Maryam Ganni, a remarkable makeup artist and speaker who is legally blind, recently inspired students at the Wager Adult Education Centre and John Grant High School in Côte Saint-Luc with her powerful message of resilience and determination. As part of the Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour, Ganni shared her journey of overcoming challenges and turning setbacks into opportunities to empower others.
Originally from Iraq, Ganni moved to Montreal with her family at a young age and later received a formal diagnosis of vision loss. Despite her visual impairment, she pursued a successful career as a makeup artist, emphasizing that makeup is not about perfection but expression. She teaches others how to use light and dark to create balance and beauty, relying on her sense of touch and memory of colors.
During her visit, Ganni encouraged students to believe in themselves and strive to become unstoppable champions in their own lives. She shared her story of finding purpose and hope through adversity, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing one’s unique abilities.
Elias Tanbe, a teacher at the adult education center, commended Ganni for her inspirational work and dedication to helping others. He highlighted the importance of redefining challenges rather than eliminating them, drawing on Ganni’s story as a source of motivation for his students.
Reflecting on the experience, student Xavier Martinez-SEO expressed his newfound perspective on handling challenges with resilience and composure. Ganni’s visit left a lasting impact on the students, encouraging them to find their own inner champion and embrace their strengths, just as she has with her walking cane symbolizing her superpower.
