Prominent women from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex will come together to uplift and encourage others in the community during the Women's Leadership Conference.
The Jean Collective will hold this year's forum at the Royal Canadian Legion in Wyoming on Saturday, April 13.
The keynote speaker will be Lucan Biddulph Mayor Cathy Burghardt Jesson and the featured speaker will be National Farmers Mental Health Alliance Founder Lauren Van Ewyk.
Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce CEO Carrie McEachran will emcee the event.
Assistant Organizer Tracy Kingston said initially, the conference was going to focus on Lambton but The Jean Collective Founder Helen Cole thought people would also want to hear from women who are based in nearby areas as well.
"They're just amazing women to hear speak," Kingston said.
Guest panelists include Plympton-Wyoming Councillor Kristen Rodrigues, St. Clair Township Councillor Holly Foster, Enniskillen Deputy Mayor Judy Krall, former chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation Joanne Rogers, Chatham-Kent Councillor Alysson Storey, and community volunteer and accessibility advocate Carla Aarssen.
Kingston said discussions will revolve around triumphs and overcoming challenges or adversities in leadership roles.
"It's evolved into a group that encourages women to run for political office, but then we've also branched off on focusing on leadership as well because we're finding that there are all kinds of leadership opportunities," Kingston said.
As someone who was involved in municipal politics, Kingston said she's hoping to be inspired during the conference. Kingston previously served as a councillor for St. Clair Township and ran for mayor in the 2022 election but lost.
"When you fall, get back up and start over again. There are plenty of opportunities besides being on council, there are other opportunities in your municipalities," she said. "Never stop reaching for the goals that you want."
Kingston said about 50 people registered for the event. Tickets will remain available until April 8 through Eventbrite.
A separate Women's Leadership Conference will be held in Elgin County on April 27. Last year's conference was held in London and featured former Ontario deputy premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott.
The Jean Collective, A Women in Politics Initiative was founded in 2019 as a way to support and inspire women.
