto about 18 years ago and my life changed drastically. While living in Toronto I provided corporate training in developing teams, conflict management, communication skills and coaching, as well as I ran my private therapy practice. I thought I was living a satisfied life until I moved here and became… Continue reading

Cora Whittington

Intuitive • Insightful • Inspirational

I was 18 when my sister passed away with a rare bone disease. Her funeral was her 16th birthday. An experience like this at that age can’t help but affect you profoundly. It started me on a lifelong journey of working with people move through and beyond their suffering, no matter the cause. Six months… Continue reading

Coralie Jacobs

Compassionate • Determined • Fearless

You would think being told to talk about yourself would be an easy task….. I just don’t know where to begin !! Okay, “the basics”, here we go! I grew up in Peterborough, a proud Lady Eaton Grad from Omemee, to full spirited Crestwood Mustang. I went to University and travelled the world, to find myself… Continue reading

Crystal Jessup

Energetic • Personable • Motivated

I think I have the best career in the world and I’m certain my opinion is biased but I’m a photographer and I love to photograph happiness along with everything else for that matter. Emotion captivates me and I strive to create artistic and dreamy images that capture candid moments. I focus on the little… Continue reading

Danielle Dickenson

Dedicated • Resourceful • Authentic

I had a great deal of trouble writing this bio. Ask me to write an article, social media post, or new office policy and I’m all over it. But to write about myself? Well that’s difficult. I try to live my best life. I work hard, I try to help everyone at all times as… Continue reading

Danielle French

Creative • Driven • Authentic

I moved to the Bethany Hills from Toronto with my four daughters, Carlyle, Grace, Olivia, and Aubrey Rose and our dog Mollie. It seemed like a good thing to do – we were ensconced in the city and I thought if I had any chance getting them to experience rural life, then it was the… Continue reading

Danielle McIver

Vivacious • Expressive • Ambitious

I’m standing on the ledge of a 200 foot rock wall. I’ve dreamt of this. Imagined how badass I was going to be when I finally did it. I went for all the most intense features, with the mentality of “go big or go home”! Ankles instead of stomach? Check. All the way to the water? Check.… Continue reading

Dawn Pond

Wild • Scottish • Creative

I have always been drawn to botanical science, gardening and art. I enjoy getting to know natural processes within plants, their pollinators and the soil. Networks of species that balance and support each other are so fascinating to me. Wild. I am absurdly fascinated with plants! Why wouldn’t I be when they are so adaptable… Continue reading

Debbie Carriere

Serene • Pensive • Courageous

I have worked at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough since 2012. It is impossible to work here without becoming a passionate advocate for the mission. Every day I have the pleasure of interacting with women who courageously invite us to walk along with them on their journey. Every woman’s story filled with unbelievable courage,… Continue reading

Debbie Murphy Quinlan

Compassionate • Enthusiastic • Energetic

I am grateful to have the opportunity to give to others in our community, especially those who face adversity. Growing up in Thunder Bay, I was inspired by the time and commitment my parents gave to the service of others. I saw how much joy they received and brought to the lives of others. My father fulfilled a… Continue reading

Deborah Miller

Honest • Knowledgeable • Quirky

All of the pieces, good and not so good, fit together. Hold me together. My puzzle is incomplete. My lifelong quest for knowledge affords challenges and changes the structure of my being. Alternate perspective and solutions are sought in unusual places. Though I seek to evolve, my foundation corner pieces remain intact. I am ambitious,… Continue reading

Diane Wolf MBA, M.Div., Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Resilience • Perseverance • Compassion

I chose the word resilience as one of my three words because my life has been a series of twists and turns that have forced me to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start again. Throughout my journey, however, I can see the important lessons I have learned, and how my experiences have also… Continue reading

inspire the womens portrait project, peterborough women

Donna Rork

Fun • Adventurous • Passionate

I am honored and humbled to be nominated to this beautiful project, celebrating the lives of women in our community and particularly thrilled that it was from a former staff member. I take great pride in mentoring young people as they start work for the first time and grow and learn through the experiences they… Continue reading

