Excited that her birthday falls on the International Day of Peace, Alexandra takes advantage of the opportunity every year to inspire others around her to join her in promoting peace, love and harmony. On this day in 2012, Alex motivated friends, family, and colleagues to join her in giving free hugs for peace in downtown Montreal. Alex’s interest for social justice started at a young age, often acting as an advocate for others and enjoying promoting equality amongst her peers. In fact, her passion for people and making a difference inspired her to pursue studies in social services. After she completed her social work degree in university, she had the opportunity to travel all over the world while working with young people. As a globe trotter who loves nature and wildlife, as well as empowering youth, she decided to complete a leadership semester in Costa Rica where she really enjoyed her fieldwork as an outdoor experiential education instructor. Upon her return home, she further pursued her studies to be a guide in adventure tourism. Agreeing with Mark Twain that: ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness’, Alex enjoys promoting global understanding and tolerance in the world by stimulating interest in other lands, peoples and cultures. A shameless idealist, she dreams of one day seeing a world where everyone would be free and equal in dignity and rights, regardless of where they are born. Alex joined Free The Children in 2012 as a motivational speaker to motivate and inspire youth to live up to their leadership potential; educating, engaging and empowering them to ‘Be the change they want to see in the world’. Join us next Wednesday, February 19 at 12:30 p.m. at the Auditorium to hear what Alexandra Vallières has to say!