The Women’s Rural Resource Centre (WRRC) — an emergency shelter in Strathroy for women aged 16 years or older with or without children who have decided to leave an abusive relationship or need respite — provides residential and non-residential support. It is a safe place to stay for women experiencing various forms of abuse, with the length of stay depending on their individual needs.

WRRC’s services include, but are not limited to, safety planning, emotional support, help and advocacy for access to housing, legal and income assistance, abuse education, and safe school protocol for children. The first step in working with WRRC is a risk assessment to determine one’s needs, while women can either call for assistance or drop-in at the shelter if necessary.

Through the WRRC 24/7 HelpLine, support for women impacted by violence or any crisis is always there, with team members talking them through their options and discussing their immediate needs. As important as its programs and services are to support women, the ultimate goal of WRRC is to prevent and end gender-based violence.

If you wish to support WRRC, you are encouraged to donate online.

Donate: https://wrrcsa.org/donate/

Established in 1995, the PARO Centre For Women’s Enterprise (PARO) approach to supporting women is unique in that it meets women where they’re at. Whether its your geographic area, or where you are on your business journey, PARO’s programs and services are designed to support you where you are!

The primary mandate of PARO is focussed on delivering programs to enhance enterprise development and to provide for the development and support of peer lending circles. As of April 2023, the PARO Prosper Circles Program spread its wings across 7 provinces, igniting the entrepreneurial spirit of Canadians in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Programs and services include the Prosper Circles Peer Support and Microlending Program, Business Advisory services, featuring the dynamic PARO GoForth on-demand learning experience, BIZCamps designed to fire up Foodpreneurs, gear up to investment readiness, and champion the Green Economy, plus many more options. Reach out to PARO today to determine how they or their network of community partners may be of assistance or support!

Donate: https://paro.ca/donate/

Nokee Kwe is a charitable non-profit organization that supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and adults in London and the surrounding community with employment, training, and transitional services. Nokee Kwe helps its clients overcome barriers and challenges in their career and life journeys, such as unemployment, low education, poverty, discrimination, and trauma. Programs and services, include but are not limited to resume writing, job search, skills development, literacy and numeracy, cultural awareness, and personal wellness.

Positive Voice is a Pillar Non-Profit Network award winning, innovative, professional development, and bridging program established by Nokee Kwe in 2016. It is all about indigenous women, 18 years and older, creating positive personal narratives and community connections. Participants learn about social and digital media, photography and writing positive narratives. The content created is shared through digital and print materials, which empowers the participants by amplifying their message. The program hosts community workshops with participants on a variety of topics, including art and wellness.

Nokee Kwe’s mission is to foster a positive sense of identity and belonging among its clients and to celebrate the diversity and resilience of Indigenous cultures and histories. To learn more about Nokee Kwe and how to get involved, visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIN.

Donate: https://nokeekwe.ca/donate

Libro Credit Union is a full-service financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its customer-owners and communities. Libro is the largest credit union in southwestern Ontario that earns 100% of its revenue and reinvests 100% of its profits within the region. As a co-operative financial institution with more than 80 years of history, it supports the wellbeing of the people, businesses, and communities it serves.

Libro has a purpose beyond profit. The four primary focus areas for Libro include financial resilience, employment, local food accessibility, and housing across southwestern Ontario. As a Certified B Corporation, Libro meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Libro offers a full range of financial products and services, including savings and chequing, investing, and borrowing. One of Libro’s distinct characteristics is personalized financial coaching, helping its clients achieve prosperity regardless of how they define it. Clients experience these services through 36 branches, online, telephone, mobile devices and a network of over 4,000 ATMs across Canada.

Introducing Libro Credit Union

We Can Help You Navigate the Complexities of Law

Life and business come with more choices, opportunities and complex challenges than ever before. How the law impacts you, your family, your business affairs and your health in this setting of wonderfully complicated chaos is equally profound.

To our minds, that leaves you two options: self-manage multiple legal partners and advisors to gain the specialization you need to juggle your affairs. Or choose a firm of specialists where the overlaps and complexities are considered for you in a coordinated, expert fashion.

Since 1932, Siskinds has been that firm of specialists serving individuals, families and businesses in southwestern Ontario and Canada from our offices in London, Sarnia, Toronto and Québec City. We’ve grown as the world around us has evolved.

