GEDC's Third Annual Fearless & Flawless
GEDC's Third Annual Fearless & Flawless
On Tuesday, September 17th the GEDC hosted it's third annual women's entrepreneurship event, Fearless & Flawless. This year, the event was held in Geraldton at the Geraldton French Cultural Centre and showcased the talents of some local artisans. Along with the artisan showcases, Fearless & Flawless had various speaker presentations, including those from local and regional organization representatives. The keynote speaker this year was Founder and Artist of Sister Bear Designs, Kathleen Sawdo. Kathleen shared her experiences regarding the challenges she has faced and the ways in which she has successfully navigated them. She also spoke of the importance of traditions, her family, and their company's evolution. Our attendees found her story to be deeply inspiring. Kathleen also displayed some examples of the amazing artwork and crafts her and her family have created with their company. You can learn more about Kathleen and her company at sisterbeardesigns.com.
Our next speaker was GEDC's Executive Director, Randi Miron. Randi spoke about the services that the Community Futures center has to offer to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. More information about GEDC's services can be found at gedc.ca or on the GEDC Facebook page. The next presentation was by Mary Margaret Laing, Business Development Coordinator for PARO in Thunder Bay. Mary Margaret spoke about several specific programs PARO currently runs, what is coming in the future, and the many other ways PARO can help existing and aspiring female entrepreneurs. You can find more specific information about PARO and their programs at paro.ca. After Mary Margaret's presentation was a short break for attendees to have refreshments and take a look at all of the artisan booths that were at the event. The break also allowed attendees to network with each other, the artisans, and all the organization reps who can provide support with their entrepreneurship goals. Thank you to Sherri Nygren from Grill 26 in Longlac for providing the attendees with many delicious appetizers and thank you to Kathleen Mahon of Katt's Cakes in Geraldton for providing dessert.
After the break, attendees heard from two local businesswomen, Jessica Dumais and Kayla Chochla, the founders of Handmade with Love. Often seen at local markets, the two create homemade personal hygiene products, medicines, and other all-natural household products. For more information, you can find Handmade with Love on Facebook. Our next speaker travelled in from Hearst to represent Société Économique de l'Ontario. Ashley Rosevear Gaudreau spoke to the attendees about their women-focussed program FAIR-E, as well as all the other ways her organization can assist Francophone or bilingual entrepreneurs. You can learn more about the organization at seo-ont.ca. Our second last speaker was Luisa Wilson, President of the non-profit animal rescue Want-a-Pet?. Luisa discussed many of the challenges the organization faces and the efforts her and the board make to attempt to overcome these challenges – including various fundraising efforts. To find out more about Want-a-Pet? and how you may be able to help, you can visit wantapet.yolasite.com or you can find the organization on Facebook. Our last speaker of the night was Janet Gile from MTW Employment Services / Services d'emploi located in Geraldton. Janet provided information on MTW services community members can receive from either the Geraldton or Longlac location. You can learn more about the organization at mtwjobassist.ca or on Facebook. At the end of the night, all attendees and speakers had another opportunity to shop, network, and socialize. Overall, the evening was a success!
GEDC would like to thank the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario for their continued support. The Board of Directors and staff would also like to thank the attendees, artisans, speakers, and the local and regional entities who contributed to the success of this year's Fearless & Flawless. Thank you to Equinox Gold - Greenstone Mine, the Municipality of Greenstone, TD Bank, PARO, Société Économique de l'Ontario, Westland Insurance, and MTW - Employment Services / Services d'emploi. A special thank you also goes out to Sylvie Goulet for her continued dedication and support of the GEDC and for all her help with this year's Fearless & Flawless.