Serving on a Local and Global Scale
Leanne Ferris (Skinner)’97 puts faith into action
Growing up, Leanne was certain that she wanted to be a doctor and bring health care to the poor; she had excellent grades and the confidence to pursue these goals.
Over the course of twelve months, including the summer before and after Grade 8, Leanne had the opportunity to participate on three Project Teams with Medical Ministry International (MMI).
I believe God grew my desire to be involved in medical aid work during this time.”
But Leanne’s dream was challenged when she didn’t get into medical school two years in a row. She felt like a failure and questioned what she was supposed to do with her life. At the same time, having received a solid foundation as a student at HDCH, Leanne knew that God would provide her with some sort of direction.
It was during this time of uncertainty that a mentor asked if she would consider pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Her eyes opened to the reality that she could still be involved in providing health care to the poor even if she wasn’t the one examining the patients or doing the surgery.
Leanne’s family also inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. Her grandfather, Gordon Skinner, opened Skinner Opticians on John St. N. in Hamilton in 1949. He was a man of humble beginnings and lived through WWI. He lived his life to ensure his family was well provided for, and he wholeheartedly (and financially) supported her parents (who are also opticians) and her involvement with MMI. Her parents were often criticized for leaving their young children, aged 5 and 3, with others while they participated on MMI’s Vision Projects.
“All we really understood as kids was they were taking glasses to poor people. They did this for two weeks every year until my brother and I were old enough to come along,” says Leanne. “Now they are an inspiration to me because they followed their dreams, and God’s call for their lives.”
After volunteering with MMI both in Canada and internationally for many years, Leanne completed her Honours Bachelor of Science (HBCSc) and began working full-time as the MMI Canada Office Administrator in January 2004.
Mr. DeVries’ Bible class helped to shape the path my career would take. HDCH provided me with a great education.”
After pursuing her MBA part-time over three years from 2005-2008, Leanne was appointed to the role of Executive Director of MMI by the Board of Directors.
“I work with a great office and warehouse team to facilitate the involvement of Canadians to support our International Programs,” says Leanne. “We work to recruit both medical and non-medical volunteers for our two-week Project Teams, we collect used eyeglasses and medical equipment and supplies for our Project Teams and Permanent Medical Centers, and we work to raise funds to support our International Programs.”
Leanne’s life experiences caused her to realize that God does not let any learning go to waste.
“Having an HBSc in Human Biology has definitely come in handy as I work alongside doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists regularly.”
In November 2012, Leanne was named as one of Hamilton-Halton’s Top 40 Under 40 business professionals. This prestigious honour has provided Leanne with a great opportunity to share the work of MMI with many.
“For Hamilton to continue to be a great city to live, people need to be committed to giving back to their community. Non-profits exist to meet the needs that governments alone cannot address, so I would encourage everyone to commit to improving your own local community and our international community.”