Dr. Neera Jeyabalan

Introspective • Resilient • Compassionate

My family left my native country of Sri Lanka for Zambia when I was a child. A civil war made it impossible to return to Sri Lanka so, Canada became home. A mere four years after arriving in Canada, my father passed away. I was just a teen and my dear mother was left to… Continue reading

Dr. Shegufa Shetranjiwalla-Merchant

Positive • Optimistic • Smiling

As I marked one of my student’s assignments, I was struck by one answer. It reminded me of me when I was a graduate student just a few years ago. It reminded me of the journey that I had taken from India as a young woman onto Kuwait to evolve as a wife and mother… Continue reading

Elizabeth Rahman

Accepting • Empathetic • Compassionate

My pride and joy are my two children and four grandchildren. I love the fact that a small part of us lives on in our offspring, so we are in a way immortal. My passion is working in the multifaith community. I love spending time with people of faith (any faith)…. They feed my soul!… Continue reading

Elke Johnson

Resilient • Radient • Thankful

While growing up, I had recurring nightmares of an unknown woman. Her face was blurry and indistinctand her head would float in a circle, round and round. She said nothing to me but it seemed like she had a lot to say and couldn’t. Her anonymity was frightening, and yet she felt akin. One night, many… Continue reading

Ellen Stewart

Kind • Inspirational • Energetic

With age comes wisdom, that much I know is very true. If only I knew then what I know now, my life would be different. Our experiences shape us, life’s up and downs make us who we are. I am who I am by the choices I have made and the circumstances that resulted from… Continue reading

Emily Ferguson

Authentic • Aspirational • Unafraid

When I read the word “extraordinary” used to describe the women who are part of this project, a lump forms in my throat… I cannot see myself here. When I read their astonishing bios and realize their tremendous achievements, that lump in my throat gets bigger…. How on earth can I even be considered? These women… Continue reading

Emma-Lee Harrison

Kind • Generous • Compassionate

Grief is an interesting beast. It festers and builds, you consciously or subconsciously ignore it. You busy yourself with as many tasks as you can, or you feel so tired you have to lay in bed, you go throughout your day with little to no intention. The too busy is my safe place and that has been… Continue reading

womens portraits, businesswomen, women in finance

Erica Ingram

Funny • Dependable • Bold

I wasn’t always the best student and I struggled in school, I was what they call the “creative type”. I loved school, but for the social aspect of it. I had a grade 4 teacher that was forward thinking and embraced all learning types. I quickly adapted to her style, and she adapted to… Continue reading

women's portrait, Peterborough portrait photographer, empowering women

Erin Marshall

Passionate • Leader • Activator

The last thing my grandfather said to me before he passed away was: “Erin, be nice to EVERYBODY.” Volunteering, coaching and serving others has been engrained in the way I spend my days since I was a little girl. Growing up very close to my incredible great grandparents, grandparents and parents who were very involved… Continue reading

young canadian woman entrepeanur standing in peterborough ontario city alleyway with graffitti posing for canadian women portrait project inspire the womens portrait project by heather doughty photography

Erin Watson

Adventurous • Independent • Genuine

Growing up I always felt like I was a little different. I recognized my adventurous soul, my overwhelming need to prosper, and my nomadic mentality from an early age. A nomad. Not necessarily in the traditional sense of the word, but more so as a mind-set and the way I intended to live my life.… Continue reading

Gail Moorhouse MCP & MSTS #6269021

Passion • Compassion • Connections

I am often asked “Where did you come from?” as if I arrived out of the blue. So this is who I am. I am content to be working in the background and for many years that is what I did. I served as a board member for many organizations, but it was Community… Continue reading

Glenda Bromell

Positive • Strong • Caring

Out of darkness into light is an apt description of my lifetime journey. Early abuse and neglect resulted in great pain, anger and fear, the three hallmarks of codependency, also called “relationship addiction”. The long road out of that abyss started when I accepted Jesus into my life in 1984. I began to study the… Continue reading

