By Jennifer McFee BREAKING BARRIERS in politics and beyond
Manitoba’s first-ever black cabinet minister says she’s got sunshine in her soul so she always feels warm. Southdale MLA Audrey Gordon shared some soulful reflections and heart- warming inspiration for International Women’s Day. Born in Jamaica, Gordon moved as a young girl to Winnipeg, where she has lived ever since. A mother of two adult sons and owner of a Jack Russell terrier named Dublin, Gordon is an arts lover, sports enthusiast and avid reader. Her long list of achievements includes a master’s degree in business administration from the Asper School of
Business. Professionally, she worked for the provincial government for 25 years and spent another decade working in health care with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. In 2016, she decided to put her name on the ballot for the provincial election in the Fort Rouge riding, up against two party leaders. “The candle was lit for politics when I worked for the deputy minister of labour and immigration. He took me to every meeting and I really learned the ropes,” she said. “Then when I was working in health care, I was so frustrated with how the system was functioning. I felt it wasn’t functioning in the best interest of the patient. It was not about the health-care workers; it was about the way the system was organized.” CONTINUED >>
14 CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
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