Elgin County Women’s Leadership Conference by Peri Hayes Helen Cole discusses the upcoming Elgin County Women’s Leadership Conference. When she was on the City of St. Thomas Council 25 years ago, she recognized, “There simply were not enough women at the decision-making table. With my background in municipal government, I started thinking about women in politics, and then I ran for Council.” Helen relocated to Lambton County when she founded The Jean Collective, named after her dear friend, Jean McDougall, who lived in Port Stanley and met Helen during her time on Council. “She was a mentor,” Helen fondly reflects. Elgin County Women’s Leadership Conference debuted last year. “It is such a great feeling,” Helen exclaims, “to know that women come to the conferences and are inspired; making friends and connecting with women they did not know before they attended -- and they stay connected. Throughout the three counties of Elgin, Lambton and Middlesex, we are creating a strong network of women leaders.” As Helen passionately voices, “It seems like forever we’ve been facing barriers — even unconscious bias — and it’s been difficult to take our seat at the table. Having women in leadership is important. Conferences like this are important for learning about how other successful women have done it, building and enhancing the supportive network, and we hope to empower others to step into leadership roles.” The highly anticipated 2025 event will take place on Saturday, March 29th at CASO Station, a primary sponsor, along with Action Financial Group, Doug Tarry Homes, ERTH Power
Corporation, Elgin Business Resource Centre, Fanshawe College, St. Thomas Economic Development and Villager Publications. As Helen continues, “I would be remiss if I did not mention the Committee: Kathryn Desrosier, Morgaine Halpin, Tara McCaulley, Becky Simons and Rainey Weisler.” Their welcoming doors will open at 9:00 am, with the conference commencing at 9:30 am. The group will break for lunch around 12:00 pm, followed by their afternoon session which will conclude at approximately 3:00 pm. Helen shares, “Indira Naidoo-Harris was elected to public office and is Ontario’s first Minister of the Status of Women. She is our Keynote Speaker, and we are very excited to have her.” Moreover, Rainey Weisler will be returning as Emcee, to which Helen expresses, “I have gotten to know her well, and she is exceptional.” There will also be a diverse panel of female entrepreneurs, providing their perspectives on business and their respective journeys. This panel includes Kris Pettit, Co-Owner of Misty Glen Farms; Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director of Western Ontario’s Wardens’ Caucus; Andrea Loughlean, Manager of Emergency Management and Elgin Middlesex Regional Fire School and Maria Fiallos, Owner of Streamliners Espresso Bar in St. Thomas. The afternoon session, ‘Courage Over Armour: Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership’, will be led by Linda Morrison and Star Morrison. Inspired by the teachings of Brené Brown, this conference will explore the value of vulnerability and being courageous, ultimately stepping into authentic, whole-hearted leadership. “I think it’s going to be a perfect day,” Helen enthuses. “My hope is to leave a legacy, to blaze a trail for other women; that is really important to me,” Helen thoughtfully concludes.
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Page 10 Hometown St. Thomas • March 2025
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