Cathrine Ann's personal story is truly rags to riches. She went from being homeless, broke and unemployed, into a Canadian business leader, heading a multi-million dollar organization that provides contract work to thousands. She has since won numerous entrepreneurial awards including the prestigious YWCA Women of Distinction award.
As a child and young adult, Cathrine endured countless debilitating circumstances that might have otherwise lead to a life of despair. Instead, Cathrine overcame them all and prospered.
Cathrine takes her audiences through a whirlwind of life experiences from being a scared little girl to becoming a prosperous, strong and vibrant woman. Her message is an important one for all audiences, one that will be remembered forever.
Her story deeply touches audiences from all walks of life, which is why her storyhas attracted international speaking acclaim, a book deal and a potential movie deal in Hollywood about her life. (Key Porter is publishing her highly anticipated inspirational memoir, 'Beautiful Buttons. A Memoir of Survival and Triumph." Available September, 2010.)
They called me Seahorse. “A seahorse has highly mobile eyes to watch for predators and prey without moving its body. It also has a long snout with which it sucks up its prey. Its fins are small because it must move through thick water vegetation. It has a long tail that it will curl around any support to prevent being swept away by currents. It is friendly, highly social and monogamous. First thing each morning, Seahorse’s dance with their mate before they spend the day hunting. Each night, they dance again together before sleep.”
Had Cathrine known growing up that being called ‘Seahorse’ by kids at school could have been construed as a compliment, instead of a cruel joke, she might never have achieved such success in her life. (She had a big nose, was tall and skinny and had piercing eyes – like a Seahorse.) Enduring a childhood of neglect, abuse, poverty and then becoming a mother at the age of 14, she was dealt more than her fair share lessons in life. At the age of 40, after years of continued ups and downs, she became homeless and penniless. Cathrine will share her heart-felt story of what it was like for her growing up in Toronto, being the only child of alcoholic parents. She will discuss the abuse and neglect she endured, the difficulty of being a young mother without direction or motivation as well as what events inspired her to change her life for the better.
"Your story is truly amazing...the success of the 6th annual International Women's Leadership Conference was due in large part to the addition of your unique story, personal passion and words of wisdom."
"...a passionate and energetic personality with inspiring personal stories and innovative business concepts. As a presenter, she invokes thought, creates awareness and gives the audience the knowledge needed to exceed in business and in life. "
"If there is any way to personify success through perseverance then Cathrine Ann is a model example. Cathrine shares success strategies, survival skills and real case studies from her own life story, with her audience. Cathrine's motivation and drive comes from within. She is a woman who keeps trying to move forward, and that is important to her - that is also what inspires others. Cathrine is a strong advocate of community service and she has committed to living life generously to ensure that the poor, marginalized and broken are not left behind."
"'That which does not break us makes us stronger' is a familiar saying that truly defines Cathrine Ann...I wish every girl and every women had the privilege of being in her company, if only for a short time. Her story is truly moving and memorable!"