The Women Who Inspire Us: Christie Shares Her Journey to Action

As both a generous Women United donor and a dedicated United Way staff member, Christie Hutchinson has witnessed the strength, resilience, and quiet courage of women from every walk of life. Their stories, their advocacy, and their determination sparked her own. Today, she stands with a community of fierce, compassionate leaders who are breaking cycles, amplifying voices, and driving lasting change for women and girls across the Alberta Capital Region.

What first inspired you to join Women United, and what does being part of this community mean to you? 

Over the past three-plus years, I’ve been privileged to meet and hear from so many women – colleagues, Cabinet volunteers, and event speakers – in my work at United Way. And even though they come from different walks of life, each of them can relate to the experience of facing some kind of systemic barrier as a woman. And when these people come together, the empathy and compassion they share for vulnerable women and girls in our community is palpable, and it’s truly inspiring. You can’t help but want to be a part of the movement, too. 

What specific issues or barriers facing women and girls are you most passionate about addressing? 

I have people in my life – single mothers and survivors of gender-based violence – and it’s their experiences that really fuel my desire to do something, to take action. These are strong, smart women who are doing the best they can for their children on a single income or are doing their best to heal from trauma while juggling real life. And there are thousands of other women like them facing similar challenges across our region – many of whom need additional resources or supports to navigate their circumstances.  

Has there been a moment or experience with Women United that felt especially meaningful to you? 

What’s most striking to me is that gender inequity doesn’t affect just one kind of woman – it affects us all. And you really see this when you attend a Women United event. Whether you’re a C-suite executive or a university student or a newcomer to Canada, the people in that room each have their own experience or a connection to someone that motivates them to come together to learn about the issues and what they can do to help. It’s a beautiful thing. 

Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you and why? 

I don’t think I can pick just one! Honestly, I’m inspired every day by the women around me – my friends, family, and colleagues. Some have experienced job loss, navigated domestic violence, managed single-parent households, battled health issues, or taken on the responsibility of caring for aging parents — all while showing up for their families, their careers, and their community. 

And maybe that’s what’s so inspiring about women in general. They don’t just survive; they find ways to thrive, to keep moving forward, and to support others along the way.  

If you could grant one resource or opportunity to every woman or girl, what would it be and why? 

Knowledge and education. It builds confidence and gives you the power to make choices, to speak up, and to trust your own voice. When you understand your options and your worth, you have the confidence to set and hold boundaries, to start pursuing possibilities, to make plans and be independent, and to share those lessons with others. That confidence can change everything. 

What’s one book, movie, or podcast that you feel every woman should check out? 

Women Talking by Miriam Toews (one of my favourite Canadian authors) is a novel based on real events at a Mennonite colony in Bolivia. It’s a powerful story about women finding their voices and making an impossible choice in the face of systemic oppression. I love how it captures courage — not as over-the-top heroics, but as quiet, determined conversation. It shows that speaking up, even when it’s hard, can be the first step toward freedom and change.