International Women’s Day Event Inspires Inclusion and Celebrates Women Leaders in Bruce County

On March 7, local business owners, entrepreneurs, leading women, and youth change makers in Bruce County celebrated International Women's Day at the Klages Mill & Garden, in Chesley. Bruce County’s Business to Bruce program and Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey partnered for Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment

Proceeds from tickets sales and additional donations raised a total of $4,150 for the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. 

102 attendees heard from keynote speaker Sarah Baldeo, who educated and inspired attendees to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the growth and development of their businesses. 

Local Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate, Lawyer, and Deputy Mayor of Kincardine Andrea Clarke empowered and energized the attendees by sharing personal and professional experiences relating to partiality, and the barriers women face, specifically those who are marginalized. Andrea highlighted the need to consider intersectionality when creating equitable policies.

Local entrepreneur Catherine Thomas of Catherine’s Painting in Port Elgin opened the evening by talking about being a female in a traditionally male-dominated industry and her journey through the Women in Construction program. This program is in partnership between the Municipality of Huron-Kinloss, Bruce County, UBC local 2222 Carpenter's Union, Adult Learning Centre, VPI, Fanshawe College, and the Government of Ontario. 

The evening was moderated by Spicy Jan, from Tasty Road Trips Inc. and was filled with memorable takeaways to inspire and empower everyone looking to inspire inclusion. The event helps build capacity within Bruce County's entrepreneurship ecosystem while highlighting success among women entrepreneurs in our communities. 

“Empowered women help lead empowered communities, says Bruce County CAO Christine MacDonald, “By celebrating the strength, unity, and progress through storytelling, events like this lift women leaders in our community.” 

“We are stronger together,” says Claire Dodds, Commissioner of the Community Development Office at Bruce County. “This event highlighted women’s experiences as leaders in our communities, motivating us all to empower women to be proud of their accomplishments.”

Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor received the 2024 winner of the Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey Women of Distinction Award for going above and beyond to help her community and youth strive for success while recognizing their voices and identities.

Chelby Morris received the Young Women of Distinction award for her outstanding leadership and active involvement in the community. Playing a significant role in her local Rotary Club and through her dedication and efforts on her student council.

Additional community members who are making a difference and received nominations for this year’s Women of Distinction Award are Patt Lowry, Shawna Small, Sadie Al and Andrea Clarke.

In addition to the event, an online auction, hosted by Nuclear Promise X (NPX), is offering local items up for bid, graciously donated by Women’s House sponsors. The silent auction runs from March 8 until March 15.

About Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey (WHSBG): WHSBG provides free and confidential services, within a supportive environment, to women 16 years of age and older, and their children, who have or are experiencing abuse, sexual violence or homelessness. Women’s House operates a 24/7 shelter in Kincardine, Ontario to provide a safe, supportive and secure environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Women’s House also provides sexual assault services in Bruce and Grey, a child witness program, transition services, education services, a volunteer program, community counselling, and second-stage housing in Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, and Wiarton. WHSBG is a registered not-for-profit charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and staffed by trained professionals.  

About Bruce County: Bruce County is an upper-tier municipality in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, made up of eight lower-tier municipalities and 73,396 residents. The explorers who visit, live, and work here are the dreamers who take roads less travelled and see tried and true as an invitation to try something new. Be an Explorer and call Bruce County home.