Mendoza, right, with RRC President Stephanie Forsyth.

“My life has certainly changed for the better and it is because of the support that I had received from generous people like you”.

So ended the inspiring words of Desiree Mendoza (Creative Communications, 2011) at the annual Red River College Donor Appreciation Reception in October 2011.

As the keynote speaker, Mendoza shared her story of moving with her husband and children from Brunei to Winnipeg in 2005.  With the encouragement of her husband to pursue her studies in Canada, she applied to the two-year Creative Communications program at Red River College.  Although it would be financially challenging to leave a job that helped pay the bills, Mendoza entered the program.

She applied for and was awarded the Enterprising Women’s Conference Award which helped defray the costs of her tuition and other school expenses. Because of the financial support the award provided, she was able to focus on successfully completing the program, including providing public relations and fundraising support to a Winnipeg homeless shelter, as part of the CreComm program’s Independent Professional Project (IPP).

Mendoza currently works as a Business Development Coordinator for Yes! Winnipeg, an initiative within Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. In her spare time, she volunteers in the community and spends time with her family.

In Mendoza’s own words: “The impressive education that I had received through Red River College and the award that I had received, will only mean that I will be giving my best in my chosen career as well continue doing my part in making a lasting contribution to our community through my volunteer work.  My life has certainly changed for the better…”

Click here for more information about RRC’s Creative Communications program.