Inaugural Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour inspires students at John Caboto Academy

The Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour officially launched today at John Caboto Academy, where Maryam Ganni delivered a powerful and uplifting presentation to 58 Grade 4, 5 and 6 students.

Maryam shared her personal story of resilience, from learning to live with vision loss to becoming a world-class speaker. “The only voice in my head I could hear was doubt,” she told students. “That voice had to change, and the moment I stopped doubting myself, my doubts turned into dreams.”

Through her journey, Maryam encouraged students to embrace hope and to feed the “good wolf,” which she explains is the part of ourselves that chooses kindness, courage, and positivity. “Champions make extra efforts to sprinkle positivity,” she reminded the students. “I feel like I’m in a room filled with future champions.”

Students participated in an empowering exercise, writing affirmations that began with “I am…,”  and were backed up with the reason why, such as “I am kind because I try to help people.”

Student Victoria shared her message to herself: “I want to study hard to follow my dream to become a teacher.”

The presentation ended on a high note as the room echoed with chants of “I am a Champion!”

We extend a heartfelf thanks to Maryam Ganni for opening her heart to students and empowering them with her story of resilience.

This inspiring event reflects the passion and compassion of Jackie Fisher, whose legacy continues to uplift young people and foster empathy in schools on the tour that we have created in her name.

Next stop: John F. Kennedy High School on November 13.

A heartfelt thank-you to the Jaclyn Fisher Foundation for bringing this impactful presentation to our students and helping them see that hope and kindness can change the world.