Today, we are a team of over 240 lawyers and support staff covering personal, business, personal injury and class action law and over 25 specialized practice areas. As one, we are focused on helping you make the right legal choices, managing your legal affairs, connecting the dots where needed and generally making life a little less complex by making the expertise you need easier to access and use.

McFarlan Rowlands Insurance Brokers has a long standing history in the communities we serve and is able to trace its roots back to 1896. Over the years, our organization has grown through client referral, acquisitions, and strategic advertising.

In May 2023, we shared news of our new merge with McDougall Insurance Brokers, with the support of Definity Financial, which will maintain our brokerage model as we have historically - by prioritizing our clients, community presence with front line brokers available in smaller towns and cities, while strengthening our foothold throughout Southwestern Ontario.

At this time we have over 200 employees. To service our broad client base, we maintain 17 offices across Southwestern Ontario, with our head office located in London, Ontario. As a customer oriented brokerage we take pride in the service we provide to the vast array of businesses and individuals we insure.

With over 100 years in the insurance industry McFarlan Rowlands has the experience and industry presence to offer our clients coverages and features that are unavailable to the average brokerage. We balance the resources of leading insurance providers with the personal touch our clients expect.

Locations in: London, Aylmer, Delhi, Dorchester, Ingersoll, Kitchener, Langton, Norwich, Port Stanley, Sarnia, Strathroy, St. Thomas, Tavistock, Thamesford & Tillsonburg

The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board is dedicated to equipping stakeholders with high-quality labour market information to foster a thriving and sustainable economy. Our primary objective is to enhance the synergy of community efforts in addressing labour market challenges and requirements. One example is through coordinating the annual EmployerONE Survey.

As a member of the Workforce Planning Ontario network, comprising 26 organizations provincewide, the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board plays a pivotal role in shaping labour market strategies and initiatives at the provincial level.

Angels Childcare was the recipient of the 2022/23 Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Community Futures Ontario (CFO ) Provincial Conference held in Ottawa (April 30 – May 3 2023).

Mostafa Heikal and his wife, Noura Elbeially, immigrated from Egypt to Canada in 2015. After choosing to settle in London to raise their family in early 2019, they quickly determined that an “unmet need” existed for convenient and affordable childcare services within the region. At the time, approximately 97% of local childcare centers had families on wait lists for at least 6 months. They believed there could be a better solution and began to investigate options.

They opened their first licensed childcare facility in a vacant church in a rural community outside the City of London in December of 2019. The pandemic hit in March of 2020 forcing its closure for 3 months during the lockdown. By the end of 2022, Angels had opened four new licensed childcare facilities, creating more than 248 childcare spots and employing more than 60 people. Their annual payroll has grown to more than $2.5 million and they have a waitlist of 1000 families actively looking for a childcare solution.

Angels remain committed to creation of new childcare spots and offering meaningful career opportunities for individuals with an interest in working within the early childhood education sector.

Locations in: Arva, Thorndale, Komoka and Sarnia

Video – WOCF – Video Success Story – Angels Childcare - https://youtu.be/LwlcigbE8Ks?si=7mxqi0Bk03uqhQJR

Video – CF Ontario 2022/23 Entrepreneur of the Year – Angels Childcare: https://youtu.be/QD7UgsR_5rw?si=VtPxCUwznnCZGOz1

Let It Brie is a locally sourced charcuterie company servicing Glencoe and surrounding areas!

Let It Brie specializes in bringing your grazing box and charcuterie board dreams to life, and also offers custom orders upon request! Please contact to place an order or for any other inquiries!

letitbrie.erin@gmail.com

Dessert First Bakery Café is located on the Main Street of Lucan. At the heart of Dessert First is Laura, the passionate baker behind the magic. Baking has been her lifelong passion and she brings that devotion to every treat that she creates. Everything is made from scratch and there is something to satisfy every craving. If you are ever passing through Lucan, stop in and find out for yourself!

dessertfirstbakerycafe@gmail.com

Nestled in the heart of downtown Strathroy, Muggs Coffeebar and Clayroom is the local destination for coffee and creativity. Our warm and welcoming shop includes a full-service coffeebar, fresh and hearty food options, a giftshop, a creative studio and a cozy space to sit and enjoy it all. We take pride in our hometown and support local wherever possible by sourcing local small businesses to retail in our café and gift shop, sourcing local ingredients and products wherever possible, such as O-Joe’s Coffee, roasted and ground in-house. Our clayroom offers a variety of pottery workshop options for individuals or groups.

