The founder of The Jean Collective is hoping a conference in London will inspire, empower, and connect women from different backgrounds as they look to grow in political and leadership roles.
The Women's Leadership Conference will be held on Saturday at the Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre.
Event Organizer and Founder of The Jean Collective Helen Cole said the conference is sold out with 100 people registered.
Ontario's former deputy premier and minister of health Christine Elliott will be the keynote speaker.
"We could have no better example of a woman who's come up through the ranks and succeeded," said Cole. "So we're grateful to have her as our keynote [speaker]."
Aside from Elliott, panelists will also include Sarnia City Councillor Anne Marie Gillis, Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Karen Vecchio, Ontario Public School President Cathy Abraham, and former mayor of Strathroy-Caradoc Joanne Vanderheyden.
"So we have quite a roster of experienced women who have contributed to their communities in a variety of ways," Cole said.
Cole said a similar conference will be held in Lambton County on April 6, 2024. Planning is still underway and registration is expected to open sometime in the new year.
The Jean Collective is a women in politics initiative which organizes workshops, conferences, and mentorship opportunities to support women in pursuing their goals and creating positive changes within their communities.