‘Integral women’ fuel Truro’s vibrancy
Business community gains greater diversity in leadership roles
With the celebration of International Women’s Day today, local leaders and entrepreneurs are being championed for making a difference in towns like Truro.
“I believe this day means a lot to our businesses,” said Saribel Deslauriers, executive director of the Downtown Truro Partnership. “It’s a day that celebrates the achievements of our local women entrepreneurs and leaders.
“We want to celebrate every woman who has a business, works or lives in Truro. We are a very diverse town and we should be showcasing all the integral women who make Truro the place to be.”
Deslauriers believes such influential women make an impact that goes beyond the business world and contribute to an even greater cause.
“Having women in positions of leadership has opened the door to building a path toward achieving gender quality,” she said. “Having women entrepreneurs and in a position of leadership shows the younger generation that it can be done and that our ideas and insights are valuable. Our downtown core has a vast number of femaleowned businesses and we are very lucky to keep welcoming more and more.”
WOMEN IN FOREFRONT
Take a tour of downtown Truro and it’s apparent women are prominent in many facets of the business community. The head of the partnership mentioned some of those trailblazers.
“Sarah Coleman, owner of Calling Corners New Age Boutique, is a visionary entrepreneur who opened the very first spiritual store in downtown Truro after a pivotal point in her life,” Deslauriers said.
“Maggie Ackerman is a certified master stylist and coowner of Eight Nine One hair salon in downtown Truro
“Our downtown core has a vast number of female-owned businesses and we are very lucky to keep welcoming more and more.”
Saribel Deslauriers
Executive director of the Downtown Truro Partnership
who is passionate about educating and providing clients with their individual needs.
“Sherry Martell is the executive director of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce and is a dedicated advocate for businesses in the Truro and Colchester region who have been contributing to the economy in many different ways.
“The list goes on and on.”
PERSONAL JOURNEY
While women help fuel Truro’s vibrancy, their contributions to the community aren’t measured simply in dollars and cents. Deslauriers is one of those leaders who represents a new wave in town and a fresh perspective.
“Personally, it means a great deal to me to be employed in a leadership role within the vibrant community of Truro,” she said. “I’m committed to helping the community grow and thrive by providing the resources, guidance and support that are essential for success.
“I’m passionate about creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and accepted, and where people can come together to collaborate and create positive change. As an immigrant woman and person of colour, it is an opportunity to share my diverse experiences, perspectives and insights to help the community grow and thrive.”
At the same time, Deslauriers also recognizes her role as an opportunity to represent and inspire other people of colour and immigrants to achieve their personal and professional goals.
“I’m excited to continue to contribute my ideas, energy and enthusiasm to the community and to make a positive impact on the lives of everyone who lives here,” she said.
Truro got a head start on commemorating International Women’s Day this year. Women collaborated for a concert that was scheduled for March 4.
The band Brigid was poised to share the stage with the Colchester Girls’ Choir, a group with members ages 12 to 18. The local choir has given choral performances for more than 30 years.
On the actual International Women’s Day, “social media is very active with posts recognizing the wonderful women who work and live in Truro,” Deslauriers reported.