Mary Thomas, Diversity Magazine Asian Correspondent
If you’re at all involved in governance, education, or the business world in Edmonton, you’ve probably crossed paths with Dr. Vivian Abboud. She has held multiple portfolios as an Executive Director with the Government of Alberta; a community advocate and business founder (V-VA Salon & Spa and VivaCafé Cafeterias); and most recently, Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA).
For her entire life, Vivian strove to work hard to make her world—and the world around her—a better place. As an immigrant from Lebanon, it wasn’t always easy, but that’s what’s made her career and extracurriculars all the more impressive.
Vivian came to Canada as a young bride at the age of 17, she hit the ground running, working as a math tutor and in a bakery while completing her bachelor of education degree in three years. Vivian taught full-time for seven years; led the math department and developed a math resource. After completing her B.Ed and M.Ed with a focus on leadership and bilingualism, Vivian Abboud, who is multi-lingual, completed several senior and executive management and development programs. But her formal education wasn’t complete until she attained her Doctorate in Policy and Governance.
Besides all these, she and her supportive husband Norm are parents to three brilliant children (Brianna 20, Michael 18 and Nick 15).
When she’s not busy in her official capacity as CEO, Vivian spends her time giving back, offering her services as Chair for the Edmonton Citizenship Committee Institute and the Chair for Daughters Day; a Director with Canadians For Civil Society; and a Senator with the University of Alberta. In 2013, Vivian played a key role in the development of the Women of Advocacy Voice of Edmonton.
For her philanthropic endeavours in Edmonton and across Canada, Vivian’s accolades include Arab Award of Excellence in North America; RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants; Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40; and Canada’s Top 40 Women Change Makers in Canadian Living Magazine. Vivian has also been profiled in several magazines and on various TV stations.
My motivation “unfairness, when vulnerable people are not being supported, when individuals challenge me or underestimate me as a woman, I take the lead and become the change maker. Balance: creating networks and trusted relationships has been very helpful to me. I don’t always have good balance, often I get involved in many things to the detriment of my wellness. I also work very hard and keep my eye focused on the goal. I don’t let anyone or anything consume me.”
“My greatest success in Canada has been my seamless transition to a new country. I was able to move simultaneously and successfully on many fronts: my family, my education, my volunteerism and my career,” she says, mentioning the importance she places on teaching her children the value of education, a strong work ethic and community engagement to become successful.
For everything she has accomplished, she credits her family, her community and her country. “I truly believe that Canada is a country of opportunities that do not necessarily exist in other countries, opportunities fostered by people working diligently and together to achieve larger goals for all. I aspire to become a politician in the future and I feel that’s my way of giving back. If I can do it, you can! Keep going!”
