Anne-Marie Kabongo

JD_Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Anne-Marie Kabongo has been living in the Bordeaux-Cartierville district for 19 years. She has an undergraduate degree in law (RDCONGO), a micro-program in law (UdeM) and a certificate in social and labour law (UQAM). She is currently enrolled in a certificate in municipal services management (UQAM).

Anne-Marie defines herself as a hands-on woman of action. She has worked for 20 years in the community sector and has acquired a wealth of experience in the field. Through her work, she has been exposed to issues of poverty, mental health, domestic violence, housing, support for newcomers, social justice, support for women and families, all of which have developed her sense of
commitment and allowed her to contribute to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people.

Anne-Marie inherited her commitment from her two parents who were very involved in their community and who, through their example, reinforced in her the idea that each person could make a contribution to their community, regardless of their social status, gender, life history, etc. The important thing is to want it and to take action to improve the lives of her fellow human
beings.

In her career, she has been involved in the Bordeaux-Cartierville Connector Citizens project, which promotes living together and access to resources for the cultural communities of Bordeaux-Cartierville. She was a member of the executive committee of the Canadian Council for Refugees, a volunteer and then a member of the board of directors of the Ville Saint-Laurent Women's Centre, and a volunteer and member of a non-profit organization in the Saint-Michel district. Anne-Marie has been involved in the Women's Group Table's Apprentice Councillors project, she participated in the CitéElles Montréal program which introduced her to her municipal politics.

She had the opportunity to be invited to speak to school children and students about the importance of protecting newcomers. She has taken her voice to international conferences, including being appointed as a spokesperson for young Francophones at the Palais de l'Élysée (in France) to deliver a speech to President Jacques Chirac.

By engaging in municipal politics, Anne-Marie believes in good governance, which, through municipal authorities, contributes to the improvement of neighbourhood life and community development to make the borough shine. She is committed to her district because she wants to see it improve, she wants to work on mobility issues, fight against substandard and unsafe housing, improve the daily life of citizens in need by supporting food banks and fight against food insecurity. She plans to work in synergy with local organizations in her district, support families, seniors and youth while contributing to togetherness and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Figures such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa are inspirations that have crossed generations and whose lives have impacted millions of others. Anne-Marie believes in the impact of one person locally and globally for a better world. Her role models are also anonymous people whose rich life paths, made of joys, sorrows, highs and lows, but above all of faith, courage, resilience and hope, keep them standing tall and worthy. If elected, Anne-Marie Kabongo will work to restore human dignity and to build stronger and more resilient communities. She wants to be the voice of the people of Bordeaux-Cartierville at the Montreal City Council.