My name is Andrea Laverty. During my younger years, I was involved in graphic design and branding work in the paper and large format printing industry. Later, I expanded my skills into branding, PR work and marketing. I have always been a tech-savvy individual and very career focused; working all the time. About 2016, I had mental health struggles with anxiety/depression which MPA society (amongst other organizations) helped me to climb out of. Ever since, I have taken a keen interest in helping others with similar struggles. As someone who is gender-diverse, relationship-diverse and of Ojibwe heritage, I’m a strong advocate for people facing discrimination with mental health challenges, gender rights, indigenous rights or other protected rights and equalities under the Charter of Human Rights and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I hope to bring my lived experiences to help further MPA’s goals and mission statement.