Articles Women of Inspiration™ Spotlight – Dr Martha Joan Hart
Women of Inspiration™ Spotlight – 2024 Women of Inspiration™ Global Impact Award
Dr Martha Joan Hart – Founder and CEO, The Owen Hart Foundation | @owenhartfoundation
Dr Joan Martha Hart, PhD, is the co-creator of the Attachment and Child Health (Attached) Program and is a well-trained researcher at the University of Calgary/Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, band founder of The Owen Hart Foundation. Her present research includes co-creating Attached, which explores links between parental reflective function (RF) and parent/child attachment.
Martha completed two degrees at the UofC before moving to England to join the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge where she completed her master’s and PhD in Social & Developmental Psychology. She has published various peer-reviewed papers, a national bestselling book, and has co-edited/published several other books. Dr. Hart has trained at Yale University, New School University New York, Berkeley University, Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, University of Minnesota, Cambridge University, and University of Virginia. She is a certified reliable coder in various attachment measures, RF measures, several parent/child interaction measures, and is trained/certified in Suicide Prevention.
A Woman of Inspiration possesses four key pillars, namely resilience, reliability, empathy, and dedication. That said, inspirational women also grapple with disappointing hardships but possess the fortitude, grit, and courage to push through such fears. Instead of being crushed by adversity, an inspirational woman is determined to use these positive attributes to persevere thus projecting a message that life’s challenges can be overcome, which serves as a very motivating factor for others to emulate.
What does it feel like to be recognized as a Woman of Inspiration?
The recognition as a Woman of Inspiration brings immense honor and overwhelming gratitude for the years of hard work, dedication and commitment to the programs and people that are dear to one’s heart. This award would serve as an opportunity to shine a light on the spirit behind humanitarianism, acts of kindness and generosity, and those factors that inspire goodwill in others. Not only would it acknowledge the individual but also recognize the supportive team behind the leader that contributes to the success of a foundation and its mandate. It elevates an individual’s personal promise to make a difference and have a positive influence on the lives of others. More specifically in my case with the establishment of the Owen Hart Foundation, I believed that if I could help others in Owen’s name, it would give meaning to his death – to me that meant he did not die in vain. Which would bring honour to his memory and what he loved best, which was sincere kindness to all people.
Tell us about your SupportHERs
Starting a foundation can be a daunting task but there are organizations that aid in making this process less of a chore. The Calgary Foundation (TCF) is a good example of this as they serve as an umbrella organization for many foundations. TCF assists with the administrative work, which is key to ensuring that foundations are operated effectively and responsibly, which can be the biggest challenge for any foundation. Additionally, other leaders in the community have been significant role models who I have leaned on to support my philanthropic goals. Two in particular come to mind. First is my event producer David Howard of The Event Group who also founded the Canadian Legacy Project. He has been a tremendous support and someone who has provided advice and guidance, which through the years as been invaluable.
Additionally, I have worked side-by-side with fellow philanthropist Ashid Bahl who is the founder and director of For the Love of Children Society. Together we have embarked on many foreign humanitarian journeys to third-world countries helping those in need due to natural disasters and war. Ashid has been a true mentor and someone whose wisdom and support has shaped my goodwill work enormously.
Martha’s Definition of Success
Success to me is a life filled with passion and meaning as it is this sense of purpose that guides one’s direction and builds confidence to accomplish goals, aligned with cultivating passion that motivates an individual to propel them forward. The result is ultimately a sense of fulfilment built through strong loving relationships whereby the impact of these actions makes one feel valued and appreciated and provides the peace of mind we all seek.
