Success Stories

A Journey From Struggle to Advocacy

When Tabitha Phiri and her young sons arrived in Canada in 1997, she had no idea the struggles ahead would shape her lifelong mission: advocating for immigrant women. Fleeing political instability in Zimbabwe, she sought safety and a future. Burman University (then Canadian Union College) became more than an academic institution—it became a place of transformation, faith, and resilience.

Phiri’s journey to Burman was unexpected. Initially considering SDA universities worldwide, she ultimately chose Burman University for its affordability and accessible admission process. However, shortly after arriving, the financial sponsorship she had been promised fell through, leaving her without support.
“The first two years were a nightmare,” she recalls. “I couldn’t even afford a 98 cent packet of salt.”

Overwhelmed by financial hardship, she contemplated returning to Zimbabwe but had no means to do so. “I learned to pour my heart out to God,” Phiri says. During one of her lowest moments, when she told her sons they might have to return to Zimbabwe, her youngest reminded her, “Mom, have you forgotten that God is with us?” That moment hit her hard, but it also strengthened her resolve to keep going.

A turning point came when then-finance manager, Debra Chenowith, called her into the office. Expecting bad news, Phiri was instead met with kindness. Mrs. Chenowith held her hand, prayed for her, and then presented her with news of financial assistance that cleared her debts, covered tuition, and provided for her children. What a blessing and to this day, Phiri does not know where the money came from!
“That life-changing moment shaped my passion to serve others like me. Burman didn’t just give me an education; it gave me hope.”

As an adult learner, Phiri found unwavering support from professors who helped shape her path. Beyond academics, Burman’s emphasis on faith and service solidified her desire to give back. “The prayers at the start of each class reminded me that Christ is at the centre of education,” she says. That belief fueled her purpose beyond the classroom.
Despite earning a Canadian degree, Phiri struggled to secure a high-skilled job that met immigration requirements. In 2002, her passport expired, leaving her out-of-status. Facing deportation, she appealed to the Minister of Immigration and was granted a visa despite not having a valid passport. This personal battle deepened her empathy for out-of-status immigrant women facing similar hardships.

While completing her master’s degree from Loma Linda University on the Burman University campus, she began working at the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA), where she encountered women trapped in abusive relationships, their legal status used against them. Through counseling, legal advocacy, and housing support, she helped hundreds escape violence and gain permanent residency.

Recently, Phiri was recognized with the Newcomer Champion Award at the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards. While she did not expect this honour, she is grateful to know that the Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism values not only the workers, but also the people they serve.
“This award makes me realize that someone is paying attention, listening, watching, and appreciating,” Phiri says. This fuels her spirit to continue dedicating herself to supporting and empowering immigrant women.

From a place of uncertainty to a life of advocacy, Phiri’s journey is a powerful reminder that challenges can shape, rather than define, our future. What began as a personal struggle has become a lifelong mission—one that continues to uplift and advocate for the most vulnerable.”

Carley “Elle” Cole-Cavins – Nonprofit Founder & Media Strategist

Field: Healthcare Advocacy/Media

Achievement: Podcast producer and media strategist. Hosts “The Cleverly Changing Homeschool Podcast” (ranked #3 on Feedspot’s Top 20). Produces VitaminSC3 Podcast amplifying sickle cell patient stories. Bronze Congressional Award recipient. Featured on NPR, ABC 7, BBC World Service Radio, Good Morning Washington.

Reference:

• https://www.southern.edu/advancement/alumni/alumni-awards/honoredalumni.html

Jarrod Denton – Architecture Founder

Field: Architecture

Achievement: Partner and founder at Signum Architecture, LLP. Launched firm in St. Helena (2011), relocated to Napa (2023). Specializes in holistic architecture and low-carbon construction.

Reference:

• https://www.puc.edu/news/archives/2025/puc-alumni-jarrod-denton-moves-architecture-firm-to-napa

Marci Knauft – Special Education Leader

Field: Education/Special Education

Achievement: Elementary education graduate who became special education teacher and high school principal working with at-risk students for 19 years. Earned master’s degree in students at risk from WWU (2003).

Reference:

• https://www.wallawalla.edu/alumni/wwu-alumni-association/alumni-of-the-year/2023