muggscoffeebar@gmail.com

Proof Line Farm Creamery and Farm Market in Ilderton, Ontario opened its doors to the public on December 9, 2023. This delightful family farm located just 5 minutes north of London, ON, offers a variety of fresh, local products. They sell non-homogenized, full-fat milk (white and chocolate), non-dairy sorbet, eggs, beef and other seasonal foods from their farm. Their artisan gelato, made right on the farm, is a must-try! Whether you’re craving gelato, need farm-fresh ingredients or simply want to support local. Proof Line Farm welcomes you with open arms.

info@prooflinefarm.ca

Generations Cider Co. was established by Gregory and Colleen Crunican, siblings who represent the fifth generation of the Crunican Orchards family. They currently offer a selection of three cider varieties: 1910 Original (dry), Fifth Branch (off-dry), and Back Forty (hopped). Their guiding slogan, “Rooted in tradition, flourishing through generations,” underpins their mission - to integrate traditions from past generations, while simultaneously establishing their own unique path to success.

generationsciderco@gmail.com

NE1 Spirits is an Ontario craft distillery cofounded by Brendan and Andrea Jones from Mt Brydges, ON. Both have a background and experience in alcohol sales and the hospitality sector. Their goal has been to establish a new alcohol brand that is approachable, friendly, caring and honest. NE1 Spirits wants to be a part of the memories created through social gatherings for celebrations, anniversaries, unity and community. Current product offerings: vodka, gin, rum, an assortment of drink kits and ready-to-drink canned cocktails. All products are small batch distilled in the heart of Ontario, using only the finest of Canadian ingredients and the purest of water.

info@ne1spirits.com

Heeman’s was founded way back in 1963 by two immigrants who took a risk and moved to Canada and started a family and a business. We’ve grown to serve our community, but Heeman’s remains family-owned and operated, now in our 3rd generation. We’re focused on making our Space Your Happy place as your preferred destination for all gardening and berry needs. We focus on providing the best quality product at the best value for your dollar. We are proud to grow so many crops, from our annual flowers to the delicious strawberries we’re famous for. Growing them on our farm and in our greenhouses means we ensure the best quality at a fair price. We invite you to come for a visit, speak with our knowledgeable Daymakers staff and see why so many fans call us their ‘Happy Place’.

Little Brown Farm is your local lavender and fresh cut flower farm. We work hard to grow the highest quality blooms, using eco-friendly practices. Our farm is more than just a small business. It is a place of inspiration and connection to the natural world and each other.

littlebrownfarmlavender@gmail.ca

Marry Curry is a local freelance fashion designer and artist that creates high-quality clothing in styles that enhance the natural beauty of women throughout their life story. INDUBITABLY thrives on sustainably sourced materials, no overproduction, slow fashion to reduce environmental impact. Get the right fit, in the style that you can wear threadbare.

mary@indubitablyofficial.com

Village Publication Spotlight

Let’s Make Awesome Things, Together! Whether you are just starting out in social media, need a website, content refresh, marketing plan, or social media management, let Social Edge Marketing help you create an experience designed to inform, engage, and delight!

myFM 105.7 Strathroy is more than just a radio station. We are a part of your community, supporting local businesses, events, charities, and causes. We are always looking for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of our listeners and neighbors. We invite you to join us in celebrating the diversity, culture, and spirit of our region.

Listen Live Here

2024 IWD Commercial with Emm Gryner:

Your Local Community Magazines

Hi, My Name is Nicole! I’m a wife and mama of 4 kiddos! I’ve been photographing my kids, friends and family for years and finally decided I will follow my passion! I love capturing real moments, unexpected glances, smiles and emotions. I love telling stories and documenting moments beyond “say cheese”. Our family loves getting outdoors, riding horses, hiking, camping and spending time in our garden! I’m so glad you’re here, and hope soon enough I get to meet you, and we can capture some beautiful memories together!

Tractus Events produces online and hybrid events for some of Canada’s leading brands. We develop event technology so our clients can execute profitable and memorable events.

We’re out to challenge the idea that “online events are just cheap recreations of in-person events,” and that networking can only happen in person. We believe that events are the best way to create thought leadership. We’re ready to help you bring your event vision to life.

