City of Brantford hosted the inaugural Women in Governance: A Candid Conversation event on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The event featured a panel of distinguished guests who shared their experiences navigating the political arena and inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and obstacles they faced.
Brantford City Councillors Linda Hunt, Mandy Samwell and Rose Sicoli were joined by other panelists including; Emily McIntosh, initiator of The Women of Ontario Say No, Erin O’Hoski, Deputy CAO for the City of St. Catharines, Natasha Solonen, Mayor of Wilmot and Diana Huson, Town of Pelham Regional Councillor, Niagara Region.
“As women leaders in government, it’s essential for us to come together, share our experiences, and support one another. By providing an opportunity for events like Women in Governance: A Candid Conversation, we can share our successes, challenges and experiences to pave the way for meaningful change and inspire future generations of female leaders,” said Linda Hunt, Ward 4 Councillor for the City of Brantford.
The event was moderated by local award-winning community influencer and owner of Tasty Road Trips Inc., Jan Vilaca.
The event provided an opportunity for members of the community and City of Brantford staff to continue a conversation beyond International Women’s Day, about the challenges women in government face and how to overcome them.
“We are thrilled by the response to this inaugural event. Empowering women isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and advocacy. We look forward to hosting more events like this and fostering a more supportive community where we can learn from each other to create positive change,” said Mandy Samwell, Ward 5 Councillor for the City of Brantford.
For those unable to attend in person or live virtually, the event was streamed to the City of Brantford’s YouTube channel and is now available for viewing by anyone interested in gaining insights into the experiences of the inspiring women in governance who participated in today’s discussion.
“What we saw today was that, when women in government come together, we create a powerful network of support and solidarity. By hosting events that celebrate our accomplishments and address our shared concerns, we not only uplift each other, but also strengthen the fabric of our communities. Thank you to all the City of Brantford staff and fellow panelists who helped make this inspiring event possible. It is an important conversation that we need to continue,” concluded Rose Sicoli, Ward 1 Councillor for the City of Brantford.
