Kathy Vladicka

Now you can find her in the classroom teaching math and biology with Fort McMurray Public School Division or spending time with the people she loves. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? KV: Inspiring and teaching my students. I love working with teenagers, helping them to discover what they are interested in and passionate about in the world. I love getting the chance to inspire them to follow those passions, pursue careers or hobbies that will bring them joy and success and make the most of their lives. YMM: Tell us about your volunteer experience in the community. KV: I have been a part of Pride YMM planning and putting on the Pride Festival since 2018, as well as other events that Pride YMM has hosted such as the Fun Fair. I also facilitate our Inclusivity workshops for the Rainbow Spaces designation to school and community organizations. I volunteer a lot of time with The Alberta Teachers Association Local 48 here in Fort McMurray. I currently sit on several committees such as the Teacher Welfare Committee, Negotiating Subcommittee, Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Committee, and the Women in Leadership Committee.  In the past I was also a member of the Executive, holding the positions of Treasurer and Vice President. I also facilitate the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at École McTavish High School where I try to create a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ kids to come together, find support and acceptance, and just get to be exactly who they are and be supported and celebrated for who they are. YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray? KV: My career and the amazing people I get to work with at École McTavish Public High School, the important advocacy work I am privileged to do alongside the other amazing board members of Pride YMM, the queer family I have made here in Fort Mac, and the dear friends I have here. YMM: In your opinion, in what areas does Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo need improvement? KV: Fort McMurray needs more support, particularly health support both physical and mental for trans people. There are very few doctors that will take on trans patients.  There is a lack of community support for trans people, which Pride YMM is trying to fill, but we are a small community organization run primarily by volunteers with a very limited budget. For example, there is no store in Fort McMurray to buy binders, so Pride YMM has begun a binder-swap program. I also think there is a huge need for mental health support in Fort McMurray, for both adults and children. These last seven years, with all Fort McMurray has endured, have been difficult, and while we have persevered and are Fort Mac Strong, it has taken a toll on people. YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received? KV: To always push myself to grow and learn. To try not to let fear stop me from trying new things. One of the most important ones, one that changed my life, was my best friend telling me there was no decision I could make that I couldn’t undo or make a different decision about, when the initial decision no longer served me or worse, was actually hurting me. The other most important one, that led to an epiphany that changed how I felt and saw most of my life, was to find what you are good at, what you can contribute in a positive way to this world, and go do that. I realized that was what I was already doing with my life at a time when I was really struggling with my place in the world and whether I had fulfilled my potential. Upon hearing that, I realized that everything I had ever done, every decision and mistake I had ever made led me to this place at this time, to impact my students and the people.