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Roxanne - The Little Rainmaker

I grew up in a small farming community in a francophone home and only managed my first words in English at the age of 8. When describing my childhood in a few words and no matter what the language, "family" and "community" come to mind. These values are fundamental in the less fortunate communities where I work around the world, whether the urban slums of Asia or the villages of rural Africa.

When I first arrived as a young woman in Kenya with Marc Kielburger, now my husband, I was struck by the exquisite beauty, poverty and the strong and resourceful women.

Our task was to start a program so women in the impoverished communities could sell their beadwork to visitors. Inside their small huts, the mamas showed me their exquisite beaded handiwork. They did not think it as art, but necessity. These objects played a major role in rituals surrounding birth, circumcision, marriage, warriorhood and death. These very practical women could not believe I wanted to sell their work and return the profits to them and their families.

In helping empower these women I found my calling.

For the past 10 years, I have lived half the year in Kenya, mostly in the Maasai Mara. During this time, I've led the building of the Kenya School of the Savannah, designed to educate young and old through international volunteer adventures. All the while, I've pursued my dream of empowering women through micro-enterprise.

Because of my work, I have been made a member of the Maasai community. At my naming ceremony, the elders circled me, speaking to the skies. They spat fermented goat's milk on me as a blessing for prosperity then stuffed grass in my belt and shoes to remind me I am part of the Earth. The men, who huddled together to decide my Maasai name, called me Nalotuesha: Little Rainmaker, she with many children. I try to live up to my name through my work serving the children in their community.

Roxanne's Fast Facts

  • Roxanne graduated with distinction from Stanford
  • Roxanne is a Rhodes scholar
  • Roxanne holds a law degree from Oxford University
  • Roxanne clerked for the Supreme Court of Canada
  • Roxanne was named one of Canada's most powerful women

A Few Words from Roxanne

Take a moment to watch the videos that showcase a few of Roxanne's Me to We must-haves.