I have been so impressed with the responses to International Women’s Day this year…

businesses and individuals have made concerted efforts to share information about the number of women in their organizations or focussed on amazing women they know or work with… watching women lifting up other women is so empowering… there is much to do, but a positive sign as we continue to raise one another up and work toward an equal world…

this has made me think of the women in my life who have been excellent role models, mentors and friends…

the matriarchs in my family: my great grandmother Josephine, my grandmother Violet, my mother Audrey… the women who have lived through life with me: Janice, Naomi, Marlene and Pat… those who I have spent time and learned from and with over twenty-five years as we studied and reimagined the church, religion and spirituality…

my neighbours: Ellen, Lorraine, BA and Lynn… the wide range of women I have worked with over the years who have demonstrated what it means to be a leader… the young women in my life who have taught me so much…

as I was searching for just the right photo I found these three… the first is hands working together… the second is from the Famous Five statue in Ottawa… the last portrays all of those who circle me with their knowledge, support and love…

Happy International Women’s Day…