We recently connected with Edwige Jean-Pierre and have shared our conversation below.
Edwige, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
The haters, nay-sayers, etc. are just distractions, if you ask me. It took me a long time to realize that the issue lies within them and them alone. They have no idea what you’ve had to overcome to be where you are today. As my mother would say “Your opinion of me is none of my business”. I’ve had to make a conscious decision to stop engaging with folks who are deemed haters and/or nay-sayers. It’s not always easy but it has to be done. People are going to believe what they want to believe and will go to great lengths to create a narrative to support their beliefs. I say let them, and focus on YOU and your goals/objectives. Surround your self with people who genuinely care about you and support you. Don’t waste you time and energy on them. Onwards and upwards!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I work full time as a Program Manager in the public sector and work as an actor and playwright on the side. My job as a Program Manager consists of assessing and reviewing grant applications submitted by registered charities and nonprofit organizations based in Ontario, Canada. I’m always amazed of all the good work these organizations do in their communities. It’s inspiring and gives me hope for the future.
I’m currently working on a bilingual (French/English) play inspired by a dear friend of mine who happens to be visually impaired. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect as a sighted person, and realize how prevalent ableism is in our society – not to mention the intersectionality between ableism and cultural identity. Having to deal with this on the daily from the perspective of someone who’s disabled is quite a revelation.
As an actor, I’ve had the immense honour and pleasure to be a cast member on CBC’s Run the Burbs, “a sitcom about a young, bold Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family taking a different approach to living life to the fullest, while changing the way we think about contemporary family values and life in the burbs”.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three skills or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are : 1. active listening
2. creativity
3. flexibility
I’d say all three qualities/skills have been invaluable in my line of work whether it’s a coaching call with a potential grant applicant, writing a theatre piece or playing a character.
For me, the best ways to develop or improve those skills are to go to school/take classes, mentorship, and see what you can take away from the feedback you receive (good or bad).
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my mother did for me was to instill in me the value of hard work and determination. She also taught me to stand up for myself at a very young age. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for her and the sacrifices she’s made. I’m in awe of her accomplishments and am extremely proud to be the daughter of an immigrant.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwige-j-87525519b/
- Twitter: @EJP2017
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6970390/
Image Credits
Headshot in colour : Pierre Gautreau Headshot in black and white: Nicholas Seiflow Side profile photo: Patrick Conner Promo photos for Espoir-Espwa: Manuel Verreydt
