Turning Challenges Into Strength: The Inaugural Better Not Bitter Summit

On November 21, 2024, the Better Not Bitter Summit debuts in Vancouver, bringing together trailblazing thought leaders and business executives for an inspiring afternoon of panel talks, fireside chats and networking. Created by MIJ Consulting Foundation, this one-day event empowers attendees to transform adversity into resilience and actionable change. We chatted with local entrepreneur and LGBTQ advocate at TD Bank Mariat Jibril to learn more. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to create the Better Not Bitter Summit, and what do you hope attendees take away from this inaugural event?

The Better Not Bitter Summit was born out of a deeply personal mantra that has guided me through life. It’s a phrase that echoes the final words in my memoir, Imade: Whispers of Hope, where I openly shared my journey of vulnerability, healing from past pains and trauma, and discovering an inner resilience I didn’t know I possessed. This summit is my way of bringing those lessons to life, creating a space where others can connect, reflect, and transform their own challenges into sources of strength and growth.

My lived experiences inspired me to embrace the mindset of growth, choosing to let go of bitterness and instead focusing on hope, opportunity, and the possibilities life offers. This mindset shift changed my life, and I have always felt a calling to share it, to save and uplift as many lives as I can. I believe the human spirit is capable of far more than we often realize, and through this summit, I hope to help attendees tap into their untapped potential.

From the inaugural event, I hope attendees walk away with a renewed sense of empowerment, equipped with actionable tools and insights to turn their pain into purpose. I want them to feel that they are not alone, that their stories matter, and that within them lies the strength to not just survive but thrive. This summit is about igniting that transformative spark in everyone who joins.

The summit brings together a diverse group of speakers and leaders. How did you select these panelists and fireside chat participants, and what unique perspectives do they bring to the conversation about resilience?

Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the spirit of the Better Not Bitter Summit. Everyone, regardless of status, carries a story that deserves to be shared, especially when it relates to the universal themes of resilience, survival, and triumph.

When selecting panelists and fireside chat participants, I sought individuals who not only embody resilience but also have the courage to share their truths, or indirect and direct experiences openly. This includes CEOs, leaders, professionals and changemakers who have faced challenges such as mental health struggles, critical illnesses, or other adversities that society often stigmatizes or avoids discussing. These individuals light up the room with their authentic narratives, offering a powerful reminder that resilience is not just a personal journey but a universal experience.

The unique perspectives these speakers bring lie in their ability to connect on a human level. They demonstrate that success does not preclude vulnerability, and that thriving often requires confronting and embracing life’s toughest moments. My hope is that their stories will resonate with attendees, breaking down societal stigmas and fostering an environment where we acknowledge our shared humanity. Ultimately, these conversations are about empowering everyone to not just survive their challenges but to thrive while doing so.

Your personal journey has been one of incredible resilience. How has your experience shaped the vision and goals of the Better Not Bitter Summit and MIJ Consulting Foundation?

My personal journey of resilience deeply informs the vision and goals of both the Better Not Bitter Summit and the MIJ Consulting Foundation. I have always believed that while pain and trauma are inevitable, bitterness is a choice. I chose to rise above my experiences, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth not just for myself, but for others as well. This mindset of focusing on solutions rather than the complexities that hold us back is at the heart of everything I do.

At MIJ Consulting, we are driven by the belief that empowerment and transformation lead to excellence. My transformation after enduring adversity demonstrates the immense power of mindset. By embracing solutions and focusing on growth, we can create a life that is not only better for ourselves but also uplifting for others. Life, in essence, is not complicated, we are. My mission is to simplify the path to change, offering actionable strategies rooted in compassion and resilience.

The Better Not Bitter Summit is a manifestation of this vision. Just repeating the mantra “better not bitter” can spark a mindset shift. The summit’s goal is to inspire attendees to adopt this perspective, recognizing that even a small light can illuminate the way for others. This aligns with the Ally Buddy Program, which seeks to foster connections and collective impact, encouraging everyone to contribute in ways that create a ripple effect of positive change.

Mental health is central to this mission. It’s not about labelling individuals as broken or ill but recognizing our shared humanity. Mental health challenges affect us all directly or indirectly and everyone deserves the fundamental right to not only survive but thrive. Together, we can break down stigmas, foster understanding, and ensure that we all move forward as a community.

One of the summit’s goals is to foster actionable change within the business community. What are some specific outcomes or impacts you hope this event will inspire among attendees and their organizations?

One of the key outcomes I hope the Better Not Bitter Summit inspires is a deep understanding of the triggers and challenges of mental health, along with actionable ways to positively impact our communities and workplaces. Mental health often intersects with broader societal issues, such as financial instability, which can significantly impact individuals and businesses alike. Addressing these issues requires collective strategies, which is why this summit emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibility.

For example, the partnership with organizations like Futurpreneur highlights the summit’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs. By providing strategies and resources to support their ideas or grow their established businesses, we aim to address financial triggers that contribute to mental health struggles. This creates a foundation for attendees to take these insights back to their communities, fostering a ripple effect of meaningful and measurable change.

Additionally, the Ally Buddy Program is designed to cultivate strong connections and mentorship opportunities. By pairing individuals with others who can provide support, guidance, and collaboration, we’re not only impacting individuals but also modelling how businesses and organizations can implement similar initiatives to drive inclusivity, growth, and resilience within their teams.

Ultimately, the summit’s goal is to inspire attendees to adopt a solutions-driven mindset, integrating strategies that prioritize mental well-being, economic empowerment, and community upliftment. By doing so, we can collectively build a more compassionate and thriving business community that drives lasting and tangible change.

With entertainment, networking, and a Resource Fair, the event seems designed to engage attendees on multiple levels. How do you see these elements contributing to the overall experience and mission of the summit?

The Better Not Bitter Summit was intentionally designed to engage attendees on multiple levels, combining entertainment, networking, a Resource Fair, and even a fashion show into a holistic and transformative experience. Each of these elements contributes to the summit’s overarching mission of fostering connection, empowerment, and actionable change.

The inclusion of food, drinks, and entertainment creates an atmosphere of joy and upliftment, setting the tone for meaningful interactions and relaxation. When people feel comfortable and engaged, they’re more likely to open up, connect with others, and fully absorb the insights shared during the event. The entertainment, particularly the music and shared experiences, highlights the power of togetherness and hope, fostering a spirit of community that leaves attendees inspired.

The fashion show brings a unique depth of creativity and confidence to the summit, reinforcing the idea that beauty and self-expression transcend clothing sizes, body shapes, or societal norms. This element celebrates individuality and showcases that true confidence comes from within not from the “flesh and water” we carry, but from the energy, authenticity, and self-belief we radiate. By embracing our uniqueness and celebrating diversity, the fashion show aligns perfectly with the summit’s mission to inspire self-worth and collective growth. Confidence is the first thing people notice about our appearance, and this show is a vibrant celebration of inner strength and authenticity.

Networking and the Resource Fair add vital layers of practicality to the summit. By bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members, the event fosters opportunities to build relationships that can lead to collaboration, mentorship, and mutual growth connections that often extend beyond the event itself. The Resource Fair serves as a cornerstone by offering attendees access to tools, information, and partnerships they can take back to their communities and workplaces. These resources emphasize the importance of self-care, seeking support, and leveraging networks to drive personal and collective success.

Together, these elements ensure that attendees leave the summit not only inspired but also equipped with the energy, confidence, and tools needed to make meaningful changes in their lives and communities. The experience is designed to be both purposeful and memorable, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of hope, empowerment, and belonging, ready to embrace their unique potential and foster a ripple effect of positive change.