Joanne Turnbull is a fighter, an activist, a philanthropist, an artist, and a confident woman who loves to inspire.
My younger years began with me as a spunky and curious young girl. I came from loving parents, a large family, and a built-in best friend because I am a twin.
My fondest childhood lesson was every Christmas, volunteering at local hospitals or Hospices. We didn’t have the big Christmas that many children know today, including my own. This fueled my passion for wanting to make a difference throughout my life.
One of my first stints with making a difference was when I was in high school and elected as VP of Student Council. When I was in the full swing of things, about halfway through my term, I found out that I was pregnant, at eighteen. This could have been a defining moment, but I refused to be a statistic. I was determined to have my baby, complete the VP term and graduate high school. I graduated post-secondary school with my class, and my motivation was my beautiful daughter.
I met a charismatic man who made my daughter and me his priority. We married and had two beautiful children. It wasn’t long into the marriage before drinking became a daily thing, and he became emotionally and physically abusive. I never thought the words domestic violence would ever come out of my mouth.
When I planned our escape, I knew I needed to work on myself. I needed my confidence back. I have been working on myself every day since. I made my personal life my priority and focused on slowing things down and enjoying the things that are important to me; my family and friends. I am finally living my dreams by making a difference in helping our planet through farming and bringing more natural ways to produce goods.
I was able to be part of the fight against COVID. I was responsible for ensuring frontline and essential staff were safe with adequate and appropriate protective equipment while responding to our first global pandemic. I worked alongside the most inspiring women who constantly empowered and taught me.
Today I am a fighter, an activist, a philanthropist, an artist, and a confident woman who loves to inspire.