The Middlesex Workforce Development Partnership supports the local community around its everyday concerns, through a leadership role, by helping with the identification and validation process of local labour market needs, issues, gaps, trends and opportunities. Most importantly, it engages local partners in a community-driven way to find solutions that contribute to improving the local labour market conditions for Middlesex County.

Strategic Plan 2023-2025

The Township of Lucan Biddulph is a rural picturesque farming community that includes the urban settlements of Lucan and Granton. It is centrally located in Southwestern Ontario, situated less than a half-hour from London.

A thriving, progressive and welcoming community that honours our rural roots and embraces our natural spaces. Our mission is to deliver the highest standard in municipal services in a sustainable, professional and innovative manner

FedDev Ontario delivers programs and services to support innovation and economic growth in southern Ontario—Canada’s most populous region.

Susan Judd was born and raised on a strawberry and dairy farm in Norfolk County. She had an appreciation for the lifestyle but never envisioned herself as a farmer. She attended Western University where she obtained a degree in Management and Organizational Studies and a diploma in Not-for-Profit Management. During this time, she developed a passion for home grown, locally crafted beverages that led her to co-found Ride the Bine in 2017. Ride the Bine offered guided tours of the emerging wine, craft beer and cideries located within rural Norfolk County. It has become one of the top-rated craft beverage tour experiences expanding their service to include other rural and urban communities. Susan was identified on London’s List of Top 20 in their 20s in 2019, Top 40 Under 40 at American Horticultural Society Cultivate and Top 4 Under 40 by Fruit & Vegetables Magazine in 2021. Certified as a Level 1 Pommerlier, Susan is the Front End Manager for Heeman’s Greenhouse & Garden Centre, strawberry farm, cidery and meadery. Heeman’s is her partner Tom’s third generation family farm creating memorable local experiences for its visitors just outside the City of London in the rural Municipality of Thames Centre.

Alla Shevchuk immigrated to Canada with her husband and family of three children as temporary residents following the full-scale invasion of the Ukraine by Russia in February of 2022. Upon arrival in Canada, along with an estimated two dozen Ukrainians found refuge in the small rural community of Strathroy, ON. A community with a history of attracting immigration from other countries such as Portugal and Holland. Aside from learning a new language, finding employment as an immigrant can prove challenging as prior training, education and experience is not always recognized without further certification or validation at a cost. Alla recognized that becoming an active participant in the community could help her to overcome these barriers and generate potential new opportunities for herself. She volunteered in various capacities becoming an honorary member of the Royal Canadian Legion, participating in the local Rotary Club, schools, nursing homes and other local charities. Alla’s Perogies and Bakery Café officially opened its’ doors within Downtown Strathroy in 2023. Alla prepares and serves traditional Ukrainian cuisine, including among other things freshly prepared perogies, dumplings, cabbage rolls, borsch, dessert, and beverages. Alla can host up to 11 guests in her café, hosts meals for workplaces and participates in local markets. Opening this new business would not of have been possible without the support obtained from new friends and the acquaintances she has made within the community. For that she is thankful!

Deb McCoy is the owner of Fresh Skin Therapy offering professional aesthetic services in Dorchester and the surrounding area. She is proud to offer a welcoming environment where every client feels valued and respected, regardless of age, gender, or background. In 2014 Deb was involved in a serious life changing car accident that resulted in her being diagnosed with a heart and pulmonary lung disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension. Her disability meant she was unable to return to her previous leadership role and no longer able to live a “normal” life. Deb has learned to focus on the things she can do, instead of the things she can’t. She has poured her energy into creating a home-based business which allows her to prioritize and manage her health while also creating an income stream. It’s a place where I can share my knowledge and love of skin care and aesthetic treatments. Taking care of people is something I can and love to do. I’m proud when someone leaves feeling great!

