Registration is now open for the conference which features Clara Hughes, summer and winter Olympic medallist.
One of Canada’s most-decorated Olympians will be delivering the closing keynote presentation at this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference here next month. Speed skater Clara Hughes, who has been to the Games five times, will be bringing a wealth of experience and bright ideas with her. She’s a humanitarian and a major supporter of Right to Play, an organization that uses sport to aid the development of children and youth in underprivileged areas of the world. Hughes is also the recipient of the International Olympic Committee’s “Sport Community” award and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
The “Celebrate 2010” conference takes place Oct. 22 and 23 at Algoma’s Water Tower Inn & Suites. The event offers more than a dozen different keynote presentations and workshop options. In addition to Hughes, attendees will also learn from female leaders such as:
- Trish Westman: Global Adventure Racer
- Susan Hunter: Director Marketing and Communications, Sault College
- Chantal R. Thorn, PhD: Organizational Consultant and Vocalist
- Elaine S. Pitcher: Barrister & Solicitor and Chair, Sault Area Hospital Board of Directors
- Brenda Combs: Executive Director of Nimkii-Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter
As well, each attendee will have the opportunity to attend two workshops, where they will receive actionable tools to enhance their leadership qualities. Workshops will be led by:
- Suzanne Tighe: Business Accelerator, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
- Donna Hilsinger: Entrepreneur, Algoma’s Water Tower Inn
- Dawn Morissette: Deputy Mayor, Elliot Lake
- Chantal R. Thorn, PhD: Organizational Consultant and Vocalist
- Emily Gair: Motivational Speaker and Dancer
This conference is designed not only to provide powerful tools for leadership success but also to put them into action through the new Community Challenge component, which is being presented in partnership with the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie. As part of the Community Challenge, conference participants will be split into teams, presented with real-life issues that particular organizations in our city are facing, and work to find a solution. This year’s organizations are Phoenix Rising Women’s Centre, the Canadian Hearing Society and John Howard Society. At the end of the event, one organization and solution will be selected to be implemented by the members of the Women’s Leadership Conference committee.
“We are very excited about introducing the Community Challenge component to the conference this year,” says conference chair Jody Rebek DiCerbo. “This allows us to to put leadership into action, promoting learning that provides meaningful change for individuals and the community. We have worked hard for two years to make this a top-notch event that enhances and develops leadership skills in a way that impacts the community”
In order to create balance in the leadership learning process, this year’s conference has adopted the mandate of “Live, Learn, and Lead.” To promote living alongside learning, attendees will have the option of six Energizer activities such as yoga, hiking, and belly dancing.. When taking a break from learning, there will be several activities available, including cocktails, live music, a bonfire, a Marketplace and spa services.
Registration is now open for “Celebrate 2010” and is anticipated to fill up fast as the last conference sold out before the registration deadline. The $299 registration fee includes accommodations, meals, spa access at Algoma Water Tower Inn and Suite’s Club Cabana, workshop and keynote presentations, energizer activities, Clara Hughes and keynote, along with many gifts provided at the conference. To register, or for more information, visit www.elevatesuccess.ca.
As the Women’s Leadership Conference opens its doors to the entire community, anyone interested in hearing Clara Hughes speak are invited to purchase tickets to her presentation. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for youth 18 years of age and under and can be purchased by visiting www.elevatesuccess.ca. Business and organizations interested in sponsoring the conference, or purchasing a table to sell their goods, can contact Marla Guzzo at info@elevatesuccess.ca.
Over the past 13 years, Influential Women of Northern Ontario has profiled and honoured incredible women who have contributed to economic wealth and growth in the northern region. They are small business owners, young entrepreneurs, public sector employees and partners and managers in many businesses. These IW Alumni represent various communities and cities in the North – from Sioux Lookout, to Elliot Lake, to Kapuskasing, to Kenora and the five major cities in between.
