Inspiring Municipal Women's Forum

Who Does She Think She Is?

Thursday, March 6 | 8:30am - 3:45pm

In-Person at the Audley Recreation Centre Community Hall & Virtual via Zoom

In-Person Price: $245.00 +HST
Virtual Price: $185.00 +HST

Please note: registration for the Forum is now closed. Thank you to all who joined us in celebration of International Women's Day.

The Inspiring Municipal Women's Forum celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in municipal government in recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8. Open to everyone, this Forum highlights the leadership, resilience, and innovation of women across Ontario’s municipalities, showcasing diverse perspectives from those in various roles. Attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering female empowerment, building supportive networks, and learning from the challenges and successes of others. By coming together, participants will leave inspired to champion gender equity, support one another, and strengthen their impact within their communities and beyond.

Agenda

Agenda times subject to change.

Through thought-provoking insights, attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own leadership journeys, identify the passions that drive them, and embrace the strengths that make them unique. This session will also emphasize the power of authenticity in unleashing true potential, inspiring participants to lead with confidence and resilience. Whether you are just beginning your leadership path or seeking to deepen your impact, this session will empower you to navigate your journey with clarity, passion, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Presented by:

Ann Mitchell
Chief Administrative Officer/City Manager, City of Medicine Hat
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is Accelerate Action. It is a worldwide call to share strategies, resources, activities and steps needed to achieve gender equality.
At the City of Ottawa, women make up more than half of the executive team, working in non-traditional roles. Join city leaders Wendy Stephanson and Caitlin Salter MacDonald for a conversation about their career journeys, experiences, challenges and obstacles. Find out why and how they got to where they are, what continues to inspire and drive them as senior leaders in municipal government.
Presented by:
Tammy Rose
General Manager, Infrastucture and Water Services, City of Ottawa
Caitlin Salter MacDonald
City Clerk, City of Ottawa
Wendy Stephanson
City Manager, City of Ottawa
Entering 2025, there is a noticeable geo-political shift that’s occurred with an increase of incivility, far right activism, online hate speech and harassment, and the targeting of groups based on race, sexual orientation, and gender. How did we get here? This panel discussion will share reflections and insights on how the current political climate came to be and how we can work collaboratively to create a positive culture change. Through storytelling, panelists will discuss the importance of allyship as an effective way to combat hate and encourage inclusivity. We’ll discuss what it means to be a good ally and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.
Presented by:
Andrea Coyne
Manager, Elections, Policy, Print Services, Town of Oakville
Sabine Matheson
Principal/Legal Counsel, StrategyCorp Inc.
Aretha Phillip
Chief of Protocol, City of Toronto
Connect with like-minded colleagues from across Ontario in this facilitated networking session, hosted by our Inspiring Municipal Women’s Forum Focus Group. Share your ideas about how to support women and other minority groups in the sector, meet new colleagues, and expand your professional network. This is an optional activity with the aim of fostering positive relationship-building, new connections and support – we encourage you to bring your business cards or have your LinkedIn ready.
Join Amy and Kelli in an honest and inspiring session designed for women in the municipal sector. Together, they’ll unpack the hidden challenges of juggling professional responsibilities with personal demands while addressing the stigma surrounding burnout and work-life balance. They will offer insights on fostering resilience amidst competing priorities and share actionable strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and finding harmony in your dual roles. Amy will also delve into best practices for cultivating an organizational culture where women feel supported in achieving balance without being perceived as ‘less than’. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools, connect with peers, and come away inspired to reclaim your time, energy, and well-being.
Presented by:
Kelli Campeau
General Manager of Corporate Services/Clerk, Township of South Glengarry
Amy Smith
Director of Human Resources, Oxford County
Managing relationships can be a ride - smooth and enjoyable or hold on for your life terrifying. This session will focus on the ups and downs of managing productive and respectful professional relationships. We’ll dive into how to have and survive those courageous conversations that are occasionally required to move the dial forward while at the same time protecting your mental health.
Presented by:
Krista Power
City Clerk, City of Thunder Bay
This session explores the power of a growth mindset in building resilience and overcoming life’s challenges. Through compelling examples and practical insights, participants will learn how to transform tough moments into opportunities for personal and professional growth. Designed for municipal sector employees and leaders, this session highlights actionable strategies to navigate adversity, turning setbacks into stepping stones and emerging stronger. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to thrive in the face of challenges, fostering a mindset that empowers them to succeed, no matter the circumstances.
Presented by:
Colleen James
Regional Councillor, Region of Waterloo,
CEO, Divonify Incorporated

Speakers

Forum Student Passes

We are proud to offer eight free passes (per Forum) to AMCTO Student Members on a first-come, first-served basis. Forums are a great way to connect with professionals from across Ontario and learn practical takeaways from subject matter experts. The deadline to apply for a student pass to attend the Inspiring Municipal Women's Forum is Thursday, February 20.

Apply for a Forum Student Pass