As International Women's Day approaches on March 8th, the Morden Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a special celebration, shining a spotlight on women who are making a difference in their community.
Clare Agnew, the Executive Director of the Morden Chamber of Commerce, shares exciting details about the upcoming sold-out luncheon, set to take place on March 7th. This event, open to everyone—men, women, Chamber members, and non-members alike—is not just about the day itself but about honoring the women who shape our community every day.
Honoring women breaking barriers
This year, the Chamber has invited three incredible women to speak: Dr. Leanne Nause, a family medicine doctor, Taylor Rankin, Morden’s first female volunteer firefighter and paramedic, and Pam Goertzen, Morden’s first female police officer. These women serve our community in male-dominated fields and are living examples of the strength and resilience that women bring to leadership roles.
“Each of these women is doing remarkable work in our community,” says Agnew. “They’re not just professionals but also active community members—coaching, participating, and supporting their families. They are wonderful role models, showing what it means to balance career and family life.”
Supporting one another: Women uplifting women
Morden is a community that understands the importance of women supporting each other. “In Morden, we’re lucky to have so much support,” Agnew says. “We’re seeing more women in leadership roles, from the Mayor to myself, and I hope other communities will take note. But it’s not about competing—it's about lifting each other up.”
While the luncheon is sold out this year, Agnew hopes it’s just the beginning of more events that bring people together, no matter their gender. “Men have an important role to play too. We all need to support each other, whether it's in the workplace or at home. It’s about teamwork, and we need to model that.”
Juggling career and family
Agnew also touched on the pressures women often face, especially when balancing careers and family life. Agnew opened up about her own experience as a single mom, working at the Morden Rec Centre for 15 years while raising two girls.
“I know the challenges that come with juggling a career and a family,” Agnew says. “It’s hard work, and sometimes you feel like you’re doing it all. It’s so important to recognize the mental and physical toll it can take on women—whether they’re business owners, employees, or stay-at-home moms. The reality is that women are often still the ones managing the home while working.”
More women in business
When it comes to the presence of women in business in Morden, Agnew shares that while there are still challenges, there has been a significant shift. “There are so many successful female entrepreneurs in Morden, and they’re not just in business—they’re leaders. Whether in business or in community roles, women are thriving and being supported by both men and women. The community is embracing these changes.”
Agnew emphasizes the importance of events like the International Women’s Day luncheon in creating awareness and fostering a sense of support. “It’s a chance to hear from these amazing women and thank them for their contributions. It’s about celebrating who they are and the difference they make.”
How to stay involved
Although the event is sold out this year, Agnew encourages everyone to stay connected for future events. “Next year, we’ll start promoting early, and we want everyone to have a chance to get tickets. Keep an eye on our social media and website for updates.”
As for the future, Agnew recognizes the need for more conversations that address the ongoing challenges women face. “Events like this help us reflect on how far we’ve come, but they also highlight that there’s more work to do. Together, we can make sure women’s voices are heard and supported.”
Clare’s dream team
Finally, when asked who would make up her dream team of inspiring women in Morden, Agnew’s answer was heartfelt. “If I had to pick just five women from Morden to be on my team, I’d pick the three speakers from this year’s event. They are exactly the kind of women I admire—strong, resilient, and deeply involved in the community.”
She adds, “But there are so many other women in Morden who deserve to be on that list. We have many women in Morden who are just as remarkable. It’s a hard question to answer because there’s so much talent and power right here.”
As International Women's Day approaches, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible women in our lives—whether they’re doctors, teachers, firefighters, moms, volunteers or entrepreneurs. These women are shaping the future, not just for themselves but for generations to come. In Morden, that sense of community and support is something to be proud of.