International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century with the first gathering held in 1911.
“If I was to go back in time and give my younger self some advice it would be this: Don’t let others tell you you can’t do it. You can do it.
I think back and I know that I struggled because the younger me didn’t believe in me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the CEO of a non-profit organization. I never thought I’d be a trustee and Chair of the Calgary Board of Education. The older me is more comfortable in my shoes so I look back and I just want my younger self to know, you can do it – I know you can because I’ve already done it! [laughs].
That said, I know firsthand it takes a network of support. My team at home – my husband, kids, my dad and my friends – and my incredible team at The Alex. Anywhere there’s a strong woman leading a strong organization, there’s an army of people behind her.
If I were to give other women career advice I would say, understand what your passions are, what motivates you, what gets you out of bed in the morning, what makes you excited, and pursue that with all your heart. And these are the lessons I pass on to my kids every day: Pursue your passion, live your honest true, authentic self.”