Letter to the Readers

Inspire Change

This new year is filled with hope, vision and opportunity to inspire change! As a women-owned company, riding the wave of the pandemic over the past three years was no easy feat. I feel like we all need a T-shirt that says, “I survived the pandemic”.

The silver lining in having come through it is we made it and we are stronger for the experience. We discovered a renewed appreciation for everyday freedoms, the value of connection and honouring our bigger purpose. With our resilience muscles flexed and a fearless attitude we are ready to inspire change in the year ahead.

In this issue, we feature our 2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award Winners from across five continents. Meet inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders raising the bar across diverse industries beyond the borders of Canada.

I am excited to spill the beans we are getting ready behind the scenes to roll out the red carpet to celebrate our 9th Women of Inspiration™ Awards. Save the date, November 3, to celebrate women who lead, inspire and motivate. Rub shoulders with the 2020, 2021, and 2022 winners strutting the red carpet with this year’s Top Women of Inspiration™ at our Oscar-style awards experience that is sure to be the party of the year.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™, a SupportHER™ or apply. Nominate a company to be listed as one of Canada’s Top Companies – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion SupportHER™ Champions. Check out the new Individual Award and Company Award Categories in this issue.

Since 2018, we have pioneered the path through our awards and our platform to invite men to the conversation as our allies and SupportHER™s. At a macro level, to reach equality, we need all hands on deck. We need men as our allies to inspire change and lead by example in their networks. workplaces and communities. It is critical for all leaders in positions of power to be visible SupportHER™ champions— both men and women. As parents, we must set an example for our future leaders.

The void of visible allies inspired me to create SupportHER™, knowing the women in the C-Suite didn’t get their alone. I did it for my son to have visible role models who champion for women, treat them as equals and lift them up instead of tearing them down. I am excited about declaring the first Friday this coming June International SupportHER™ Day.

Spread the word to SupportHER™, Friday, June 2 for the Inaugural SupportHER™ Day. The challenge? Take one action to SupportHER™. Share a pic, story, or initiative and tag us on social media using #SupportHERDay. Interested in becoming a Sponsor and getting your workforce involved? Let’s connect. Everyone plays a role to SupportHER™.

This issue captures a Tribute to Hazel (Hurricane) McCallion and highlights Elfriede Holtcamp—two Women of Inspiration™ Legends with a Lifetime of Achievement. Enjoy learning what it means to Celebrate Black History and more!

Our goal for the UWomen Magazine™ is to put women in the spotlight. This is but one media platform where we elevate the stories of the entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies from diverse industries committed to the advancement of women.

As always, I invite you to share the magazine with your network and reach out to chat about sponsorship or advertising opportunities. Let's connect!

Monica Kretschmer - Founder and CEO, Universal Womens Network™, Women of Inspiration™ Awards, SupportHER™.

Learn more, contact us: admin@universalwomensnetwork.com