Tri-Cities Civic Voice: Gemma Wilson on Turning Adversity into Action: Faces Tri-Cities Co-Author Series

Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre & Cathy Cena Today on Faces: Tri-Cities co-authored stories, Cathy Cena and Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre had the pleasure of sitting down with Gemma Wilson, a self-described “Port Coquitlam proud” resident whose local roots have grown into city-wide service. Earlier this year the Faces initiative launched on International Women’s Day, soared to No. 1 on Amazon, and proved that collective storytelling can move policy and people alike. Wilson’s chapter deepens that civic lens. A realtor by trade and a teacher at heart, Wilson first gained public attention after her family faced job loss and crushing consumer debt.

“Opportunities don’t happen; you create them,” she reminds readers, explaining how the crisis pushed her to found Smart Money for Moms Canada, a Facebook community that now counts more than 14 000 members nationwide. The group demystifies budgets, credit, and investing, but its strongest currency is solidarity. “When we share our vulnerability,” Wilson says, “people realize they are not alone.” That spirit of mutual aid guides her offline life too. She mentors women navigating divorce, co-hosts financial literacy workshops, and donates time and sponsorships to Low Entropy Foundation events, Terry Fox–inspired fund-raisers, and Tri-City Moms initiatives.

“If you have the opportunity to give, you’re already rich,” she tells young volunteers, urging them to see service as the bedrock of community resilience. Wilson believes the Faces book is itself a civic tool. By gathering 50 diverse local voices under one cover, the project “lets residents learn from each other and reminds decision-makers that lived experience should inform urban planning, housing, and social programs.” She applauds Port Coquitlam’s proactive council but insists growth must be matched by inclusive infrastructure, from more entry-level housing to neighbourhood hubs where newcomers can find both language support and financial guidance. Looking ahead, Wilson is building a real-estate team focused on ethical advising and hopes to return to the classroom within a decade before retiring in Spain. Until then, her mission is clear: keep converting personal challenges into public good. “When one woman steps forward,” she says, “the whole village moves with her.”