Grace Mahoney

Creative • Encouraging • Eclectic

I am addicted to growth. The more opportunities I have to encourage it the happier I am. I live for change. If it isn’t working how can I make it work. I love a challenge as long as it doesn’t include running. I make meaning. Everything I create tells a story. I see potential. I… Continue reading

Grace Reynolds

No Limits • Authentic • Balanced

I must say, this was difficult for me to put together. Like many of you find, it’s hard to talk, let alone, write about yourself. I’ve never been one to talk about myself – not because I don’t want to share – but because I was told when I was younger … “Don’t talk about yourself,… Continue reading

Gwyneth James

Compassionate • Confident • Clever

I’m a numbers gal…not so good with words. So, here’s me in the form of an equation: [mom + dad + sister] = happy childhood! Victoria, BC 4 years x UBC + 2 years x U of Ottawa + 2 years x CGA Association = lots of letters after my name, but not much work… Continue reading

Hajni Hos

Eclectic • Spiritual • Humourous

I don’t fit in a box. I am Canadian but I am also Hungarian (Canadian during the winter Olympics and Hungarian during the summer Olympics). I am a mom, lead a non-profit, but I am also a lawyer and a teacher. I lead a community choir. I moved to the other side of the world… Continue reading

Hannah Routly

Loyal • Superhero • Skeptic

My career in the charitable sector is 19 years and counting. For the sake of a good cause I have ran, walked, skipped, cycled and crawled, been in a dunk tank, donned mascot outfits, built outdoor ball hockey rinks, woke up at 3am to set up walk events, canvassed door-to-door in February, and wore a variety of costumes.… Continue reading

Hayley McBride

Well-Hydrated • Forthright • Haphazard

I was raised to believe it’s better to be seen and not heard, so I put massive pipes on my motorcycle so I could do both. I have always loved spinning wrenches, customizing everything I own and building something out of nothing. Spring and summer as a young teen were spent travelling Ontario building carnival… Continue reading

Heather Avery

Caring • Patient • Energetic

I have worked in education most of my life, helping students from middle school to graduate school to achieve their goals and dreams. It’s been an honour and an inspiration to help young women and men believe in their abilities, understand their potential, learn how to learn—and then fly. Most recently, I have come to… Continue reading

yoga instructor seated in garden having photo taken for canadian womens portrait project inspire the womens portrait project by heather doughty photography

Heather Clarke

Self Empowered • Health Centred • Good Listener

As I sit quietly in the comfort of my home in the “old west end” of Peterborough, I find myself admiring the majestic posture of the mature trees outside the window. I reflect on the current attitude of these assorted “statues”, some are permanently green with foliage while others are seasonally naked, just beginning to… Continue reading

womens portrait project, inspiring women, portrait photographer, heather doughty photography

Heather Holland

Trustworthy • Open-Minded • Hopeful

If you asked my daughter, she might tell you that I work at Z.S.O., which is apparently how you say P.Y.S. (Peterborough Youth Services) in fairy language! Like countless other parents I muddle through the lovely challenges that come with the combined busyness of having a big job and a big role in a kid’s… Continue reading

canadian woman enviromentalist standing in stream in ontario for photo for INSPIRE the women's portrait project taken by ontario portrait photographer Heather Doughty Photography

Heather Ray

Strong • Genuine • Reflective

I am not special. I am not inherently more skilled, capable, or passionate than any other women within this community. What I am is a woman who continues to show up, to learn, and to try. Looking back on who I thought I would be, I find it interesting how life doesn’t turn out how… Continue reading

Heather Watson

Energetic • Methodical • Articulate

People are always surprised when I tell them I have a son who is 25. It’s often easier and usually more entertaining just to tell it that way but the fact is, he’s my step-son, who became my son. My husband was a single dad at 20. When I met the pair I was just… Continue reading

Hermione Rivision

Joyful • Social • Passionate

At seven years old I was disappointed. I was too tall for ballet so my Mum sent me to drama classes as consolation. I guess Mum’s do know best! I loved it. Disappointment turned to joy. Each Saturday morning I entered a world of inventive imagination; dragons lived under the staircase and at any moment you might… Continue reading

