About Merna Schmidt
You Give So Much to the World. My Work is to Support You.
What Others Have Said About Merna:
“I want to truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t really put into words on how appreciative I am for your time, space and guidance throughout everything. I know for a fact I am a more mindful and patient person.”
“Merna is awesome. I like the way she incorporated her real life examples to explain concepts. Loved her approach.”
“Very down to earth and passionate”
“She genuinely cares”
“Merna has a wonderful, uplifting, welcoming presence about her.”
“Merna went above and beyond the expectations”
Hi, I’m Merna Schmidt, and I work as a Resilience & Sustainable Impact Coach for humanitarians and activists. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt this strong urge to make a real difference in the world. I can even remember dreaming up ways to help others when I was just five years old. That drive has shaped my life and keeps me going in my work today.
My passion has taken me all over the world. For more than two decades, I’ve had the chance to work alongside courageous people like you in some tough spots. I’ve coordinated mental health projects in refugee camps in places like Albania and Kosovo after conflicts. I’ve also been right in the middle of things as a peace activist during an intifada in Palestine, where I was involved in negotiating medical aid, documenting human rights abuses, and acting as a human shield. Those experiences taught me a lot about the strength of the human spirit and the toll that hardship can take.
Beyond crisis areas, I’ve worked in human rights and community development across Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Palestine and Jordan. I’ve set up changemaker projects in 36 Middle Eastern schools and created a volunteer-abroad program in South Africa.
Here in Canada, I keep pushing for global change. My passion led me to launch a Global Education Fund at the college where I taught, raising over $400,000 for projects in 35 countries. I also started a volunteer non-profit that built homes and provided access to clean water in a struggling South African community. I’ve also organized support for Syrian refugee families moving to Canada, rallying over 100 local volunteers.
On the professional side, I’ve got a solid background in psychology. I have a Master’s degree and experience in counseling, plus I’ve taught psychology at MacEwan University and was a Wellness Coordinator at the University of Alberta. I really get how stress, trauma, and wellness work. I also have a coaching certification from Mindvalley, which further helps me support others in thriving.
For me, being a changemaker is deeply rewarding, and I’ve even called it my “selfish” work, because I love knowing I’m making a difference. I believe that when you’re doing well, you’re better able to create the change you want to see. My goal is to serve powerfully, effectively, and with sustainable joy.
I’ve been recognized with a nomination for the Lewis Perinbam Award in International Development and named a ‘Global Hero’ by Verge Magazine. I’ve had the honor of speaking at platforms like the United Nations Association of Canada and the University of Alberta.
On a personal note, I love traveling and connecting with people from different cultures. I’m a big animal lover and follow a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle because I care about living compassionately. Music is also a huge part of my life; I’ve played the piano since I was a young kid. All of these values, especially my commitment to social justice, drive my work and keep me connected to those making changes in the world.
If you’re ready to make an impact, let’s work together to ensure you can keep thriving while creating the change you want to see.