from the publisher
It’s Time To Celebrate Women With WEST By Deborah Jones In a year that has been challenging for everyone, you won’t want to miss out on one of the most colourful, joyful, meaningful and allaround top “feel good” events in our region. Taking place on March 8, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. the “International Women’s Day Virtual Gala” hosted by the Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST) is the one night a year when hundreds of local woman gather to meet and support each other while enjoying entertainment, a keynote speaker and more. You can still get glammed up and enjoy a glass of wine, but this year all the good vibes will be streaming straight into your home! “In a world filled with uncertainty, we are so happy to share the good news in our community about our services for leadership, training and support of women,” explains Rose Anguiano Hurst, WEST’s Executive Director. “The spirit of new immigrants, women from racialized communities, and local partners makes Windsor Essex a place where we see gains that celebrate inclusion and diversity every single day. It is a time of
gratitude and a time to keep on strengthening each other and that is what our team has done since day one of the pandemic!” The inspiring theme for 2021 is “Choose to Challenge” and who better to provide a keynote address to challenge, inspire and delight guests, than a woman responsible for the success of hundreds of students and staff at St. Clair College — President Patti France. France, along with other speakers, award winners and multicultural entertainers, will bring home the message of how alertness, during these times, enables us to challenge and become part of the change for a better future. Designed as an immersive evening for all who attend, ticket holders can take part in a silent auction, enjoy entertainment and meet the “Journey Towards Success Award” winners. For 33 years, WEST has risen to meet challenges, create positive relationships, promote gender equality and anti-racism, and ensure hundreds of women have the skills and training they needed to create stronger economic success in their lives.
Last year when people across North America stood up in protests to affirm the value of all people, especially those most vulnerable to systemic racism, lower wages and even greater risks of contracting the virus, WEST stood with them as advocates in our community. Yet, the strong relationships WEST has with participants who have gone through a precarious year, economically and socially, have enabled those who rely on them to receive medical care, get educational support for their children, learn English, train for new jobs and be there for each other, virtually, despite these harrowing months. That’s something I want to cheer for and celebrate! Our community has a strong heart and WEST’s gala is made possible by the generous support of high profile sponsors including: TD Bank, Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU), AM800 CKLW, CTV Windsor, Windsor Star, St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA), Green Shield Canada, Benefits Company, ONSite Services and of course, your favourite magazine, Biz X! So, let’s all choose to challenge our times and honour our hometown leaders, support women, newcomers, businesses and entrepreneurs. Purchase your $25 ticket online now at: WestOfWindsor.com/iwd.
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