This week, as part of our Bay Ward International Women’s Day virtual celebration, we hosted an exceptional panel of women who shared their experiences in living up to this year’s IWD theme: ‘Inspiring Inclusion.’ Our guests included multi-sport Olympian Sue Holloway, Judy Dudley, Chair of Britannia Winter Trails, Heritage Davidson, a member of the Student Executive Council and Black Student Council at Notre Dame High School, and Rawan Elagami, a member of the Ottawa Catholic School Board Senate and a leader in Equity and Inclusion at Notre Dame High School.

During our engaging discussion, each panelist shared how they’ve contributed to inspiring inclusion. Sue Holloway, leveraging her remarkable career as a high-performance athlete in both summer and winter Olympics, motivates and encourages many to embrace physical activity, regardless of their abilities. This is especially crucial for women, who often need more encouragement to integrate fitness into their lives, benefiting not only their physical health but also their mental well-being.
Judy Dudley shared with us her efforts to introduce cross-country skiing to adults and children who had never experienced it before, providing them with an opportunity to enjoy the winter outdoors and socializing with community members instead of hibernating. The Britannia Winter Trails, despite the brief winter season this year, successfully offered residents a chance to appreciate the outdoors in their own community.
Rawan Elagami talked about the struggles endured by her own mother and family members and how they have worked to give her a better life. She expressed her commitment to fostering a sense of inclusion in pursuing higher education, aiming to extend love and support to others through leadership roles within school and beyond.
Heritage Davidson recounted her journey as a new Canadian, working hard to achieve success academically and athletically, expressing gratitude for her family’s unwavering support. Both Rawan and Heritage serve as inspirations, setting ambitious goals for themselves while uplifting others along the way.
The event was recorded so if you missed it or attended but would like to revisit the panel discussion you can go to my YouTube Channel here.
Our community is fortunate to have such inspiring women who remind us that everyone has something to offer by showcasing their strengths. I extend my gratitude to all who joined us for a wonderful evening of sharing, demonstrating how we can be an inspiration by contributing to our communities or simply by accepting and welcoming others. Happy International Women’s Day, everyone!”