Annie Rivers

She has lived in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region for 10 years and currently sits on the Pride YMM Board of Directors. YMM: What does community mean to you? AR: Community is a sense of belonging. As individuals, we all have strengths and weaknesses. Communities are places to get help where we are weak and to lift where we are strong. This provides protection and purpose and leads to a feeling of belonging. We truly belong when we show up authentically and the communities we are a part of celebrate and welcome us. YMM: In your opinion, in what areas does Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo need improvement? AR: Issues related to financial inequity, bigotry and accessing quality health and wellness services are not unique to Fort McMurray, but certainly should be prioritized on a local level given their impacts here. YMM: What keeps you in our region? AR: The two things I love most about Fort McMurray are the outdoors and the people. I love the Boreal Forest and all the amazing hiking, biking, swimming, and camping that I get to do here. The folks who live here have got to be the most friendly, hospitable, and eager-to-help group of people ever! I think it’s likely because we all realize most of the challenges of Fort McMurray come from being isolated from family and/or established support networks and we need each other. YMM: Tell us about your volunteer experience in the community. AR: When I first moved to Fort McMurray, I did a lot of volunteering through my church community, but when I left that religion, I really missed the feeling of giving back. Pride YMM events and programs were vital to my coming out journey and I am so happy to be able to give back through volunteering with them for the last two years. YMM: What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? AR: I spent a lot of time weighing risks before deciding to go through with my gender transition. It has and continues to cost me a lot, but it was a risk I was ready to take. YMM: What are you most grateful for? AR: My amazing support system. I have been through so much in the past few years, and would not have been able to do it without my family, friends, and community. YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received? AR: You are the only person you will spend every moment of your life with. Be the best version of yourself for you and trust that the right people will come, stay, or leave. YMM: How should success be measured? AR: Success should be measured carefully. Often when we try to measure success we become too focused on the measurable perception of success, that we lose site of the goal. Succeed first, measure later! YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of? AR: Showing up as the kind, loving and supportive mom I strive to be. Also related: the thing I beat myself up for the most is when I don’t. #momguilt YMM: Who is your hero? AR: My little sister is my hero. Her attitude and outlook as she navigates life’s successes and challenges inspire me to do better. Her encouragement, love and support help me to do better. YMM: How have your priorities changed in the last 10 years? AR: Ten years ago, all I wanted was to be a good person, follow the rules, and be a happy family. All that has changed is what I consider good, the rules, happy and family.