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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A ug us t 22 ,2 01 9 | 24 Metroland Media's Hal-Metroland Media's Hal-M ton division photojournal- ist Nikki Wesley is think- ing outside of the box with a profile series that aims to shine a different light on those who call Halton home. Interview subjects are asked to pose for photos with an item that is impor- tant to them. Kimberlee Shelley Aji- bolade, 30, is a human re- source professional, com- munity activist, author, minister and wife. She's the district manager for the Brampton chapter of Black Women Honors and Empowerment and is a member of the city's Black History Month commit- tee. She was recently named an RBC Top 25 Ca- nadian Immigrant, an award that "recognizes in- spirational people who have made positive im- pacts since arriving in this country." Describe your- self in one word. Resilient In one word, how would your parent/ boss/significant other describe you? Hardworking, ambi- tious, God-fearing, pas- sionate What are your favou- rite qualities in a per- son? Loyalty, integrity, re- spect What is your idea of happiness? First, I believe happi- ness is a choice. The mind is so powerful, and our happiness starts there. That said, my idea of hap- piness is living a life filled with purpose. What are you most passionate about? I'm passionate about empowering and uplifting others, helping them to identify their purpose and start truly having a pur- pose-filled existence. What's your favou- rite smell? Lavender What's your least fa- vourite word? Can't Who are your heroes? Why? I truly had some great examples growing up. From the strong emphasis on love, family and sup- port displayed by my mom and aunts, to my older cousins who were in min- istry, working hard to es- tablish themselves and be- come upstanding mem- bers of society. My biggest hero has got to be my mom, Carmen Bennett-Mckenzie. This woman exudes such strength, grace, poise, hu- mility and selflessness. She is not a woman of many words, but her ac- tions speak for her. I am who I am today because of her. What is something you wish everyone knew about you? There is really not much hidden with me. Personally, I think I'm an open book. However, for those who haven't come in contact with me, I'm very down to earth. Who is your favourite fictional character?fictional character?f Why? I had to give this some thought, but I would say Game Of Thrones' Dae- nerys Targaryen. Though in the beginning of the se- ries she wasn't one to be- hold, the Breaker of Chains went on to rule multiple cities, free thou- sands of slaves, build pow- erful armies and political alliances, and legitimate- ly resurrect the notion -- and reality -- of dragons. If you could give the world one piece of ad- vice, what would it be? My advice is to develop a growth mindset, and in doing so it will give you a richer sense of who you are, what you stand for and how you want to move forward. With that, re-forward. With that, re-f gardless of what changes occur in your life -- a change in income, change in relationship or environ- ment -- you will always re- vert back to what your self-image "tells" you. You deserve and what you ex- pect from your life. It's our thinking that determines what happens to us in life -- not our cir- cumstances. "Our mindset is so cru- cial to our success." -- Kimberlee Shelley Ajibo- lade What was your big- gest challenge when you moved to Canada at 14? My biggest struggle was coming away from my mom, family and friends, and adapting to a new cul- ture and system. But even at that young age, as chal- lenging as it was, I'm so grateful for the strong val- ues and emphasis my mom instilled on faith, ed- ucation and community involvement, as it kept that 14-year-old grounded into adulthood. What was your reac- tion when you discov- ered you were named one of the top 25 immi- grants? I was shocked at first. I remember reading the email to ensure I saw right, then telling my hus- band. It was surreal, even up until the point where I walked across the stage and collected the award. So shocked, very surreal, but also humbled and ho- noured. What inspired you to become a minister? Ministry was more of a call. Though all Chris- tians are called to serve the cause of Christ, God calls certain persons to serve the church as pas- tors and other ministers, and I sensed there was a call on my life. While I'm still growing, God equipped me with the gifts necessary for minis- try. That, coupled with my faith leader seeing the giftfaith leader seeing the giftf and potential, and with prayer raising me up in the ministry helped solidi- fy that call for me. It helpsfy that call for me. It helpsf me know it's a part of God's plan. I reckon it is a high ho- nour to be called to God in- to the ministry of the church, and I'm equally honoured to be a servant of God. Why is this item im- portant to you? This award is impor- tant to me because, while I'm an immigrant, if I had any doubt before, this award truly solidifies my place here. It's important because I want it to be an inspiration to young black girls and immigrants that anything is possible, with hard work, commitment, giving back to the commu- nity and God at the centre of it all. I want it to encour- age some that came from equally humble begin- nings that their postal code, things or current status doesn't define and is certainly not indicative of their potential or worth. - If you know of someone who should be considered for this profile series,for this profile series,f email Nikki Wesley at nwesley@metroland.com. COMMUNITY THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: KIMBERLEE SHELLEY AJIBOLADE Kimberlee Shelley Ajibolade was named an RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant, which goes to people "who have made positive impacts since arriving in this country." Nikki Wesley/Torstar