Monique is a self-esteem and character youth motivator and the founder of Confident Girls and Guys. She is an exceedingly proud mom of three wonderful girls and says that she owes much of her youthful enthusiasm to her good-humored-daughters who have grown into successful and happy young adults.
As a former journalist, Monique wrote about successful people whose common thread was a healthy dose of self-esteem! While many articles have been written on Monique's work, she has also made countless appearances on TV and radio.
Monique's work with youth has been recognized by; MPP John O'Toole, MP Dianne Cunningham (Former Minister Responsible for Women's Issues), Directors of Education from both Durham and Kawartha Pineridge Boards.
She has received awards and accolades from the Mayor of Whitby, Women of Success, Canada Business of the Month and many community awards. As a professional, Monique is a member of The Toronto Board of Trade, Chambers of Commerce and Women in Business associations.
Monique dedicates her time and talents to mentoring youth and volunteering for Community Care. She sits on the Durham Region Local Training Board as the Women's Director.
Listen to Monique on the parentingmyteen.com Podcast:
Teaching Teens To Give
Creative Consequences
Teen Self-Esteem
Letters
Monique was so encouraging and inspirational to our Intermediate students. She definitely boosted their confidence and did a superb job of showing them the true meaning of RESPECT and how they should always be proud of themselves for all that they are - from the inside out. "POSITIVE ACTION does indeed create POSITIVE REACTION." Through Monique's positive motivational efforts and actions - engaging activities, stories, cards, handouts, etc. - our students definitely have displayed Positive Reactions to what they heard, saw, shared, believed and felt. Thank you so much for leading our grade 7 and 8 students and giving them the opportunity to learn how to make positive decisions in order to walk with pride and determination to face the world ahead. You influenced many of our youth and really made a difference in making kids feel that they're a SOMEBODY.
Yours in education,
Michelle Wight
Pierre Elliott Trudeau P.S.
Precious Minds Resource and Learning Centre
Monique Howat, Youth Motivator and Founder of CONFIDENT Girls and Guys, facilitated two summer camp experiences for Precious Minds during the summer of 2004. The response has been overwhelmingly positive!
"She made me feel like I was awesome! I can't wait to go again next year."
- Alicia, age 13
"It was lots of fun and it made me believe in myself."
- Megan, age 14
"It inspired and motivated my daughter and gave her some great ideas for making good decisions. Each day when I picked her up she had big smile on her face and couldn't stop chatting all the way home."
- Megan's mom
"It was very exciting and it was a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be."
- Arthur, age 12
"The program helped to develop an awareness of my son's self and others. He left feeling good about himself."
- Arthur's mom
"Monique's "Confidence is Everything Camps" offered both guys and girls a unique experience that promoted lots of laughter and fun. The kids learned strategies to set boundaries and goals, overcome fear, earn respect, make good decisions as well as good friend choices. They learned how to believe in themselves!
With today's pressures our children need more individuals like Monique in their lives to foster confidence and build self esteem. Precious Minds is honoured to partner with Monique and we look forward to bringing more of her Confidence Camps to North Durham Region."
- Elisabeth Graham
Executive Director
Precious Minds Resource and Learning Centre
Ribbons and Rainbows
Have you ever had the chance to stand beneath the majesty of a double rainbow and witness the start and end of both arches? The first arc in all its glory, a full spectrum of magnificent colour and the second a gentler, softer shadow. One would believe that there must be a magical pot of gold involved, yet rainbows don't always bring riches, they bring other treasures tucked between each of the ribbons of colour.
My daughter, Tylor turned twelve this summer and has launched full throttle into all of the things that preteens do. According to which, we have either forgotten what it was like to be young or we simply "don't get it". Hers hasn't always been, nor will it always continue to be a story of glory.
From the get go we've had our share of challenges. Tylor has inevitably become a textbook case of labels and acronyms in a society often looking to tag imperfections. "Exceptional children" often come with invisible disorders. We can't see anything wrong on the outside, so it is assumed you are just like everyone else on the inside. Self-advocacy is a skill in itself and amongst your peers, somewhat futile.
Dealing with ones own limitations on a constant basis can lead to a downward spiral on the inner spirit. Until one day when someone comes along and actually touches that spirit. I'd like you to meet one ribbon from my daughter's rainbow, Monique Howat of Confident Girls.
Monique was able to reach inside a place that not even I as a mother could go. She lit a fire in Tylor that burns just as brightly today as it did two years ago. Today, Tylor can do anything and whether she is successful or not doesn't matter. I'm proud to have my daughter as one of my best friends and know that she is an inspiration to all who meet her.
Thank you Monique for allowing me this opportunity to touch others as you have touched us and the next time you see a rainbow take a moment to look for the Confident Girls ribbon.
- Brenda Hine-Pires August 2004
