Message from the President
Dear members of IWF Canada,
Such busy and exciting times for IWF Canada and what a better way to start the New Year than with the launch of our new IWF Canada website!
We hope you will enjoy navigating and exploring our new site and discovering the many aspects of IWF, including ways to find out what is going on where, the programs, the conferences, and general news. The design is current, vibrant with easy access to content and information. You will find the section 'Chapter Events' on the home page in chronological order; a click will take you to the private section of the web for members only where you can find out all the details of the event - so if your travels take you across Canada, be sure to check out the events and meet up with your IWF colleagues- you are always welcome.
I wish to thank Leslie Quinton, our national communications director, who championed the web renewal process and continues to spearhead this project and Marilyn Mirabelli who worked closely alongside as well as the many contributors who gave their valuable time and insights. This was a huge task – a collaborative effort..and many hours of volunteered time.
IWF Canada, with its seven vibrant Chapters and nearly 400 members across the country, continues to focus on leadership development, networking, mentorship and new initiatives to further connect, build relationships, share and provide a sense of relevance.
Your voice has been heard. From your Chapter Presidents, the many committee meetings as well as at the last AGM, your Board has established the following priorities going forward:
- Connectivity within and between Chapters through programs and events, through our new website and conferences where we can meet and get to know our fellow members in a more meaningful way.
- Engagement because we are the sum of our parts and by participating in various ways and investing our time, we get so much more from the organization.
- Promotion of Women leaders through Chapter initiatives such as our Mentorship programs and our incredible Leadership Program. Check out the section on the website to see the breadth and scope.
- Relevance – by developing initiatives and programs that make a difference, providing value and satisfaction. We have formed a new Strategic Planning and Development Committee, with representatives from each Chapter. This committee is working hard and pooling ideas to decide on how we can collectively make a difference and develop an IWF Canada legacy project that translates ideas into action.
And finally, FUN underlying all our work! We must not forget to have fun in the process. We will always be grateful for the time and energy you give to IWF Canada, but the journey must be fun as well as rewarding. The common objective is to share laughter.
We also continue to grow in attendance at our International Leadership and Cornerstone Conferences – recently in Washington D.C. and in Rome last Spring– experiencing firsthand the power of such conferences, the networking with incredible women from around the world , the exchanging of ideas and the opportunity to come home inspired. Coming up next in 2012: Rabat, Morocco in May and San Francisco in October!
We are very proud to have 6 Canadian Fellows in the class 2011-2012 Leadership Foundation Program of which 2 were sponsored by IWF Canada. Members attending the Washington Conference had the pleasure of meeting them at the Canada Cocktail held at the Canadian Embassy in the presence of our most charming Ambassador Gary Doer.
I am delighted to let you know the 2012 IWF Canada AGM will take place in Stratford, Ontario, June 14-15, 2012. A central location during the time of the Stratford Festival and the Waterloo and the Region Chapter are hard at work organizing an 'event' that will rival any IWF gathering. Be sure to sign up and book your room soonest. More details will follow and check the website.
I would like to thank our Board members for their active participation, the committee members and the Chapter executives for their engagement and shared vision.
In closing, I wish to extend to all of you a Happy New Year filled with purpose, peace, inspiration and health.
All the best,
