Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Arianna Korbett and I am a recent graduate of Mount Royal’s Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism. I come from a small town in Southern Alberta, but love living in Calgary. During my free time I love finding local coffee shops, window shopping in trendy neighbourhoods, watching movies and TV shows on Netflix, gardening, reading, writing, and taking my roommate’s dog to the dog park. Something interesting I’ve done is I spent a year abroad before going to university in Zagreb, Croatia. I can also speak four languages: English, French, Italian and Croatian.
What is your personal definition of feminism?
My personal definition of feminism is equal opportunity, rights, and access for not only women, but everyone. I believe feminism is the push for change and awareness so that one day, everyone will feel comfortable, accepted and have equal rights and opportunities. One of my areas of interest in women’s issues is healthcare. Feminism, in that sense, means that women’s health isn’t a luxury but a right, and healthcare should be important for all women at every stage of their lives, not just when it’s related to pregnancy and serious diseases.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
I had never heard of the Women’s Centre of Calgary until I met my coworker and the Centre’s communications coordinator while working for the Bowness Community Association. I didn’t realize there were places for women to meet, access resources and build community that was not a shelter, so learning of the Centre was really exciting. I was so thrilled when I was given the opportunity to join the team and be a part of such a wonderful and empowering space.
What’s one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
As much as I hope to use my skills in communications and journalism to help women and the Women’s Centre grow, I really think the Women’s Centre is going to help me grow. I hope my experience here helps challenge the views and assumptions I thought I had to accept from society, change my perspective on issues women face, and teach me about issues I never knew about. I hope the Women’s Centre teaches me not only to help women advocate for change and their rights, but to also advocate for my own and help make the world a little better, one woman at a time.
Describe a woman who you admire or who has influenced your life.
A woman I admire and who has majorly influenced my life is my mom. She is the strongest woman I know and is an amazing mom to my sister and me. During our hardest times of pain and loss, she has always been an amazing support and has always encouraged us to keep pushing and find the simple joys in life. She has always advocated for me to never rely on anyone else to chase my dreams, and to fight for my rights and what I want. She has also taught me kindness and compassion, and always has the best advice for me. I hope when I grow up, I will be at least half the woman my mom is.