Avante – women moving forward together
Over 27 years ago, the Avante Women’s Centre was founded with the mission of advocating for women’s rights and access to English services in Brome-missisquoi. Despite changes in board members and staff over the decades, the core mission of Avante remains intact, now with a larger team of five members, additional workshops in Cowansville, Lac-brome, and Bedford, as well as support services and communication tools for women in our region.
For more than 22 years, Coordinator Gayl Rhicard has been a cornerstone at the Avante Women’s Centre in Bedford, creating a welcoming environment where women feel accepted and empowered. Initially hesitant to join the board in 1998, Gayl was persuaded by her cousin and enlisted her sister Annie’s help. Despite being new to board responsibilities, Gayl embraced the challenge, learning as she went with support from friends. Her unwavering belief in Avante’s mission kept her committed to empowering women.
Gayl has witnessed the Centre’s growth from offering a few workshops to a full schedule of activities, despite facing various challenges along the way. She takes pride in seeing the joy women experience at Avante, whether
through learning or socializing. Gayl emphasizes that Avante is inclusive and open to all women, regardless of their circumstances.
Councilor and Workshop Facilitator, Brielle Laramée, joined Avante three years ago after completing her psychology studies. She organizes workshops, programming, and special events, offering support and guidance to women on their journey to self-discovery. Brie also sits on the committee that organized the annual International Women’s Day event in Granby alongside members of the Coalition des groupes de femmes de la Haute-yamaska et de Brome-missisquoi.
On the financial side, Amanda Patch has been the organization’s bookkeeper for the past 4 years and ensures every penny is accounted for.
As needs in our community continue to grow, so has the Avante team. In January of this year, Avante welcomed two new staff members: Virginia Wilson, who will cocoordinate with Gayl Rhicard, and Samantha Morin, who will support Brielle in organizing workshops and events as a Workshop Facilitator. Samantha will also offer Spanish workshops at the centre this year.
Looking ahead, Gayl hopes Avante continues to thrive and make a difference in women’s lives. Her message to the women of Bromemissisquoi is simple: come and experience Avante for yourself. Gayl and the team are eager to welcome more women into the Avante family!
To become a member of Avante Women’s Centre, view the Calendar of Events, volunteer or sign up for the newsletter visit: www.awcentre.com or email: info@awcentre.com