How Michael Williams-Stark changes the world one smile at a time
When Michael Willams-Stark was born, he had one of the most severe cleft lip and palate cases in B.C. at that time. Michael didn’t let this stop him from pursuing his dream of acting and, eventually, helping children with facial differences worldwide.
Through Douglas College’s Theatre program, he gained confidence in his speech and performing in front of others.
Michael holds warm memories from his time at Douglas. It’s where he felt accepted and made lifelong friends. Later in his life, he discovered his passion for working with children with facial differences, and he does this now through his not-for-profit Making Faces and as a Community Engagement Specialist at Operation Smile.
Making Faces uses improv workshops to help children with facial differences build self-esteem, improve their communication skills and more. Operation Smile is a global medical charity that provides children and young adults born with facial differences free life-changing surgical procedures and dental care. Now, every day, Michael gets to contribute to creating a more inclusive world.
This year, Michael will be teaching workshops in Peru and hopes to continue spreading the impact of Making Faces and Operation Smile globally.
Michael attributes his time at Douglas College to shaping his confidence and influencing him to become the person he is today. His hope is that we all may find a way to let our passions overwhelm our doubts and fears.