Who We Are

Glow Within Foundation started with a shared vision among students who were brought together by circumstance. It is a project born out of unrelenting passion and dedication to inspiring the next generation of female identifying students to unleash their full potential by understanding themselves from the inside out. We draw from our diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds and work with various professionals to curate programs that are relevant and accessible to students.

Our Mission

We focus on three main pillars: Education, Community, and Impact.

Education

There is an identifiable gap in the educational system that often gets overlooked. Glow Within values academic learning but it is just as important to focus on our minds and bodies. We designed our workshops from a holistic point of view, so we can initiate conversations and demystify topics that are considered taboo.

Community

We are better together and the Glow Within movement is the journey of many empowered women. Beyond the schools that we serve, we create intentional experiences and programming that encourages genuine connections to form. Whether it is through online platforms or in-person events, we focus on creating inclusive and meaningful experiences.

Impact

Our emphasis on impact ensures that we are partnering our ideas with action. This means nurturing our relationships with participants so they know that there is a support system readily available to them. This also means that as an organization, we consistently amplify underrepresented voices, showcase diverse role models, and practice intentional listening so we can move towards equity and inclusivity.

Meet the Founders

  • Co-Founder

    Claire’s overall goal with Glow Within is to connect with as many feminine-identifying students across Canada to ensure they feel supported, educated and inspired to be the most confident versions of themselves. Claire’s personal experiences have made her determined to change the narrative for girls and empower them. She graduated from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business in April 2022. She currently works for two sister businesses as their marketing manager. In Claire’s spare time, you can find her at the gym lifting weights.

  • Co-Founder

    Karan aims to establish the organization as the thought leader of youth reproductive and mental health equity worldwide. She has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, as well as a diploma in International Marketing. She is currently working as a Marketing and Operations Manager. In Karan’s spare time, she loves to cook and cuddle with her cat, Bella.

  • Co-Founder

    Marzia’s vision is for Glow Within’s programs to be accessible nationwide and to create a global impact for youth. She is a communications professional and entrepreneur who spearheads her own photography company. If she isn’t taking photos or conducting research to grow the organization, you will find her with her dog Koko.

Social Media Team

  • Dora Solic

    Marketing Tem Lead

    Dora is a Business Administration undergraduate from Capilano University and currently working work full-time in the Sales Industry.

    Why Glow Within?

    I wanted to work with like-minded women while being a part of such an amazing organization with great vision and goals! And not to forget, I wanted to be a moving piece in creating a community for young women.

  • Cathy Zhang

    Trend Researcher

    Cathy is an undergraduate student at Simon Fraser University majoring in linguistics and minoring in Instruction and Curriculum.

    Why Glow Within?

    Working for female physical and mental health has always been my life goal, and I am always motivated to create a loving and friendly atmosphere for women, especially minority social identities. I really cherish this wonderful opportunity to work with all my amazing team members.

Advisors

  • Aida Ardelean

    Advisor

    Aida was born in Transylvania and moved to Toronto when she was 6 years old. In 2018, she moved to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia. She has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Sociology and a Minor in Law and Society. Aida worked full-time throughout her university career, primarily at tech startups, the service industry, and most recently in legal services as she plans to attend law school upon graduation. She also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor and had various volunteer/mentor positions with a focus on children/adolescent education.

    Why Glow Within?

    Throughout my degree, I had the privilege of conducting research in regard to attachment theory and the social dynamics university students experience when it comes to relationships. With my background in education, I saw a gap in the various research studies available and the application of these findings in order to help students in their current and future relationships. I joined Glow because I hope to help students with the confusing social norms and expectations they face and improve youth mental health through increased confidence, boundaries, and knowledge all while working with an amazing team who share a common

  • Laura Wicki-Stordeur

    Advisor

    Laura holds an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration with a major in Marketing Communications and Management, and is certified in Project Management. She has worked in marketing communications, event planning, and now holds a position in leadership and organizational development in healthcare. She is passionate about health & wellness, nutrition, health education and women’s health and hopes to complete her MPH to further contribute in these areas. Laura is grateful to live, work, and play on Vancouver Island with her daughter, Ayla and partner, Torrie.

    Why Glow Within?

    I am passionate about promoting health, wellness, education, and empowerment. From personal experience, there is an obvious gap in the current education systems offering of sex education, mental health supports, mindfulness, and effective communication. By building on this foundational knowledge and specific skills from a young age we can contribute to raising strong, curious, independent women. I am honoured to be a part of Glow Within Foundation. Part of my personal vision statement states: “My purpose is to serve others in a way that best matches my skills and values, and I am committed to making choices in my personal and professional life that furthers that purpose of improving health equity, bringing awareness to, and ending the stigma on women’s health"