Hollie Lawder

Vivacious • Caring • Determined

I am a Registered Massage Therapist, mother, wife, book junkie, and indulger of happiness. I love anatomy, and the way the body moves. I love the challenge that comes with the body when there is a muscular imbalance, but what I love more is when a client tells me how much better they feel. Massage… Continue reading

womens portrait photographer, Canadian women project, Canada women, heather doughty photography, inspire the womens portrait project

Holly Young

Outgoing • Creative • Kind

I have always had a passion for art and majored in it in University. I put off pursuing it as a full-time career for years after graduating. The biggest reason being my inner critic, and I know I’m not alone on this one! Don’t be too hard on yourself. Doubt will always be in the… Continue reading

Janelle Kelcey

Dedicated • Adventurous • Wholesome

In 2013 my cousin passed away after a year-long battle with leukemia. She was only 21 years old. I was 22 years old, back at university for my 3rd year, and my world completely shifted. There was never a single moment where I ever believed the disease would defeat her. She was fearless. We grew… Continue reading

Janet Dawson

Caring • Thoughtful • Hard Working

It’s funny how you go through life making statements about the kinds of things you will do or not do when you get older. If I had to bet, probably every statement I have made has gone the exact opposite from what I planned. In my memories, I can see myself as a young child… Continue reading

Janet Kristensen

Justice • Insightful • Encourage

I am an immigrant. I came to Canada with my parents in 1966 and we settled in Montreal. My first view of Canada was from the ship, which brought us from Southampton U.K. As we sailed down the immense St. Lawrence River, I realized, even at that young age, that life would be… Continue reading

Janet McLeod

Loyal • Generous • Responsible

Looking for the house I live in now, I told the real estate agent I wanted three bedrooms and a garage, but what I really meant was peaceful and safe. Three bedrooms are more than I need day to day, but filling them isn’t hard. Duvets and quilts for family at holidays, my mother visits… Continue reading

Jeannine Taylor

Trailblazer • Supportive • BadAss

I am driven to be near water and love the Kawarthas. I love that we are surrounded by water in every direction. I grew up in Peterborough, was educated here and never had any desire to move away. I am grateful to my parents for moving here from Toronto after the war, and to my… Continue reading

Jen Avis

Thoughtful • Strong • Healing

I struggle to write about myself – it always feels like I am painting such an incomplete picture! So, since this project is all about amazing and inspirational women (pretty wild to think I have been included on the list) I thought I would think about the people and events that I think have been… Continue reading

Jenni Johnston

Genuine • Creative • Dedicated

Art has allowed me to heal, grow and share as an individual. It has helped shape the person that I have become today. Art has been a release for me, a way to communicate my emotions with the outside world. As most artist struggle to communicate and tell their story, so do I. Tragically my younger brother… Continue reading

Jennifer Brown

Caring • Ambitious • Worrier

I am a Peterborough girl, born and raised and very much proud of that. I come from a wonderful family who provided and continues to provide so much love and support. We had a very good life growing up not lacking for much but I did learn from my parents that hard work and integrity is truly… Continue reading

Jennifer Garland

Caring • Creative • Communicator

I was 48. My nest was empty and I was feeling a little bored. After 25 years as a communications and management consultant I was professionally comfortable-perhaps even coasting. Then we bought the farm. My husband, Chris, and I said goodbye to city living in Toronto in 2001 and embraced country life in a small… Continue reading

Jennifer Scates

Strong • Organized • Honest

Ice Cream has always been apart of my life… As a kid my favorite food was ice cream, and not a day afterschool went by with out a cereal bowl full of ice cream to finish off the day. In high school, every lunch was spent with my friends eating grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate… Continue reading

Jess Grover

Loving • Imaginative • Persistant

One of my favourite things to do is create ridiculous names for my life story. I Was Going to be Productive But Then My Cat Needed a Cuddle: The Jess Grover Story I Stayed Up Too Late Reading and Now I’m Eating Grapes at 2AM: The Jess Grover Story I Want To Love Autumn But… Continue reading

