It’s an opportunity for local women to engage with other women on issues around work. That is the idea behind, “Great. Full. Circle.” – a women’s empowerment event to be held on International Woman’s Day at Totem Hall.
At the event, a panel of Sea to Sky Corridor women who have had success in their careers will share how they got to where they are and the struggles and victories they have experienced along the way.
Panelists include Squamish Nation elder Gwen Harry; Nicolette Richer, owner of The Green Moustache; Cara Barth, owner of Galileo Coffee Company; Josee Cox, a customer service specialist; and Devan Williams, client intake advisor for
Squamish Nation Employment and Training.
The event, which is free and open to men as well, is a result of collaboration between the WorkBC Employment Services Centre, Howe Sound Women’s Centre and Squamish Nation Employment and Training.
Williams, whose position includes advising youth, forming community partnerships and helping clients connect with training and jobs, said the diversity of the panel is key in making the event one for all women. “I am not a mother. I am a single woman and career focused and then you have women on the panel that have two jobs, as a mother and within their careers as well,” she added.
What all the women likely share is a story of a journey with ups and downs that got them to where they are, said Williams.
While the workforce is much more open than it was in past generations, Williams said through her work she sees young mothers with young children, in particular, still face barriers.“They have their goals and aspirations, but just trying to find that time and being able to financially support yourself,” she said, adding finding affordable childcare that allows women to go back to work or take up training can be a struggle. There are resources for women in the corridor.
One of the event organizers, Naomi Dunaway with WorkBC, says her organization can also help women navigate returning to work, with career changes, starting their own business and childcare support. “We can help with all those pieces.”
Dunaway said she hopes women come away from the event with the feeling that they aren’t alone, “that there are options and there is support.”
Williams’ advice for young women is to not give up on their career or life goals in the face of challenges.
“Anything in life worth having doesn’t come easy,” she said. The saying is tattooed on her left arm as a reminder. “Sometimes it can get hard and you will fall – that is life – but it is how you get back up. Once you get past the hurt and the pain and the negativity… and get to your goal and be able to stand there and say, ‘I did it. I overcame.”
Great. Full. Circle. is on Wednesday, March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Totem Hall. RSVP to [email protected].
