‘We are really powerful’: Women’s conference hopes to inspire future leaders

A women's conference was held in Mount Brydges on Saturday with the goal of inspiring future leaders. CTV London's Brent Lale reports.

It was a leadership conference by women, for women.

“It’s just to encourage women to get involved, whether it is running for council, whether it’s encouraging a woman around them to run for council, or just get involved,” said Kelly Elliott, former deputy mayor of Thames Centre, and interim executive director for the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors.

The Jean Collective, founded by Helen Cole, hosted the Middlesex Women’s Leadership Conference in Mount Brydges at the Caradoc Community Centre.

It was intended to bring women together in small groups to explore how to lead and rise above negativity.

“There’s a lot of division and we can pin each other against each other,” said Nikita Miller, executive director of Young London.

“One of the quotes that was mentioned earlier is that when women come together, we really are powerful, and hard to disrupt.”

The day-long event featured a panel of speakers in a variety of leadership roles to share successes and challenges.

In attendance was a wide range of women who are making an impact.

“I started with $122 in my pocket and now I have restaurant,” said Alla Shevchuk, owner of Ukrainian Pierogies in Strathroy. She moved to Canada with her family three years ago from Ukraine.

“I opened another location in London, and I am opening manufacturing next year in London,” she said.

“It’s everything to do with community support, this community, and women. It’s given me the power to do what I’m doing.”

The attendees ranged from seniors to young women. Medway High School student Maitlyn Hsia is already putting herself out there. She has goals to create environmental change and make young people aware they have a voice.

“At my school, I make it a point of knowing the names of the new grade nines,” said Hsia.

“Then I call out to them in the hallways like, ‘am I going to see you at Science Club? And I’m going to see you at Student council?’ Because they have so many great ideas.”

Just a year away from the next municipal election, the next new politician could be inspired by others in this group.

“It’s not easy and it’s not for everyone,” said Elliott, who described the vitriol that can be directed at women in power positions.

“It’s important that we don’t step away from the table because it isn’t easy. We need more women, and we need more diverse voices at the table. That’s what today is about, is encouraging those voices and encouraging, those around us to be allies to make it easier.”