International Women’s Day: Strength in Every Story

Here at the Town of Riverview we are inspired by many Riverview women and the work that they do to forge women’s equality. As we mark the special occasion of International Women’s Day we wanted to share some of their stories with you. May we continue to amplify the voices of all women, and create opportunities for women and girls to unlock their potential.

KAREN THOMPSON

We would say meet Karen Thompson, our Manager of Community Engagement , but you’ve likely already met her around town in her 28 years working for the Town. She leads a small but mighty team of two passionate women and together they form the Parks & Recreation Community Engagement Team. Together, they encourage sustainable practices like Clean up Month, community gardening and protecting natural habitats, and build strong relationships with Riverview’s business community by celebrating their successes, partnering with them in our festivals and events, and providing support and assistance whenever possible. 

Karen spent the first part of her career with the Town working with youth, and particularly girls, with a program for middle school girls that focused on increasing their self-esteem and resilience. A big part of this initiative, which spanned two decades, was helping girls build a sense of belonging and creating a safe space to be heard, and to learn healthy ways to cope with the stresses of adolescence. Today, Karen is the lead for Recognizing Riverview — an annual awards gala that celebrates Riverview’s volunteers, business community, and young people — as well as Maple Fest, which brings the community together to celebrate this sweet, deeply rooted Canadian tradition and livelihood. 

When she’s not at work, Karen prioritizes time with her family, yoga, reading, camping, hiking, and taking in live music. 

“My daughters have taught me in more ways than I have taught them. IWD to me is a day to celebrate all women, but especially to encourage young women just starting on their journey to remember the words from Maya Angelou:  ‘Open your eyes to the beauty around you, open your mind to the wonders of life, open your heart to those who love you, and always be true to yourself.’”

SHANNON PARLEE

Meet Shannon, the Director of Finance & Information Technology with the Town of Riverview. 

When she’s not crunching numbers for the Town, Shannon spends her time as the Owner/Director of the Moncton Mystics, playing and writing music on the piano, exploring nature, and taking photos. 

“A big part of who I am is that I am a strong woman because I was raised by a strong woman. My mom is my best friend and has unwavering support for me, as I do for her. A big part of my life is caring for my mom — she has MS, so my sisters and I care for her as we lost my dad when we were young,” says Shannon. 

In addition to her close-knit family, academic accolades, professional success, and creative hobbies, Shannon is passionate about basketball.

“The Mystics are another huge part of my life in creating space and opportunity for women,” says Shannon. “We have had so many men’s teams in the area for high level sports, and the Mystics carves out a space for women and is run by women. It allows women to keep playing the sport long after university or professional careers. The players are exemplary role models for girls and women. It is beyond basketball. We support many community groups, such as Crossroads for Women and the Angel Fund.”

“In the words of Serena Williams, ‘Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re stronger when we cheer each other on.’”

TARA ROSS

Meet Tara Ross, driven by helping others as an ER nurse AND volunteer firefighter with Riverview Fire and Rescue (RFR). 

“I had always been interested in firefighting but didn’t know if I would be any good at it,” she explained. “As a single mom, I started looking at other career options that would provide a different balance. With my family in Ontario, working shifts at the hospital could be tricky at times.” 

Another nurse and colleague, Sheila Colbourne, was a Volunteer Lieutenant with RFR at the time and encouraged Tara to apply. 

“I attended an open house session for volunteers and quickly saw all the different backgrounds of the firefighters and what they did in their off time. It really opened a world of opportunity.” 

Tara started as a volunteer firefighter in 2019. 

“I felt so supported and learned so much about the different specialties within firefighting – every situation is so different,” she said. “I love to learn, so I was like a kid in a candy store!” 

She affirms that community is everything. 

“I want to set an example for my son that giving back to the community is important. It’s truly a family. I always say that I have an amazing network of brothers at the station, and my group of sisters at the hospital – we truly help each other out.” 

SYDNEY MASON

As a past Community Engagement Worker with the Town, Sydney has had an impact on youth in our community.  

One way she’s been able to combine her passion for reading and desire to connect with others is through creating Riverview’s Youth Book Club. The new Club meets every other Saturday and reads a book between each meeting to be discussed over snacks, crafts, and games that relate to the recent read. 

“The sense of comradery we’ve established in such a short time has been amazing,” she said. “Making connections with fellow readers, having a say in the books we read next, and getting to know each other over these shared interests is a lot of fun. We’re always welcoming new members and books are loaned from the library, so if you’re interested, it’s a free way to meet new people and enjoy the love of reading.” 

Her advice for youth who are curious about the different programs and activities Riverview has to offer – get involved! 

“Ask for opportunities because you never know what’s out there and what’s going to resonate with you,” she explained. “Our Youth Collective is a great place to start.” 

CECILE CASSISTA

Upon her retirement, Councillor Cecile Cassista moved to Riverview in 2003. Jumping into municipal politics wasn’t necessarily on her agenda, but she quickly made connections in the community and decided to run for Council in 2012. Since then, Cecile has seen Riverview grow by the thousands, evolving into an even more engaged community. 

“Since being on Council, I’ve seen growth in newcomers that has enhanced our community’s diversity for the better.” 

Her advice for aspiring female politicians? Engage in your community. 

“I try to be a role model for others who are thinking about advocacy,” she said. “It’s important to support one another by sharing experiences and doing the work to build a just and equitable society.” 

On top of her many accomplishments and accolades, Cecile received the Order of New Brunswick in 2022. As the executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights as well as co-founder of the Seniors’ Roundtable for the town of Riverview, Cecile is a long-time advocate for the wellbeing of all residents, but especially our seniors. Her work with the Seniors’ Roundtable recently led to the Town of Riverview being designated an Age-Friendly Community. 

KARA WALKER

Meet Kara Walker, better known as The Cookie Lady behind Buttercup Cookies. 

Kara always loved baking, & throughout her education degree, & while working as a teacher, she would bake and decorate for her students, friends, & family. 

“I found baking and decorating cookies to be a great stressbuster for everyday life. Ten years ago, I went on maternity leave, and I found it hard to be away from family — we were in Ontario at the time. So, we moved to New Brunswick, & I found I was having so much fun that I decided I would try to make a go of it,” she said.

Five years ago, she moved to Riverview & built a commercial kitchen addition in her backyard. 

“With the help of my 80-year-old Dad, some friends, and even my daughter, we made the cutest little commercial kitchen that works wonders for Buttercup. Working for myself from home has meant a lot of ease in raising my daughter. I’m always accessible to family but I also have a space of my own. I love what I do, and I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to see the look on people’s faces when they receive their products.”

Kara asserts that life is too short not to love what you are doing. 

“Because I love what I do, it makes me a better mom, a better person, and a better community member.”

Know a powerful community builder in Riverview? We’d love to hear their story! Reach out to communications@townofriverview.ca for the chance to be highlighted in an upcoming community feature.