A documentary coming to Squamish highlights the success of notable women in male-dominated fields and the challenges they face.
The up-lifting screening of Dream, Girl, which will be held at Quest University on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m., highlights women who are leaders in businesses ranging from brand-new start-ups to million-dollar industries.
“Many glass ceilings have already been shattered, but there’s plenty of sexism left in the workplace and in our day-to-day lives. I see this event as an opportunity to hear from women who are successful in traditionally male-dominated fields, and for Quest and Squamish residents to see what we can learn from their experiences,” said Quest student Anna Carlson-Ziegler, who is organizing the screening.
“I hope this event can start a discussion about how people who identify as female can learn from each other to overcome institutionalized sexism and reach their full professional potential.”
The screening will be followed by an informal panel of local women, including Catherine Rockandel, a certified professional facilitator and head of Rockandel & Associates; Kim Stegeman-Lowe, CEO of Squamish Terminals; Sonia Sidhu, the creator of Mohini, an online rental platform for Indian outfits; Tsawaysia Spukwus, whose English name is known as Alice Guss, a Squamish Nation cultural leader; and panel facilitator and event sponsor Cheryl Wheeler, an artist, entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
“It’s so important for young men and women to hear about the experiences of women who are successful in male-dominated fields and, fortunately, the women in this event represent a variety of professional and personal backgrounds,” Carlson-Zieger told The Chief.
The movie, which is made by female entrepreurs in New York and is part of Oprah’s Super Soul 100 list, is sure to be inspiring for young women, Wheeler said.
“The movie has a mission of promoting success stories of female entrepreneurship and inspiring women to see themselves as leaders,” she said.
Tickets are free with a suggested donation at the door and can be reserved by searching for “Dream, Girl: Female Entrepreneurship Documentary & Panel” at www.eventbrite.ca.
