International Women’s Day was celebrated in Norfolk County on Friday, March 8.
Article content
“We thought there should be something in Norfolk County recognizing International Women’s Day,” said Sue Gardner, Senior Economic Development Officer, Norfolk County, organizer of the 2024 event at Erie Beach Hotel in Port Dover, attended by 70 people.
Article content
“The speakers did a great job today,” said Gardner. “There were a lot of personal stories and personal learnings that were shared throughout the day that really drove a lot of the messages home. They were very personal, meaningful, inspirational. We knew people would feel a range of emotions… we wanted to make sure that was balanced with an injection of joy as well.”
Through anticipated donations and sponsorships, $1,500 was donated to Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services.
Article content
Following greetings from Norfolk Councilor Kim Huffman, speakers were Jane Scheel, Executive Director, Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services; Heidy VanDyk, General Manager, Corporate Services – Norfolk County; Olha Diletchuk, Titan Trailers Inc.; and Helen Cole, the keynote speaker, who talked about the importance of mentorship in her speech, ‘Inspiring Inclusion Through Mentorship.’
“Mentorship really changed and transformed my life, especially through Jean Macdougall,” said Cole, an advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment. “Her mentorship exemplifies the importance of women supporting one another, a principal I hold dear and strive to uphold through initiatives like the Jean Collective. Everyone should have a ‘Jean’ and she is my role model. I was blessed to have the support of her non-judgmental, loving voice in my life for 22 years. Today, I try to give that gift to as many women as I can.”
Cole outlined seven steps in becoming a mentor – reflecting on your experiences; identifying your mentoring style; connecting with local organizations and schools; utilizing online platforms; offering workshops or speaking engagements; being approachable and open; and inspiring by example.
“We can all be mentors to each other,” Cole said.
Share this article in your social network