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Bruce County Celebrates International Women’s Day with “Accelerate Action” Event
Bruce County, Ontario: On March 20, 2025, local business owners, entrepreneurs, leading women and changemakers gathered at Ainsdale Golf Course in Huron-Kinloss to celebrate International Women's Day. Bruce County’s Business to Bruce program hosted this year’s event—Accelerate Action: Building Businesses and Breaking Barriers—aimed to inspire, empower and support women in business, in partnership with Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey.
Attendees heard from Brandi Leifso, an award-winning social impact entrepreneur, resilience advocate, author, and international speaker. Her keynote presentation, Fearless Choices – The Power of Owning Your Decisions, inspired the audience with personal stories of determination and success.
The event also featured Tracy Primeau, a respected mentor and relationship builder, who shared her journey of overcoming adversity as an Indigenous woman in STEM. She provided meaningful insights on authenticity in the workplace and how individuals can contribute to a more inclusive world.
"Events like this inspire me as we celebrate the women leading in our community," said Bruce County CAO Christine MacDonald. "I am grateful to see these leaders supported by such a strong and encouraging network within our community.”
Honoring Women of Distinction
The event also recognized outstanding women in Bruce County:
- Beth Aubrey, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey County received the 2025 Women of Distinction Award.
- Laura Fohkens received the Young Women of Distinction Award.
- Additional nominees who have made significant contributions to their communities include Sasha Beatie, Andrea Clark, Barb Fedy, Lauren Morris, Pam Rantz, Rachel Salisbury, Amanda Saxton and Donna Taylor.
Beyond the evening’s inspiring presentations, the event raised $3,560 for Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. An online auction, hosted by Nuclear Promise X, featured local items donated by community sponsors raised $1,155.
About Women’s House Service Bruce and 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 8 lower-tier municipalities and 77,221 residents. Bruce County is located within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Anishinabek and holds a government-to-government relationship with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation, together as Saugeen Ojibway Nation. 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.
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For more information, contact:
Aaron Stauch
Director, Government Relations
226-909-2646