Advancing Equity and Leadership Through Women’s History Month “Give to Gain” Community Initiatives in Alberta

Programming example

March is a special month for women. A time to celebrate International Women’s History Month and International Women's Day, honouring the contributions of women past and present, while continuing the push for gender equality.

This year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” came to life in the spaces I was part of this month.

And the reminder of “Give to Gain” showed up not as a concept but as action.

Through BelongInclusivity, we participated in meaningful initiatives, some we hosted with organizations like Alberta Travel Living Inc. and EPIC Alberta that share the principle of equality, equity and empowerment; others we supported alongside community, student, and grassroots organizations: The Ripple Effect: Stories of Giving & Gaining WEW UOA – Unapologetically Her Pagbabahagi ADA Hacks St. Albert Interfaith Group

Each space was different.

But the thread was the same: women and men showing up to give, and in doing so, shaping what comes next.

What stayed with me: • Shared stories create courage and connection • Community is built through contribution • Leadership isn’t always loud: mentoring, volunteering, creating space, and advocating for someone when they’re not in the room • Change is built in everyday actions, not just big moments

Grateful to the speakers, community supporters, and volunteers who made each of these spaces possible.

As we close the month, my hope is this: Let’s not leave this in March.

Let’s keep living Give to Gain: in how we lead, support, and show up for others and create a better, equitable, and sustainable future.

Because real impact happens when we keep going.

#InternationalWomensMonth #WomensHistoryMonth #GiveToGain #WomenInLeadership #BelongInclusivity #CommunityImpact #YEG #WomenSupportingWomenAnn NGUYEN, MBA, Khemmarin (Rita) Bamrungwonguthai, Saeedeh Ghaemmaghami, Dawn Osland (Osland Medical Billing Tools Inc.) Gail Powley, Amanda Chin, Avril Maina, SWP, Prosci®, Rhoda Lalog Chris Javier Ida Lucila Giselle General Pritika Vasandani Melrita Cyriac Czarina Concepcion Nicole Rodriguez, MSc Kleinberg Fernandez Ting Pimentel Elger, CFRE, RYT Jerica Drueco

Communities

• Women

Observances

• International Women's Day
• Women's History Month

Formats

• Unique Format
• Internal Event
• Speaker Presentation

Goals

• Grow