Meet the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient for Community Service
Honouring a champion of community service: Kristie Pearson’s dedication and impact
Kristie Pearson [BPE/96] is more than a community leader—she’s a force of compassion and action. Her life’s work is a testament to the power of showing up, listening deeply, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. What sets Kristie apart is her ability to inspire others to see themselves as part of the solution. “There is a real need right now for us all to work together.” Her words are a call to action, reminding us that change happens when we lean in and do the work together. This year’s recipient of the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award in Community Service, Kristie’s dedication is being celebrated for her impactful contributions. From her early days as a student in physical education and a track athlete at UM to her current role as a driving force behind Linking Hope, Kristie has consistently turned her vision of a better world into tangible change.
Kristie credits UM as playing a pivotal role in shaping her outlook. “UM is an incredible connector,” she notes. “It has strong ties to both business and community. That’s where real connections and growth happen.” Her reflections underscore UM’s role as a hub for fostering community and service.
The heart behind Linking Hope
Kristie’s journey to founding Linking Hope began with a simple yet profound realization: many people want to help but don’t know where to start. The organization connects businesses and individuals with surplus goods to local grassroots agencies that can directly distribute these resources to those in need. “I’m really just a linker of people and a supporter of others doing the really hard front-line work.” she says modestly. What started as a series of emails to connect friends with local charities has grown into a thriving organization that simplifies giving and volunteering for busy individuals. Linking Hope isn’t just a nonprofit—it’s a movement that reminds us all that even small acts of kindness can ripple outward and create lasting impact.
Raising voices, building bridges
Kristie’s work is deeply personal. As a mother to Cameron, a non-binary child, she understands the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued. “Understanding doesn’t happen overnight,” she reflects. “It’s a journey that takes time to absorb.” Her advocacy for the LGBTQ2S+ community is rooted in this belief, and her efforts with the Rainbow Resource Centre have helped raise over $900,000 to support critical programs, such as counselling.
Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices extends to her work with Clan Mothers Healing Village, an Indigenous-led initiative providing healing and education for women who have experienced systemic trauma. Kristie’s ability to listen, learn, and act with humility has made her a trusted ally in spaces where trust is hard-earned.
Mobilizing communities with heart
Kristie’s leadership is marked by her ability to bring people together. “I remember taking my first marketing class at UM in commerce. It was one of my electives, and the professor there wowed me. He showed me that marketing and communications can really shift opinions and change perceptions,” she says. “And that’s what I try to do—bring people together around causes that matter.” As Co-Chair of the United Way Winnipeg’s 2023 campaign, she inspired a team of volunteers to raise $22.8 million for over 125 community agencies. Her work on the Downtown YMCA-YWCA’s $15-million capital campaign is another example of her ability to rally support for causes that matter. In summer 2025 Kristie will be honoured with the Order of Manitoba, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the community and her unwavering dedication to service.
But perhaps her greatest legacy is the way she lives her life—with kindness, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of connection. As a wife, mother of three, and community leader, Kristie shows us that it’s possible to balance personal and professional responsibilities while still making time to lift others up.
A call to lean in
Kristie’s work is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive and compassionate world. “The word ally should be used as a verb, not as a noun,” she says. Her words challenge us to move beyond passive support and take active steps to make a difference.
Kristie Pearson’s life is a testament to the power of purpose and connection. Her ability to inspire, mobilize, and lead with heart makes her a deserving recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award in Community Service. But more than that, her story is a reminder that each of us has the power to create change—one act of kindness, one moment of listening, one step forward at a time.
As we recognize Kristie’s accomplishments at the 66th UM Distinguished Alumni Awards on September 18, 2025, let us also take up her call to lean in, to listen, to act and continue the work of building a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
If you’re looking to celebrate Kristie along with this year’s inspiring 2025 recipients, join us for an evening of fun, community, and legacy. Get your tickets today and be part of the Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence Gala, presented by TD Insurance.