Resilient by Design Event Highlights International Women’s Day 2026 in Bruce County

Resilient By Design event brings together local business owners, entrepreneurs, women and changemakers to celebrate International Women's Day.
Group of people with speaker at front of room

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, local business owners, entrepreneurs, women and changemakers gathered at the Mildmay-Carrick Recreation Complex to celebrate International Women's Day. In partnership with Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, Bruce County’s Business to Bruce program hosted this year’s event, titled Resilient by Design: Boundaries, Burnout and the Entrepreneur’s Bold Comeback. 

Keynote speaker Calissa Ngozi, award‑winning mental health advocate and #1 bestselling author, energized the audience with a dynamic message encouraging women to embrace bold choices, set empowering boundaries and to thrive both personally and professionally. Her inspiring talk challenged attendees to fiercely protect their energy, prioritize with confidence and reimagine their businesses as sources of joy, purpose and vitality rather than pathways to burnout. 

“Events like this remind us just how strong, supportive, and forward‑thinking our community is. When vision leads and dedication follows, that carries all of us forward,” says Bruce County CAO Christine MacDonald. “Women are shaping our future in remarkable ways, especially those celebrated this evening.” 

Honouring Women of Distinction 

The event also recognized outstanding women in Bruce County through annual awards presented by the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. 

  • Airianna Murdoch-Fyke received the 2026 Woman of Distinction Award. 
  • Kira Thompson received the 2026 Young Woman of Distinction Award. 

 

Harley’s Pub & Perk of Mildmay held a raffle featuring generous prize donations from several local businesses, raising $910 in support of Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. 

Beyond the evening’s inspiring presentations, the Resilient by Design event itself raised $5,510 for Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. 

 

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.