Dallas Barnes is the Founder and CEO of a digital technology platform startup called Reya Health. Femtech is a term coined to describe the significant market opportunities that exist for innovation and disruption in women’s health. Reya Health is a company founded by a birth control user for the users of birth control. The digital technology platform and smart algorithms help users make the right birth control decisions for their own personal health and well-being. Since founding Reya Health, Dallas has become a reproductive rights and sexual health advocate and has participated in workshops, spoke at events and delivered keynote speeches on these topics. Dallas graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia, has prior experience as a business coach for indigenous entrepreneurs, is currently serving as a mentor for StartUp Canada Women, sits on the board of Femtech Canada and is co-president of StartOut Canada, a non-profit dedicated to supporting queer and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. When not working on scaling up her company, Dallas is a resident of Middlesex Centre and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Cathy Burghardt-Jesson is currently Mayor for the Township of Lucan-Biddulph and Deputy Warden for Middlesex County. She has been in the role of Mayor since 2014, previously served as Deputy Mayor from 2010 to 2014 and three consecutive one terms as the Warden of Middlesex County from 2020 to 2023. Cathy is a dedicated politician, community volunteer and champion having led and contributed to the work of various boards and committees charged with planning for municipal infrastructure and services, community economic development, the hosting of events and community-based campaigns for fundraising. She was a Founding Member of the Middlesex County Women’s Caucus (MCWC), has supported regional initiatives to encourage more women to pursue an active leadership role both in politics and their community and recently returned from an international trip to Cambodia where she participated in a Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) sponsored Partnerships for Municipal Innovation (PMI) - Women-In-Local-Leadership (WILL) project in Cambodia with her colleagues and peers from across all of Canada. The common objective for all these initiatives has been to foster greater diversity and social inclusion for women. On a personal level, Cathy is the mother of four adult children and one pandemic pup, a crafter, home cook, baker, swimmer, walker, yoga enthusiast, aspiring gardener that has recently announced her intention to leave her current post and pursue a seat at a higher level of government.

Sheri Doxtator is a Matriarchal Influencer with her consulting business Doxtator Enterprises and currently the Positive Voice Coordinator with Nokee Kwe. Sheri D is from the Turtle Clan and a citizen of the Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement (located in Ontario, Canada). Her educational training includes Mental Health and Addictions, Community Justice, Not-For-Profit Management, Fundraising, Spanish Studies, Indigenous Studies, Political Science and Business. She is an active community member, including roles such as a former elected Chief and Council member for Oneida Nation, various community committees and boards in the social sector. She also has substantial work experience, including Business Operations, Community Engagement, Workshop Facilitation, Master of Ceremonies, Fundraising, Economic/Business/Corporate Development, Peaceful Relations Supports, Wholistic Wellness Supports, Entrepreneurship, and Administration. Although Sheri D is extremely busy, her other interests include family time, watching NASCAR racing, photography, videography, volunteering, and travelling. She is a proud Haudenosaunee woman with a long history working for and with Indigenous Peoples.

Gitanjali Aggarwal is a Business Counsellor within Southwestern Ontario for the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, a not-for-profit organization supporting women entrepreneurs. Gitanjali [git-tan-ja-lee] is a name that comes from the Sanskrit language that means “collection of lyrics”. She is passionate about building communities and helping women achieve their personal and professional goals through mentoring, training, networking, and financing. She offers client specific guidance and support to inclusive and diverse women from rural, urban, and remote communities. This includes accessing resources, programs, supports, such as the PARO Prosper BIZCamps, the PARO Prosper Circles and the Women’s National Loan Fund. She is an entrepreneur herself with a background in Financial Consulting and Food/Tourism Industry. With a diverse background and passion for traveling, skydiving and food, her family including two children, Gitanjali is always ready to help individuals grow, thrive, succeed, and conquer their dreams.

A master of reinvention and living well, Emm finds her joy in unifying people everywhere with her infectious melodies, vibrant presence, and incredible live performances. An independent recording artist with a career that spans more than 25 years, Emm has 20+ albums. With three Juno-nominated albums and a best-selling book on Amazon about healing through singing, Emm Gryner is a force for good in the music industry. She continues to captivate audiences with her confident rocker energy, and her grounded, humorous approach to life. Emm’s many career highlights also include performing and touring the world with David Bowie and co-creating “Space Oddity” (2013) with astronaut Chris Hadfield the first music video made in outer space! Her most recent career highlight includes having her childhood idle band Def Leppard record her version of their song, Pour Some Sugar on Me. Emm is a proud Filipino-Canadian, advocating for women of colour and 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities.

Aina DeViet was first elected Mayor of Middlesex Centre (MXC) in 2018 after serving as a MXC councilor since 2010 and as a member of Middlesex County (MC) Council since 2016. As both the Mayor of MXC and Warden of Middlesex County, Aina sits on various Boards and committees within the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Middlesex-London Board of Health and other regionally focused organizations including the Western Fair District, the Western Ontario Wardens Caucaus (WOWC) and the Middlesex County Library. Municipally, she is serving as a Director on the Lake Huron Water Supply System and the Ilderton Medical Boards. Aina founded AiD Consulting Inc. in 2000 and spent almost two decades helping leaders of private, public and non-profit organizations to find and implement strategic solutions to their challenges. During this time, Aina has volunteered in governance, policy and advisory roles with organizations such as the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario Board, the London Economic Development Corporation and the Women’s Rural Resource Centre Board.

