Empowering Women Through Education: An Interview with CRD College Director Grace Lanceta
At CRD College of Health Care in Mississauga, our Director, Mary Grace Lanceta, sat down with Savior’s Media Production with highlights from women empowerment, leadership, and overcoming adversity:
Q: What does women empowerment mean to you?
Grace: Women empowerment means being true to yourself, dreaming big, and having the freedom to pursue those dreams—no matter how big or small. If it makes you happy, that’s empowerment.
Q: Who inspired you on your journey?
Grace: God is my greatest inspiration—He is at the center of everything I do. My parents and the students I serve are also a huge source of motivation. Their resilience pushes me forward.
Q: What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Grace: Like many immigrants, I started from scratch—taking any honest job I could find. What helped me succeed was grit, focus, and strong faith. I never gave up. I viewed challenges as part of life’s journey and a chance to grow.
Q: As a woman leader, how do you see your impact on future generations?
Grace: I want to show new immigrants, especially fellow Filipinos, that success is possible here. Many of my students are women, single mothers, or new to Canada. I remind them I started just like they did—and if I can do it, so can they. We must stop chasing other people’s dreams and focus on our own.
Q: How does sharing personal experiences empower others?
Grace: When women hear real stories, they relate. I had a student afraid to leave her stable caregiver job. I encouraged her to take a chance with a part-time job in a nursing home. Months later, she bought a car, reunited with her family, and thanked me. That’s the power of belief and storytelling.
Q: What message would you give to fellow immigrants?
Grace: Success doesn’t come from being the smartest—it comes from having grit. We Filipinos are resilient and resourceful. Pair that with education and credentials, and you can achieve great things. Empower yourself. Stay strong. Keep going.
CRD College is proud to be led by empowered women who uplift others through education, mentorship, and courage.