14 Advancing Women Conference Deanna Ciaccia Trisha Miltimore likes to call herself a Chief Passion Igniter. Those who attended her presentation at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Calgary found it both invigorating and enlightening. Trisha shared her background and it was a powerful call to live with passion, courage, and resilience. Trisha’s journey - growing up in a family-owned music store to becoming a sought-after speaker and leadership coach -- showcases the power of believing in oneself and staying true to your vision. Trisha’s early life in the music store shaped her outlook on life. Surrounded by rock and roll energy and inspired by rock stars’ tenacity, she learned that dreams are achievable through relentless determination. One key lesson she shared with conference attendees was that life isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about stepping forward with courage. As Trisha said, “In any given moment, we have two choices: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” This mindset, which she now shares with others, unlocks potential and builds confidence. Trisha shared an anecdote from her youth to share a lesson. One day, when she was in a particular mood, her father offered her ice cream—a treat she claimed she didn’t want. Later, when she was watching her brother enjoy his ice cream, Trisha realized she wished she had asked for ice cream, but she was too stubborn to ask. Her father reminded her, “If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it.” This simple story showcases an important lesson, voicing what you want is essential, even when pride holds you back. Trisha’s talk was full of interactive exercises that brought her points to life. One memorable exercise involved participants thinking back to their first job and sharing advice they would give their younger selves. This activity reminded everyone that life is made up of moments where we either let challenges define us or learn and grow from them. She reminds everyone that resilience is not just a trait; it is a practice that each of us can develop. She also discussed the importance of framing our own narratives. Trisha shared that at 17, a family friend had questioned her goal of becoming a motivational speaker, asking, “Who is going to listen to you? What do you have to share?” The doubt stung, but it also fueled her resolve. She vowed not to let others’ opinions dim her dreams. As Trisha said, “It’s easy to remember the negative, but don’t forget the positive people and moments in your story.” The narratives we choose to focus on shape how we move forward. Trisha’s session was not only inspiring but practical, offering attendees actionable tips. The first tip was simple: ask for what you want. Whether it’s a promotion or a personal goal, voicing your needs is essential. Women often let overthinking get in the way due to fears of judgment or doubts. Shifting from “Who am I to ask?” to “I am worthy of trying” can make all the difference. Attendee Kristen P. from Roseland, Manitoba, noted, “The AWC was an inspirational journey, three days full of knowledge transfer, leadership, communication, and storytelling. I encourage everyone to foster lifelong learning while making connections and having fun.” The second tip was a game-changer: life doesn’t have to be so hard. Initially resistant to this concept, Trisha later realized that her belief that success required sacrifice had become a heavy burden. This insight encouraged her to question how she approached challenges and to find more efficient, kinder ways to handle them, and what she calls “moving from feeling drained to driven”. The final tip was to “engineer more fun and frivolity” into life. We often get stuck in the “rule book” of how things should be, losing sight of the joy in the process. Trisha used Lego sets as a metaphor: kids often get frustrated when they can’t recreate models exactly as instructed. Real magic happens when we let go of rigid ideas and allow ourselves to play, turning moments of frustration into opportunities for creativity. Trisha’s message from the conference resonated deeply. It was a reminder that fulfillment comes not just from big moments, but from the small choices we make daily. Her insights on resilience, asking for what you want, simplifying life’s challenges, and embracing joy demonstrate that living an authentic life is possible. It’s about creating a life that’s meaningful, not perfect or stress-free. As the presentation concluded, Trisha’s final words stayed with the audience: “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” For many, it was a call to action—a nudge to step forward, embrace resilience, and rock their own lives. Real magic happens when we let go of rigid ideas and allow ourselves to play, turning moments of frustration into opportunities for creativity. ROCK YOUR LIFE WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE BUILD CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE, AND JOY
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