The Empress Walk began as the personal health journey of Giselle Dildy Wilson, founder of this grassroots organization. After suffering life-threatening health complications in 2016, she was able to recover in time and with the support of loved ones. She deeply reflected on her journey as an ACB woman in Canada, her time as a single parent, a mother, a wife, and a child of God. To pay the gift of a second chance forward onto others, Giselle began raising awareness and fundraising for women like her in Toronto who are struggling with mental health and chronic diseases. Her efforts materialized as an awareness campaign, a series of health fairs, community fundraisers, and neighborhood walks in 2018 and 2019. She was able to build an ACB community of racialized women and allies, from all backgrounds, who work together to promote this cause. Once again reflecting on the changes to society as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Giselle was inspired to extend her reach to marginalized, vulnerable single mothers who are unable to access the support they need for themselves and their children. Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Youth Opportunities Fund, The Empress Walk Initiative is an invaluable project providing a safe community space and greater access to services for ACB single parents, children, and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A future filled with resilient families and neuro-diverse individuals transforming systems & communities into inclusive, collaborating societies throughout Canada.
To prioritize the mental & physical health of women & their families alongside children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by empowering them to live transformative lives that inspire greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of neuro-diverse individuals.
This is your Walk.