International Women’s Day event saw more than 70 women at local event
As part of celebrations for International Women’s Day on March 8, KLCFDC Executive Director Vince Killen in partnership with Allyssa Adams, executive director of the Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce and Samantha Burke, branch manager, RBC, hosted 70 women at Launch Kawartha, the area’s new centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Attendees to this event enjoyed an incredible night of mentorship, networking, collaboration, and genuine giving back to the community, according to a media release. The evening featured keynotes from Marlene Morrison Nicholls, Dr. Rachael Nicholls, and Lisa Trefzger Clarke from EQU Consulting who spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion.
EQU Consulting works with leaders and teams to foster meaningful conversations, build connections and create a welcoming culture where everyone is reflected and respected.
“This new initiative from the KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha will offer regular keynote events, mentorship groups and workshops and future funding opportunities to young women entrepreneurs,” said Killen. “We plan on developing a robust network of successful women leaders who are breaking the glass ceiling, knocking down barriers and carving new paths for the next generation of women innovators, disruptors and changemakers to mentor and provide their support and lessons learned. The GiveBack Mentorship Initiative is the initiative step in the development of multiple programs to provide this expertise in our communities,”
Adams says she was “elated to see so many women in one room, some of which were connecting for the first time. One of the big goals for me with this event, was to allow women in business across Kawartha Lakes an opportunity to meet, chat, connect and learn together and from one another and I saw that happening all night.”
Burke is excited to work in partnership with KLFDC, Launch Kawartha and LDCC to support the Giveback Women’s Mentorship Initiative. “As an organization, RBC fosters an environment that supports women in building successful and rewarding careers, focused on a more inclusive culture by promoting networking, mentoring, and business-building opportunities which complements this new mentorship initiative well.”
As part of these events, a local resource or charity will receive funds from admission proceeds. For this event, $5 from each ticket went to Women’s Resources, to support and give back to women in the local community.
The event on the 6th of March at Launch Kawartha to mark International Women’s Day week was packed with interesting women and a few brave men. The ambiance was upbeat and eclectic, the refreshments superb, and the wine served by Jennifer Boksman with her signature charm was delicious!
The UN theme for International Women’s day for 2024 was “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” and that is exactly what this event did. It brought together women with diverse and innovative ideas to network and to build a web of innovation to connect our local communities across the world to build a better future for all.
The evening was fabulous! Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it a success.