Tollgate Technological Skills Centre
A vibrant celebration of strength took place on April 7.
At the Celebrating Women gathering, staff and students from secondary schools across the district joined to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and to shed light on efforts to advance gender equity.
Director of Education Dr. JoAnna Roberto, PhD, spoke on celebrating the strength, leadership, and potential of young women in our school community and the importance of lifting one another. "This year, the United Nations' theme for International Women’s Day is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls. We must stand up for one another, we must support one another, but we must recognize that where we are now and where we move is how we set the course for everybody who comes after us."
Following opening remarks, Roberto hosted a student panel featuring Hira Fasih, student at Paris District High School, Mistura Adewumi, student at Brantford Collegiate Institute, Harnoor Kaur Chahal, student at North Park Collegiate, Manal Serajee, student at Cayuga Secondary, and Ravreet Sharia, student at North Park Collegiate. The students shared meaningful advice on their perspectives on leadership, inspiration, celebrating connection and voice.
As a Black Muslim woman from Africa, being here is an amazing opportunity and attributing strength from her teach in the audience who has been a role model. I've seen firsthand what it can look like when women don't receive justice and the rights they deserve," shared Adewumi. "The impact can be devastating.”
Other presenters included Khadijah Patel, elementary educator, Mary George, social worker, Tracy Winkworth, chef and business owner, Danielle VanEvery, Six Nations advisor, Andrea Murray, president of the Ontario Secondary Schools Teacher Federation, Jean Samuel, equity consultant and business owner, and Maria Zacharias, Norfolk community liaison.
The women, referred to at the event as 'human libraries' for their wealth of knowledge, spoke on their journey through their education and careers, and hosted discussions and activities for students to learn more about their pathway. Students also had a chance to network with Grand Erie leaders, presenters and fellow students.
"The Celebrating Women event advanced Grand Erie's commitment to student voice, equity, well-being, inclusion and belonging by creating opportunities for students to learn alongside and from women whose lived experiences reflect courage, resilience and leadership," explained Atala Andratis, System Leader of International Education, Equity and Multi-Language Learning.
"We honoured the contributions of women who paved the way, and inspired students to see themselves as capable, valued and empowered learners," Lisa Munro, Associate Director of Curriculum and Student Achievement.
Recognizing women’s achievements and acknowledging the work still ahead is an important part of Grand Erie's commitment to building a more welcoming and accessible future.
