Registration open for Niagara Leadership Summit for Women

Fourth annual event takes place Oct. 28 at Brock University

NIAGARA — “Breaking barriers” is the theme of the fourth annual Niagara Leadership Summit for Women.

From the keynote speaker to the workshops and discussions, the Saturday, Oct. 28 event, to be held at Brock University, will shine the spotlight on breaking barriers and celebrating women and girls in leadership. Registration opened up this week for the summit.

Hosted by YWCA Niagara Region in partnership with Brock University, the Niagara Leadership Summit for Women is a day designed for women, girls, and allies to inspire each other, build community connections, and celebrate women’s leadership in Niagara. The day consists of the keynote, to be conducted by First Nations right activist, actress, and international motivational speaker Ashley Callingbull, and workshops to help identify and break barriers for women and girls in leadership.

“We are looking forward to breaking more barriers for women and girls to recognize the leaders they are at home, at school, and in the community,” said Julie Rorison, chair of the planning committee, adding keynote speaker Callingbull is “a young woman who is breaking barriers through her leadership and activism every day”.

Panel discussions will cover topics including entrepreneurs, mental health, parenting, and politics, while workshops include Aboriginal community justice, conquering barriers to success, decolonizing language, disability leadership, fair trade, race and racism, self care for caregivers, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), success in a male-dominated industry, and volunteerism.

YWCA Niagara Region executive director Elisabeth Zimmermann says the summit plays an important part in the YWCA’s role in the community.

“Part of the YW’s mission is to support and promote women to break through their own barriers in leadership and create positive change for themselves and our communities,” said Zimmermann. “The Leadership Summit celebrates and empowers women and girls to recognize their roles as leaders and reach their full potential.”

For the full lineup of local leaders involved in this year’s Leadership Summit, and to register, visit www.niagaralsw.ca. Tickets are $20.

You can also follow along on Twitter @NiagaraLSW and Facebook.com/NiagaraLSW for more news and updates about the conference.