The IMPACT Initiative
CGI believes in Amy
From burnout to a solution that supports families
- Training funded by the IMPACT GrantCertificate in Business and Financial Management Proficiency, Concordia University
- MentoringGrowth Management, Organizational Development and Operations Structuring
Julie MoreauVice-President, Human Resources, Canada CGI
Amy ColleyLet’s Start Up Pathway graduate
CGI: A meaningful commitment
Since joining the IMPACT Initiative last year, the CGI team has had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of mentorship. The Let’s Start Up Pathway participant they supported in the inaugural edition has since expanded her professional network and secured a job in her field. These significant milestones demonstrate the value of mentoring in helping women advance professionally and move toward financial independence.
This experience also reinforced a powerful belief: each of us has the ability to open doors, share knowledge and help empower the next generation of leaders. Building on this positive experience, CGI is renewing its commitment for a second year and will support Amy Colley as a new participant in the IMPACT Initiative.
“Mentoring has the power to open doors, build confidence and transform careers and lives. I am honoured to contribute to the Lise Watier Foundation’s initiative, which helps women recognize their potential, gain confidence, build a future that reflects their aspirations and strengthen their financial independence. At CGI, we believe that investing in people is essential to building stronger communities and creating a more inclusive future. That is why we are proud to support the Foundation.”
Julie Moreau,Vice-President, Human Resources, Canada CGI
Amy: From feeling stuck to embracing her ambitions
Amy grew up in Montreal in a single-parent household with five children, where she developed a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to give back from an early age. She spent more than a decade working as a specialized educator, supporting neurodivergent children and adults. During the pandemic, as services for families became increasingly scarce, she experienced burnout. This challenging period became a turning point, prompting her to imagine a different future and take the first steps toward building something of her own.
Amy had no shortage of ideas, but she needed a framework to turn her enthusiasm into concrete action. This is when she discovered the Let’s Start Up Pathway, where she gained the tools to turn her vision into reality.
“The Let’s Start Up Pathway taught me that progress comes from moving forward through small, consistent actions rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. It helped me quiet my imposter syndrome and, perhaps more importantly, see myself as someone capable of building and leading my own business.”
Amy Colley, Let’s Start Up Pathway graduate
A social play space where neurodivergent children can thrive
Amy is developing a specialized, neuroaffirming social play program for autistic children aged 18 months to five years. Designed around each child’s unique needs and strengths, the program fosters emotional regulation, social development and meaningful connections in a welcoming, inclusive environment. It also offers parents a much-needed opportunity to take a breather. The program addresses a pressing need for families who struggle to find childcare and early learning environments that accommodate their children’s sensory, developmental and social needs. Amy’s vision is to build a replicable model for early intervention and specialized childcare, helping create more inclusive communities where autistic children and their families feel supported, understood empowered.
CGI and Amy: Building a stronger foundation for financial independence
The IMPACT Grant will enable Amy to complete Concordia University’s Certificate in Business and Financial Management Proficiency. This training will equip her with the skills to manage her finances effectively, interpret financial statements, and develop realistic budgets and forecasts—all essential to building a sustainable business and strengthening her financial independence as an entrepreneur.
Through its mentorship, CGI will help Amy refine her business strategy, develop a practical plan for delegating administrative tasks and grow her confidence as a business leader. The guidance will also support her in establishing a healthy work-life balance as she structures her operations and plans for future growth. Together, the grant and mentorship will give Amy the springboard she needs to move toward a professional future that combines ambition with stability.
A stepping stone to a promising professional future
The IMPACT Initiative is a collection of stories of resilience, ambition and new beginnings.
Discover Amy’s inspiring journey and the tangible impact of the IMPACT Initiative, made possible by CGI’s commitment.
