Next month in New Brunswick, Hetti-Marie Manu will take the stage at the Fredericton Convention Centre to serve as Student Graduation Speaker for Yorkville University’s 2025 Master of Education graduating class – a moment of triumph years in the making.
Born in Toronto and raised by immigrant parents, Manu grew up in a single-parent household where love was abundant, but resources were sometimes scarce. From an early age, she was taught that education was the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty – and she’s never let go of that belief. Fuelled by faith, resilience, and the mentorship she found in school and at church, Manu excelled academically while navigating real-life challenges that tested her strength and resolve.
Now a Vice Principal, wife, and mother of five, Manu is also an author, composer, and former Canadian Idol finalist whose talents extend far beyond the classroom. Earning her Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Yorkville not only marked her as the first in her family to achieve a graduate degree, but it also reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to transformative learning.
In this Q&A, Manu reflects on her journey to Yorkville, what she’s learned, and where she’s headed next.
What brought you to Yorkville University? Where were you in your life/career when you decided to continue your studies with us?
I was seeking a university that offered the flexibility to pursue a postgraduate degree while continuing to work full-time. As a newly appointed Vice Principal, I was eager to deepen my understanding of educational leadership to enhance my effectiveness in the role. I wanted a program that would not only support my professional growth but also provide practical, research-based strategies I could immediately apply in my school environment.
What made you decide to pursue your Master of Education in Educational Leadership?
Education has always been a core value in my family – instilled by my parents and something I’ve carried into both my personal and professional life. I wanted to model for my children that learning is a lifelong journey, not something that ends with adulthood or an undergraduate degree. As someone in a leadership role within education, I saw pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership as a meaningful way to grow, stay current, and better serve my school community.
What is the most important thing you’re taking away from your studies at Yorkville University?
One of the most valuable insights for me was understanding the distinction between leadership and management. While my role as an administrator often involves managing day-to-day operations, I truly value the opportunities to provide instructional leadership. I strive to create space for reflexive inquiry in professional development, encouraging staff to reflect deeply on their practice and view curriculum as a living, evolving inquiry rather than a static plan. I’ve learned how powerful it can be to support teachers in making their programs more engaging and relevant for students. Just as vital is the intentional focus on relationship-building – taking the time to connect with staff on both a personal and professional level has enriched our school experiences. I firmly believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a collaborative, engaging, and student-centered learning experience.
What are your plans after graduation, both immediate and long term?
My immediate plan is to pause and truly enjoy this accomplishment, taking time to celebrate with my family. I’m actively producing music in Nashville and genuinely excited to see where this creative journey takes me and what opportunities unfold along the way. Completing the program has equipped me with the tools, insight, and confidence to lead with greater purpose – supporting my staff in refining their teaching practices and leveraging both self-efficacy and collective efficacy to foster meaningful change. As the school year comes to a close, I’m focused on encouraging and energizing my team to finish strong. Looking ahead, I’m eager to expand my impact by pursuing new leadership opportunities and gaining broader experience across different areas of education. Long term, I’m exploring the path to a doctorate with the goal of not only deepening my expertise but also contributing to educational policy reform. I’m passionate about using my voice and experience to help shape policies that create more equitable, innovative, and student-centered learning systems.
If you offered one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?
My advice would be to bet on yourself – trust in your ability to grow, lead, and make a difference. Investing time in developing your mind, skills, and potential is one of the most impactful things you can do, not just for yourself, but for the people you will one day lead. Stay focused, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of envisioning the future you want to create. If you can see it and work toward it with intention, it will come to pass.
