January 13th, 2026

Written by Brook Doersam

A mentor or champion can have a powerful impact on a student’s experience. Aminka Belvitt, a Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School (KCI) graduate, knows this first-hand.

Aminka graduated from KCI in 2006. Since then, her connection to the school and its students has remained strong. She now focuses on giving back through her organization, ForUsGirls Foundation, and serves as a mentor and role model.

ForUsGirls is a foundation focused on developing community and global leaders. The organization emphasizes a mentor’s impact on a student’s experience and how they inspire youth to find their passion in learning and life.

As a student at KCI, Aminka was driven and hardworking. Though unsure where her learning journey would take her, she was involved with many clubs and activities. She has a particular love of history and drama. She credits her teachers for helping her to uncover and pursue her interests.

Aminka was set on attending university, and she made sure that her courses and grades supported that goal. She worked hard, taking extra classes, all while staying involved with the school and community.

Aminka shared that Lila Read, then Vice-Principal at KCI, helped her see that she was strong not only academically but also as a leader.

“Lila literally impacted my life in such a positive way and inspired me,” said Aminka. “I think that’s their role, and what educators should do, but she just went above and beyond.”

Aminka’s champions helped her to understand that through perseverance, the results she wanted were well within reach.

Now a regular public speaker, Aminka credits her education at the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), especially in drama class, for preparing her for a successful career.

“You’re learning when to project your voice, when to make eye contact, and how to understand facial expressions, which paid off when doing keynote speaking and other aspects of my career,” said Aminka.

Today, Aminka mentors students planning their own learning and career pathways. Through The ForUsGirls Foundation Inc., she offers The Young Global Leadership Scholarship, which supports students, including those in the WRDSB, with a $1,000 tuition scholarship towards their postsecondary education.

This year marks the organization’s 10th anniversary, a milestone that Aminka is very proud of.

“I’m helping students from the same school board go to university. That’s the beauty of the full circle.”

You can apply today at ForUsGirls.org.

Celebrating Alumni of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)

Graduates of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) are accomplishing incredible things in our community, our country and around the world. We are putting a spotlight on their success in their chosen pathways, and how their time at WRDSB supported them to graduation and beyond. WRDSB provides students with a solid foundation for success and we are excited to celebrate the contributions and achievements of WRDSB alumni.

Learn more about our incredible WRDSB graduates.