Morden Chamber of Commerce and 500 Stephen Street Community Centre hosted a sold-out lunch for International Women's Day Friday afternoon.
Chamber Executive Director Clare Agnew said it was an awesome event with women sharing their stories and inspiring and encouraging one another.
"We have so many amazing women in our area in Morden that can inspire other women and I think the goal was to just keep supporting each other in our journey, whatever that might be. And then we had hosted it at 500 Stephen Street, so, it was a a great community venue to show people that we have this other gathering spot in our area."
Agnew enjoyed the energy in the room watching women visiting, hugging and meeting new people and reconnecting with friends.
Guest speaker and Morden Collegiate Principal and Directrice Tania Siguardson said her theme for the day was "representation" and the journey today, the women who came before, and those who will come after us.
Siguardson said in a profession where 70% of teachers are women, the statistics in 2008 were only approximately 30% are administration in schools. She said it is great to see this not the case in the Pembina Valley.
"One of my opening pieces was about all the female high school principals in the Pembina Valley and I would encourage people to recognize that. It amazes me that I get to work with these amazing women in sort of a nontraditional female role, and here in Southern Manitoba, it is the role that women fill. So, that was pretty exciting to share with everybody."
Former owner of Marni Luhu home and gift store, specializing in hand crafted jewelry, Marla Fehr-Sinclair shared her indirect path to entrepreneurship.
"I shared today that life is full of ups and downs and things that are out of our control, and yet I think still, I'm a good example of how things can go your way with a lot of hard work, great people around you, especially having amazing women in your life that helps support and cheer you on as you need it."
She encouraged people to make themselves vulnerable, to share their stories to help someone else know they are not alone. She also said people should remember they are not too old to try something new, referring to her recent move to become a local realtor.
Cohost and Executive Director For 500 Stephen Street Community Centre Jenna Warkentine was happy to host the event with the chamber, bringing women together to celebrate one another.
"It was really nice to see everybody coming in and gathering and mingling with each other. There were people that I didn't expect would come and they were here. People of all different backgrounds, different situations, and just being able to listen to the two speakers and hear that they struggle, and they have made it through, and all of us women are in this together and we can support each other. It was just cool to have that energy flowing in here."
The next event will be Inspire Wellness event on April 30 with guest speaker will be Caroline Bitton, Nurse Practitioner.