Lianne Rood is a two-term Conservative Member of Parliament for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex. She was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. Lianne’s experience as a farmer, entrepreneur, and in politics, has served her well as Member of Parliament. She draws on the knowledge she has gained and her work-ethic every day, to advocate for the people of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex. Under the Leadership of the Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Lianne currently serves as the Shadow Minister for Federal Economic Development Agency for Eastern, Central and Southern Ontario. Prior to that, Lianne served on the Conservative Leadership Team under the former Leader, the Hon. Candice Bergen as the Official Opposition Deputy Whip and Co-Chair of Question Period Planning. Lianne’s portfolios in Shadow Cabinet have included: Rural Economic Development and Rural Broadband Strategy (2021), Agriculture and Agri-Food (2020), and Deputy Shadow Minister (2019), for Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Heather Lalonde has been the Development Commissioner for the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc since December 2022. She started her career with the City of Peterborough where she held several roles leading up to her role in Economic Development which provided her with a sound overview on municipal government. In 1997, Heather took on the role of Chief Executive Officer for the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO). She was responsible for not only growing the membership, but creating and running programs such as Investment Readiness, Tourism Investment Readiness, Regional Research Program, 25 Annual Conferences, professional development events and launch of the My Mainstreet Program supported by Fed Dev Ontario. Heather attended Fleming College & University of Waterloo. She was one of the first Canadians to earn professional certification with the International Economic Development Council. She is a former Governor for St. Lawrence College, former Board member for the International Economic Development Council, adjudicator for the Invest Canada Community Initiatives and acted as a Liaison to Economic Developers Association of Canada, Province of Ontario, Ontario Business Improvement Area Association and Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, to name a few. Heather and her husband Michael are the proud parents of 5 daughters and 7 grandchildren and enjoy rural living, now in Strathroy!

Michele Sands has long history of Executive Leadership, Coaching and Business Development; and has worked in the not for profit and employment industries for 30 years! Her guiding mantra is simple ‘If you’re not having fun, then why are you doing it?’ As a passionate advocate for helping women it is Michele’s mission to help YOU unleash YOUR potential, ignite YOUR confidence and design YOUR ideal career! Michele is currently works towards addressing workforce challenges for rural Middlesex County employers and individuals as a Business Advisor/Job Coach for Community Employment Choices in Strathroy, Ontario and is the Founder, Career Design Coach and Strategist for Regal Insights.

The Honourable Filomena Tassi was first elected as Member of Parliament for the riding of Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas in 2015. She is currently the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (Fed Dev Ontario). She has previously served as Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Seniors. Born and raised in Hamilton, Minister Tassi has been the voice of change for families in the city through a lifetime of commitment to her community. Minister Tassi obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Western University, and also holds a Master of Religious Education from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. Minister Tassi practised law for six years before leaving to raise her family. She later became a high school chaplain for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. As chaplaincy leader, she helped establish the D.R.E.A.M.S. (Dominican Republic Education and Medical Support) program, which has enabled thousands of students to live and work with the materially poor in the Dominican Republic. Driven by her profound sense of civic duty, Minister Tassi has been highly involved in her community. She is a past board member of both St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Catholic Youth Organization, and has volunteered her time with other local initiatives and organizations. Minister Tassi served as a Catholic school board trustee, and was the recipient of the 2010 Brian J. Halferty Award, presented by the Catholic School Chaplains of Ontario for exemplary service. Minister Tassi, her husband, and two children live in the Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas riding.

Leanne Wiseman is the Small Business Manager with Libro Credit Union specializing in Small Business Banking. She oversees the Small Business Team in more than 30 Libro locations across six regions in southern Ontario. She has working in the financial services industry for 22 years in many different roles. 10 years ago, she started her journey with Libro Credit Union as a Small Business Specialist in the Huron-Perth region. She has extensive experience working with business owners in all stages of their business life cycle, through financial coaching and by offering the right products and services to help Libro Owners manage and grow their businesses. She is passionate about small business, specifically startups and female entrepreneurship.