There weren't enough seats for the 80 or so women leaning in to hear from local mothers who have strived in male-dominated careers.
On March 5, Squamish's Mothers in Business hosted an International Women's Day event featuring mayor Karen Elliott, firefighter Tanya Slater, architect Tanis Schulte and BCIT associate dean Caroline Dépatie.
The powerhouse panel touched on several topics from the wage gap to the challenges and importance of having women at the table.
Some of the women spoke of the gendered criticism they faced at work, with Elliott talking about the sometimes dangerous or sexist backlash women in politics deal with, and Schulte noted having to prove herself on the construction site.
When asked what advice they would give to young women and girls looking at a similar career, Elliott gave the same advice she gives her daughters: "always say yes… Look for those opportunities to say yes and be outside your comfort zone.
"Take up leadership, no matter how small."
Dépatie said women should look for their inspiration in each other and surround themselves with positivity.
"Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do something," Dépatie said.
Of why it's important to have women leaders, Elliott said it's important to have women in every field, and to be part of the conversation.
Slater, who has spent most of her firefighting career working alongside men, said it should be "not a big deal" to see women in leadership roles. No matter their gender, firefighters have to pass the same tests and do the same work to get the job. What female firefighters add, she said, is technique and problem solving, not just muscle.
"I truly believe that when you bring diversity — not just women — to any discussion, it enriches the outcome and how you get there," Dépatie said.
The volunteer-run group also awarded three $1,000 business scholarships to mom-run small businesses: Squamish-based Whimsy Daisy Designs, Squamish medium Danielle Searancke, and Denise Gasser, the founder of There's a Monster in My Closet, who helps parents create a healthy relationship with sleep for their family.
The recipients will present their businesses and how the scholarships benefited them at the next Squamish's Mothers in Business event in June.
