IMPACT INITIATIVE

Desjardins believes in Amandine

Emilie Boisvert, Business Services Center Division, Desjardins and Amandine Mayeu, Let’s Start Up Pathway Graduate

Making her dream of supporting families thrive through breastfeeding a reality

Desjardins, a committed partner for women’s future

Desjardins has always been committed to solidarity, inclusion, and community development. By partnering with the Lise Watier Foundation’s IMPACT Initiative, the group reaffirms its role as a change-maker: providing tangible support to women building their professional future. For Desjardins, supporting these journeys is an investment in a more equitable and prosperous society, where women fully embrace their role as value creators and leaders.

We firmly believe that every woman, regardless of her background, origin, or identity, has her place, her voice, and, above all, the ability to develop her leadership. For 125 years, the Desjardins Group has stood out for its commitment to supporting its members and clients in achieving financial independence, helping them realize their ambitions. Guided by our values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, we support the efforts of our entrepreneurial members and clients at every stage of their business development. Like the Lise Watier Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that all women can reach their full potential and thrive financially.” – Emilie Boisvert, Business Services Center Division, Desjardins

Amandine Mayeu: From France to Quebec, a journey of resilience

Originally from France, Amandine Mayeu pursued studies in nutrition before moving alone to Rimouski in 2017. She quickly noticed the significant differences between French and Canadian approaches to nutrition. After training in dietetics, she settled in Montreal and worked in a perinatal center. However, the precarious contracts in the community sector affected her stability.

In 2024, she joined the Lise Watier Foundation’s Let’s Start Up Pathway, which became a true springboard. The program provided structure, support, and practical tools to turn her aspirations into a viable project. Thanks to this guidance, she regained confidence, learned to structure her services, and secured her first contracts.

A lactation clinic: A space to support families

Amandine’s dream is clear: to create a lactation clinic, a safe space for parents and a place for professional exchange. Her entrepreneurial project combines individual consultations, practical workshops (cooking classes, support groups), and educational conferences.

Her approach is deeply human, grounded in listening, kindness, and respect for the cultures and rhythms of each family. She believes that supporting healthy eating practices from early childhood contributes to long-term physical and mental health.

Desjardins and Amandine: A transformative partnership

With the IMPACT Grant awarded by Desjardins, Amandine is taking the BreastEd Series – Lactation Consultant Training Program, which will lead her to the international IBCLC certification. This specialization will enable her to provide comprehensive, recognized, and government-reimbursable perinatal support while strengthening her business’s credibility.

At the same time, mentorship from Desjardins will help her clarify her brand image, refine her B2C marketing strategies, and develop solid partnerships. This combined support will allow her not only to build a sustainable business, but also to contribute to a crucial social issue: the health and well-being of families.

Thus, Amandine benefits from structured support, while Desjardins demonstrates its commitment to women’s financial independence and the development of projects that positively impact the community.