For the past seven years, Félice Miranda, a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Team Realty in Ottawa, has helped raise awareness of the needs of the 180,000 people in Ottawa living with disabilities and the ways in which the United Way and its programs make a difference in their lives. As a highly requested member of United Way Ottawa’s Speakers’ Bureau, Félice has spoken from the heart to many offices in the government and private sector about how local United Way-supported agencies, such as LiveWorkPlay, have helped her daughter overcome challenges relating to her disability and improved their family’s quality of life.
In 2012, Félice was awarded a Community Builder Award. Her name appears etched on the Wall of Inspiration at Ottawa City Hall, which acts as a visual reminder to residents and visitors of the enduring commitment that Félice and her fellow award recipients have made to the city.
Félice has also parlayed her passion for stand-up comedy into a way to support another local charity she believes in. For the past year and a half, she has organized a comedy show once a month, featuring amateurs and semi-professional comedians. The audience is encouraged to make a suggested donation of $5 to local charities, including LiveWorkPlay and the Women for Mental Health at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. To date, these events have raised well over $1,000.
Félice credits her daughter for inspiring her to be compassionate. “I am so blessed for my daughter who is the greatest teacher in my life,” she says. When asked how she balances her busy schedule as a REALTOR® with her busy schedule as a volunteer, Félice explains it’s about finding balance: “As I get older I realize the importance of having a balanced life in all aspects: work, play, and volunteering. Especially giving back to my community and helping to make a positive change in someone’s life. I want to live a life of purpose and have no regrets.”
Pictured: Félice Miranda speaking at CREA’s 2014 United Way campaign kick-off event.
