Local women from various professions gathered last week to discuss issues, challenges and triumphs they have had over their lives.
The first annual International Women’s Day event, the “Queens of Business,” was held at G.L. Heritage Brewing Company last Thursday night. The event was co-organized by Jen Desjardin-Grondin and Laura D’Alessandro, co-owners of G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. and the River Town Times respectively.
“It was our first and and we’re hoping to make it an annual event,” said D’Alessandro.
A total of 20 female business owners attended the invitation-only event. D’Alessandro said they pursued women from different demographics and life experiences, from business owners to entrepreneurs. They shared what they learned and what they hoped to accomplish.
There, the guests were able to network with each other, brainstorm and share their experiences in small groups. Participants partnered up and were given the opportunity to talk and share information for ten minutes before moving on to another question. The guests also listened to guest speaker Nancy Labombard, owner of LA’romatherapist. Labombard, a certified aromatherapist and aromatic massage therapist, shared ways for women to achieve a better work/life balance and promoted overall wellness. The food at the event was provided by The Hub catering service and all proceeds were donated to Hiatus House. The “Queens of Business” International Women’s Day in Amherstburg raised approximately $450 for the cause.
Hiatus House’s fundraising and development co-ordinator Maggie Durocher was also on hand to speak about the work her organization does and the goals they hope to achieve.
D’Alessandro said they wanted to involve small business and ensure women managing them stay connected. She added supporting local means supporting everything local.
“Whatever business you have as a woman, we all often face the same challenges,” she said.
In addition to the International Women’s Day becoming annual, there is the possibility there could be similar events throughout the year. Women who attended last Thursday night agreed it shouldn’t be just a once-a-year thing.
“It should be something we do even more,” she said.
“Our first annual gathering to honour International Women’s Day was extraordinary! Some really incredible women from various backgrounds gathered with the collective desire to listen, share, learn and grow. The room was filled with like-minded women eager to network and engage in interactive activities and, most importantly, meaningful discussion,” Desjardins-Grondin added. “The focus was on empowering each other by sharing experiences which reflect both challenges and resiliency.”
Desjardins-Grondin added their “insightful speakers shared incredible messages and advice we will carry into our work and personal lives.” She called last Thursday evening “both fun and powerful,” and said many of the women in attendance walked out as new friends and community collaborators.
“I was pleased to co-host this inaugural event with Laura D’Alessandro from River Town Times, as it fits perfectly with our focus at GL Heritage to bring people together for impactful and memorable experiences,” Desjardins-Grondin explained. “We are also grateful for generous donations from great Amherstburg businesses: The Hub Catering Co, The Point Wellness Spa, and LA’romatherapist. I am really looking forward to next year!”
For more information about the services that Hiatus House offers and how to donate, please visit their website at www.hiatushouse.com.
Another International Women’s Day event was held last Saturday night in Windsor. That one was organized by Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) with it being a gala at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. Hundreds attended, including executives and representatives from corporations, small business, government, banking, industry, labour, and non-profit groups. The keynote speaker was Harriet Thornhill, a former RBC Executive, and Chancellor of Tyndale University.
The Journey Towards Success Awards were presented, with those awards created to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations in Windsor-Essex that support WEST, their mission and assist women on their journey towards success. The 2025 winners were Erin Gouin (Phenomenal Woman Award), ES Consulting (New Partnership Award), Aruna Koushik (Sisterhood Award), Kristi Koutros (Youth Community Leadership Award), Kaitlyn Ellsworth (The Visionary Award), Maria Ford-Conliffe (Influencer Award), Herma Brown (Perseverance Award), Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (Daphne V. Clarke Trailblazer Award), Mike Hicks (DEI – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award) and AIS Technologies Group (Accelerate Action Award).
The theme for WEST’s gala last weekend was #AccelerateAction.
International Women's Day events held in Amherstburg and Windsor
By Noah Paquette and Ron Giofu
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