Jessica Correa

Hard-working • Creative • Bubbly

Hi ! My name is Jessica Correa. I’m a 20-something from Oakville, Ontario who moved to Peterborough for university. Ever since high school, I’ve had a deep-passion for our planet and have fought hard to find innovative solutions. I am the middle sibling of 2 beautiful sisters, girlfriend of a handsome Indian water-resources engineer,… Continue reading

Jessica Hill

Thankful • Thoughtful • Loyal

If someone asks me for help, I say yes. My husband tells me not to jump at too many projects or volunteer committees because before long I’ll be running the show and taking on too much. When this happens; and it does; it’s because whatever I pour my heart into never feels like work. If… Continue reading

middle aged woman sitting in living room in rural ontario for canadian women portrait project inspire the womens portrait project by heather doughty photography

Jill Staples

Empathetic • Resilient • Intuitive

Being nominated for this has been overwhelming and unexpected. I have always felt things happen and people come into your life for a reason we just don’t always know why or when you might meet those people again. I grew up in Peterborough the oldest of 6 children, we had one bathroom and 2 bedrooms… Continue reading

Joanna Stimpson

Stalwart • Funny • Kind

“Work hard, stay clean and wash behind your ears!” – this is something my Dad said to me every time he dropped me off at boarding school. It’s stayed with me ever since, always bringing a smile to my face and I sometimes catch myself saying it to my own kids. My Dad was in the British… Continue reading

inspirational Canadian woman's candid photography portrait project

Judy Ross

Loyal • Tenacious • Strong Willed

Recently I told a friend of mine that I had to write an essay about myself. She said: “How can you do this as you are presently in a state of extreme grief. ” My response was that I have felt and believed since I was a teenager who lost my father when I… Continue reading

Julie Austin

Savourer • Sorter • Seeker

I have always approached eating, and the world of food, in the same manner I’ve approach life; with zesty curiosity, tasteful intentions, and reasonable hopes for lip-smacking satisfaction; so much so that, food has been the core ingredient upon which I’ve created, and built, my life’s recipe. As far back as I can remember I’ve… Continue reading

Kalyna Maria Cabral

Loyal • Empathetic • Strong Willed

I was born to two blue collared parents who instilled a very hard work ethic on both myself and my older brother, Adam. I had a very happy childhood with our weekends spent at our grandparent’s home in Foleyet Ontario, where we would help with the vegetable gardens and enjoy amazing Portuguese meals and wine… Continue reading

Karen Giles

Passionate • Creative • Tenacious

I am so proud to call Peterborough my home. Peterborough “the City of Light”. As a teenager, leaving for college meant screeching out of here, and never coming back, but alas in 1989 I returned to start my family and Peterborough was the only choice. Nursing is my passion and helping others has always been… Continue reading

Karen Irvine

Loyal • Energetic • Caring

I moved to Peterborough 15 years ago to marry the love of my life. I have been riding motorcycles for 40 years, and am a founding member of the now disbanded Fallen Angels Motorcycle Club, a group of all women riders who raised money for charitable organizations doing what they love to do: Riding motorcycles.… Continue reading

Karen Jopling

Adventurous • Engaging • Tenacious

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Peterborough County, and then marrying a farmer, agriculture has always been a big part of who I am. While I always recognized the value of farming, I saw the true importance of agriculture when I became the 1987/88 Peterborough County Dairy Princess. My role was to educate… Continue reading

women portrait photographer, portrait photographer, peterborough photographer, heather doughty photography

Kate Suhr

Shapeshifter • Storyteller • Steadfast

I have never really thought of myself as an “inspiration”. I am the kind of gal who flies by the seat of her pants, rarely in one residence for more than a few years, who quite literally lives paycheck to paycheck – all in the pursuit of singing and acting. Inspiring? I wasn’t so sure… Continue reading

193 Women of Peterborough

Nominations Are Open