2019 Bursary Recipients
Mariam Fares
Mariam was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She is a recreation enthusiast who is involved with volleyball, softball, running and yoga. With over 10 years of experience in the recreation field across Canada, she has held positions with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, City of Mississauga and most recently as the Community Development Coordinator for the Town of Halton Hills, Ontario. Mariam’s passion aligned when she was able to bridge the social services sector with the municipal services sector in the field of recreation. Currently, she provides frontline services in the area of community development: facilitation of special events, coordination of volunteer services and community grant support. She is a strong believer in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development. The opportunity to participate in the Parks and Recreation Management Certificate Program will allow Mariam to take her leadership skills to the next level in the area of municipal recreation.
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing” – Anon.
Tera Cowan
Tara Cowan is the Recreation and Facility Manager for the Regional Municipality of Pipestone and Pipestone Albert Recreation Commission. Her passion for recreation came at a very early age while volunteering and working for the City of Winnipeg in summer day camps and as skate patrol at the local arena. Tara applied for the Harry Boothman Bursary to participate in the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association’s Professional Development Certification Program.
"I always loved playing sports and of course my favourite subject in school was gym class! I tried university right out of high school and learned that it was not for me; so, I moved to Northern Alberta to work. My sister gladly took me in, and I began working as the Recreation Programmer in High Level, Alberta. This is where I learned that recreation was going to be my career. I love helping community groups, plan events and organize programs for the community. After about seven years, I moved back to Manitoba and attended Red River College to pursue a certificate in Community Development/Community Economic Development. During my practicum a job posting came up in the RM of Pipestone with the Pipestone Albert Recreation Commission. I was successful in my endeavours and have now been with the RM of Pipestone just over five years and love it. On my downtime (if you call it that!) I am also a Town Councillor for the Town of Virden; I play hockey and fast-pitch baseball, and love volunteering at various events in my community."
