Empowering Voices: SistaWalk Community Storytelling & Member Spotlight. June 2026 Spotlight — Natujwa Maliondo

The heart of Wellness is a Community of Sistahood By Natujwa Maliondo

When Natu moved to Edmonton from New Brunswick, she wasn't searching for another fitness program.

She was searching for people & community.

Like many newcomers to a new city, she wanted connection, friendship, and a sense of belonging in a city that was still unfamiliar. She hoped to meet women who shared similar values and experiences. What she didn't expect was that one Saturday morning walk would become one of the most meaningful parts of her life.

Since joining SistaWalk in April 2023, Natu has discovered that wellness isn't just measured by kilometres walked, it's measured by the friendships built, the confidence gained, and the community that walks beside you.

Looking for Community, Finding So Much More

When I joined SistaWalk, my goal was simple; I wanted to build connections.

Having recently relocated to Edmonton, I was looking for a community where I could meet like-minded women and begin creating a sense of home. What I found was far greater than I ever imagined.

Physically, SistaWalk inspired me to become intentional about my health.

What started as one Saturday morning walk quickly grew into a lifestyle. Today, I walk at least seven kilometres every weekday so I can comfortably enjoy our 10 kilometre Saturday walks.

I still remember those first few walks.Ten kilometres felt intimidating but now, it's simply part of who I am.

Like many women, I balance a demanding career, community commitments, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Life can easily become overwhelming and the nature walks give me permission to pause. There are no meetings, no deadline, no distractions but simply showing up, fresh air, meaningful conversations, movement, and the opportunity to simply be present.

That space has become one of the greatest forms of self-care in my life. Sistwalk has given me a community, a sense of beloning and a group of women who inspire me to keep investing in myself.

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Where Growth Lives

It's difficult to choose just one memorable experience because every walk brings something meaningful. But if I had to choose, it would be the Eagle Lake guided hike trip weekend.

Before that hike, I considered myself reasonably fit.

It challenged me physically, tested me mentally and reminded me that growth rarely happens inside our comfort zone.

There were moments when I questioned myself and moments when I wondered if I could keep going.

But every challenge became an opportunity to discover that I was capable of more than I believed. What made the experience even more special was the sisterhood bond shared as women throughout the weekend. The conversations, encouragement, laughter and support created lasting memories. Completing the hike was rewarding, but the sisterhood and connections built during that trip were the real highlight!

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More Than Diversity; A Community That Lifts One Another

As a Black woman living in Edmonton, finding community has been incredibly important.

Moving to a new city is exciting, but it can also feel isolating.

SistaWalk helped bridge that gap.

One of the things I appreciate most is the diversity within our community. Women from different cultures, professions, generations, and life experiences all come together with one shared purpose and support one another.

No matter the discussion topic, career, family, relationships, health, parenting, or personal growth, someone has wisdom to share, has walked a similar path or willing to listen without judgment.

The women of SistaWalk have inspired me in countless ways.

We share more than walks/hikes: We value and share cultures

Through their stories, generosity, resilience, and encouragement, they've reminded me that wellness is about much more than exercise.

It's about belonging.

It's about having people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

It's about knowing you're never walking alone.

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Why I Keep Showing Up

One lesson I've learned is that taking care of yourself isn't optional.... It is essential.

You simply cannot pour from an empty cup. When I invest in my own well-being, I'm able to show up more fully for my family, my friends, my career, and my community.

What keeps me motivated is watching the incredible women around me. Despite demanding careers, busy family schedules, community commitments and life's inevitable challenges...

They continue choosing themselves. Not because it's easy. But because they know it's necessary.

Women in Sistawalk remind me that wellness isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up again and again! Its also about connection, belonging and having people in your corner.

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A Message to Women Starting Their Wellness Journey

If you're thinking about beginning your wellness journey but feel unsure, let me leave you with this thought.

There's a saying that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago.The second-best time is today and the same is true for your health.

You may wish you had started sooner. But what matters is taking that first step today.

Start small, Be consistent and don't chase perfection.

I still remember my very first 10-kilometre SistaWalk. I was so sore afterward that I could barely walk for two days.

And Today? Walking ten kilometres feels completely normal. The difference wasn't talent or motivation. It was consistency, week after week and step after step.

James Clear writes in Atomic Habits that remarkable results come from small actions repeated consistently over time.

And I believe that wholeheartedly.Your future self will thank you for every investment you make in your health today....... how healthy do you want to be in the next decade?

Over the years, I believe my greatest transformation is how I feel.

I've gained accountability.

I've built habits that support my well-being.

I've learned to consistently show up for myself, even when motivation is low.

Most importantly, I've found something I never expected.

Friendship.Sisterhood.Belonging.

Saturday mornings have become something I genuinely look forward to and not simply because of the walk, but because of the women waiting at the trailhead.

The conversations.

The laughter.

The shared experiences.

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June Spotlight Reflection: Home Is Not Just a Place, It's the People Who Walk Beside You

Natu's story reminds us that wellness is about so much more than staying active. Its about finding connection, belonging, and people who genuinely walk alongside you through life.

For many of us, life can feel isolating as we juggle work, family, and everyday responsibilities. In the midst of it all, we all need people who encourage us, inspire us, and remind us that we don't have to walk through life alone. Sometimes, all it takes is one decision to show up.

Belonging is finding a space where you are welcomed, valued, and accepted just as you are.

Connection is discovering friendships that encourage you, celebrate your journey, and remind you that you never have to walk alone.

Consistency is choosing to invest in yourself, one walk, one conversation, and one small step each time.

When these come together, something beautiful happens.

A simple walk becomes a source of strength.

A group of strangers becomes a sisterhood.

Reported by SistaWalk CommunityMember Spotlight Series — June 2026