Elgin Women’s Leadership Conference, Igniting a Fire in Your Leadership by Peri Hayes Helen Cole enthusiastically discusses the upcoming Elgin Women’s Leadership Conference. Launching The Jean Collective in 2020 as a tribute to her local and dear late friend, she began hosting Women’s Leadership Conferences across Elgin County in 2023. The first occurred in Middlesex, as Helen elaborates, “Kathryn Desrosiers attended and said, ‘I want this in my community,’ so away we went. It was especially meaningful for me because of my rich history in Elgin St. Thomas.” The Elgin Women’s Leadership Conference entails sharing experiences, fostering connections, expanding professional networks, learning from one another, and celebrating womanhood. Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director of Western Ontario Wardens Caucus, will be the 2026 Emcee. Kate beams about her involvement: “I am so honoured to be the Emcee of this event, and to help bring together this powerhouse panel. I love the vibe of the day, with such positivity and support filling the venue.” This year, the panel will entail the following presenters: Tara McCaulley, with the Elgin Business Resource Centre and former City Councillor; Trish Corneil, sharing her moving story along with her Ministry of the Attorney General (Office of the Children’s Lawyer) work experience; Aurora Alcocer, owner of Taco House Co. and skillful dancer; Lindsay Rice, YWCA of St Thomas-
Elgin Executive Director and reflecting on the process of bringing Project Tiny Hope to fruition. As Kate exclaims, “The work that each of these passionate and multi-faceted women have accomplished is remarkable.” The keynote speakers include Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, Government of Ontario and Erin Donahue, Director of Ontario Public Service Learning and Development, Treasury Board Secretariat. “These are incredibly powerful individuals,” Kate voices.
Page 16 Hometown St. Thomas • March 2026
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