POWHERFUL WOMAN – LÉAH MUSCAT
Léah Muscat. Born and raised in Edmonton, AB. I am fully bilingual: I went to French immersion school from play school to grade 12 and completed my undergrad degree at uofa’s Campus Saint Jean. I went on to complete my MBA from Athabasca University. I am the operations manager in my family’s local business, where my brother and I are the third generation.
I am married to the only boyfriend I’ve ever had; the boy next door. We met as toddlers but didn’t start dating until we were in high school. Our families are great friends. Dylan and I have two children (the third one will be joining us in a few short weeks!)
As a white-passing woman of colour, I never saw a lot of people who “looked like me”. My Caribbean born and raised mother instilled in my brother and I the importance of celebrating who we are and ensuring we were aware of different races, cultures, religions, languages and more. She wanted us to use a critical eye of “who” is being represented (& noting who is being left out). As a result, I’m a huge champion for representation. On my social media platforms, I focus mainly on children’s books / toys / advertisements; But it is very apparent in so many facets of life.
Representation matters. We cannot ignore injustices just because bringing it up might be uncomfortable.
From Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg ©
“We need diverse representation not only so every kid can see themselves as the hero of the story, but so that every kid can understand that *other* kinds of kids are *also* the heroes of the story.”
My children are not only multiracial but also interfaith as my husband and I grew up in different religions (Roman Catholic and Jewish faiths). We celebrate all holidays socially with all our families and I take great pride in letting my children explore and learn as much as they can. I tell them they are so lucky to have such different hair or features or experiences. They are lucky to be able to understand that it’s okay (and important) that not everyone will look the same. Or speak the same language. Or wear the same clothes.
“Being mixed doesn’t just effect how you look,
it effects how you view the world.
We embrace duality. We see it as our power.
We feel a responsibility to bridge the gap.
We provide empathy where we see it lacking.
We encourage others to challenge their ideas in the
way the world has challenged us.
We reckon with the idea that our existence begs
important questions.
We are the definition of diversity, so we
understand the necessity for it.
We are misunderstood yet we seek to understand.
Being mixed doesn’t just effect you,
it effects every person who has the pleasure of
meeting you!”
I love to be with my family, I love to exercise, read, spend time outside, travel and cook.
-Léah
Photography: Glitter and Gold Photos