On Monday, March 6th, ladies from the Ottawa Cancer Foundation were thrilled to take part in a very special event to kick off International Women’s Week and celebrate International Women’s Day. Hosted by the Ottawa Women’s Business Network (WBN) and sponsored by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, the WBN team welcomed a room full of female business professionals to have lunch and listen to a very special guest speaker, Mante Molepo – anti-racism consultant and community leader.
Talk about an empowerment lunch!
Mante touched on everything from racism in the workplace and gender equality, to her own journey becoming a trade lawyer, leaving her career, work-life balance, family, and how she eventually launched her very own business, Parents for Diversity.
As we reflect and take time to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, we asked our team at Ottawa Cancer Foundation to share some of their personal stories on what Women’s Day means to them.
Tracy Holmes, Manager of Annual Giving
“As a cancer fundraiser and a breast cancer survivor, I am continuously reminded of the vulnerability, courage, and strength it takes to navigate a cancer diagnosis. This IWD, I am grateful for and inspired by the many women who work hard every day to make this world a little bit better for all cancer patients.”
Paula Muldoon, Vice President of Philanthropy
“I love IWD. We deserve a day to celebrate each other. But that’s the thing with IWD: I believe in it strongly, but from the point of celebrating the success of women, our growth, our strength, our individuality, and lifting each other up. I still feel that there is an issue in many workplaces of women and cattiness. My goal is to remove that from every workplace that I touch and surround myself with women that lift each other – and not confuse strong women with entitlement and a false sense of themselves. It’s never about being selfish, it should always be about empathy and growth. When you help lift a colleague, a staff member, even a leader, you lift yourself at the same time.”
Kristin Pearson, Manager, Corporate and Community Development
“Returning to the workforce after a long hiatus due to maternity leave and COVID-19 was a daunting experience, especially embarking on a new career in a different industry. However, my first meeting with the female-based leadership team at ORCF was very encouraging. Their approach to work-life balance was refreshing and inspiring. Starting a new career in my late 40s, I’ve come to realize that strong leadership is vital to success. Working with a diverse and creative team of emotionally supportive women has been a transformative experience. It has motivated and inspired me, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of women in leadership.
Andrea Timlin, Director, Philanthropy
“For me, IWD represents to me a day where people can celebrate the fact that we can be who we want to be. We can live our dreams while breaking down barriers. Sometimes I reflect on the strong women and men before me who fought for women’s rights. It was only during the WW1 did Canadian women earn the right to vote – not that long ago. Canadian women have made huge strides; but this day makes me want to do more for our sisters in even more perilous circumstances that live in societies that silence women. I am lucky to work in a space that has exemplary women in leadership roles that work feverishly to ensure these barriers are broken, and all are welcome in our Centre.”
Naomi Praamsma, Vice President, Programs and Stakeholder Engagement
“International Women’s Day, for me, is a moment to pause, reflect on, and celebrate all who sacrificed, all who continue to sacrifice and the sacrifices which still need to be made for women around the world to experience opportunity and equity. I would not be the woman I am today without the women in my life who led the way.”
Tricia Ross, Manager of Events and Community Engagement
Believe (In) Women.
Don’t wait for an invitation. Take your seat at the table, then rebuild it.
Use your privilege to lift others who have less.
Know the difference between nice and kind.
Be kind.
P.S. You’re not an imposter.
Christie Shayler, Director of Marketing and Communications
“I’ve been so incredibly fortunate throughout my career to have worked with the most amazing women. Each one of my female managers have been integral in helping me grow in my career – beyond work, many have also become some of my closest personal friends. I thank each one of them for helping me reach new heights of creativity and growth. The biggest female influence in my life has always been my mom – she is the ultimate inspiration for going after everything you want in life and working really hard to get there.”
Kathy Smart, ORCF Program Facilitator of Simmer and Social and Fitness, Fun and Friends
“Dream big, work hard and keep encouraging others along the way!”
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