Conference inspires women
International Women’s Day event offers ideas on how local women can Be Bold for Change
Corina Kiefertchester could feel something brewing at the International Women’s Day conference on Wednesday.
The artist was one of 150 women at the Women’s Business Network (WBN) symposium at the Ashburnham Reception Centre.
After participating in a morning workshop and listening to a talk by CBC Radio host Candy Palmater, Kiefertchester enjoyed her lunch, pausing to take it all in.
“I just love the energy in here. It feels like something is happening, something is brewing and it’s exciting to be apart of it,” Kiefertchester said.
Through the workshop, Lead Her Ship, Kiefertchester pinpointed her top five values. She was then taught to make decisions based on those beliefs, instead of always saying yes, as women often do.
“I thought that was very interesting,” she said.
Viviane Burmester also took that workshop.
“It makes you think and makes you aware of who you are and how important it is to value yourself,” Burmester said.
The 22-year-old is on a five month co-op at The Mane Intent. She came over from Germany to work at the ranch.
Not knowing what to expect from an International Day Women’s conference, Burmester was inspired by what she’d heard and learned.
“I feel it’s already changing something about how you think about who you are,” Burmester said.
The conference featured three guest speakers, including Palmater, career coach Sarah Vermunt and improv guru Linda Kash. Participants also took part in two workshops, aimed at inspiring and empowering women. Kathy Warner took part in the song and drum circle workshop, where women learned to express their creativity through the drum.
The mother of two said the session was an eye-opening experience.
It makes you think and makes you aware of who you are and how important it is to value yourself.” Viviane Burmester
“There’s so many different types of things and abilities about ourselves that can empower not only ourselves, but empower others and help us to empower others,” Warner said.
The day-long International Women’s Day conference was the first of its kind in the city. Louise Racine, WBN program director, thought the event was a great way to further the network’s mission, promoting the professional and personal development of women in the community.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year was Be Bold for Change.
Racine said she hoped women walked away knowing change isn’t just something women should react to, but something they should take action to create.
“It’s about taking a step to make change happen, so that we’re in the driver’s seat in terms of the kind of change we want in our lives,” Racine said.
NOTE: See more photos from International Women’s Day on Page A12.