CFUW St. Catharines Launches Speakers Series on Sept. 10
A panel discussion focused on “Women in the Ontario Grape and Wine Industry: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” kicks off the CFUW St. Catharines Speakers Series on Sept. 10, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Gemini Room, Club Roma. The event is moderated by Jennifer Wilhelm, an author with 30 years experience in the agritourism and hospitality sectors.
Wilhelm is joined by Donna Lailey, first female Grape King; Kelly Mason, grape grower and Ontario Winemaker of the Year 2024; Allison Findlay, Winemaker, Niagara College Teaching Winery and Brooke Husband, Assistant Winemaker. The participants, industry trailblazers, will share how women’s roles and influence have evolved; their contributions; the challenges overcome; the value of mentorship and community; and future prospects.
The multi-generation panel of women is an occasion for a comprehensive conversation about the evolution of the industry. The discussion format promotes the sharing of transformative lessons, wisdom, values, and knowledge, while celebrating and fostering conscientious leadership. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for students on Eventbrite.
In addition to fundraising to sustain high school and post-secondary scholarships, the Club offers opportunities for personal growth, new friendships, social activism and community volunteerism. With over 200 members, the Club remains committed to “Realizing Potential. For All Women.”, while providing ample choices for working towards equality and social justice through continuous learning and empowerment.
Quotes:
“These exemplary women have made it a personal practice to lead by example and lift the people around them as they rise. Their inspiring experiences encourage us to be resilient, innovative, and live to our fullest potential. We are stronger individually and collectively when we come together to collaborate, share, and support one another,” said Jennifer Wilhelm, author of “Sharing a Glass: Inspirational Memoirs & Memories of the Women Who Shaped Ontario’s Grape & Wine Industry”.
“With their stories woven together like vines forming a sturdy basket, we’ll learn how one of our Club’s primary objectives of “Realizing Potential. For All Women.” is realized by the panelists as they share how they’ve been supported, and now serve as mentors to other dynamic women. Within these stories are lessons our Club can incorporate and share with the 95 others across Canada,” said Christine Marks, Club President.
About CFUW St. Catharines
CFUW St. Catharines has over 200 members and promotes equality, social justice, friendship and life-long learning. Established in 1921, it is a volunteer, self-funded, non-partisan, non-profit organization raising funds for young women’s post-secondary scholarships and local agencies serving women and children. We are one of approximately 95 clubs across Canada that are members of CFUW National, which also supports international efforts to improve the lives of girls and women world-wide. All women who support our organization’s goals are invited to join, with or without a post-secondary education. Browse through our website for more information about our club and this event..