Celebrating International Women's Week event at PARO Centre
by Sherry Aalto
When celebrating the milestones of achievement recognizing International Women's Week, it is important to celebrate it with those whom have helped in reaching unreachable goals, those whom have shared visions not shared before and those whom have joined in to become a part of history yet to be made. There are many, many women all over the world that celebrate, not just this recognized day, but every given day, for the trail that was blazed from the kitchens and fields of
yesteryear to the their boardrooms and businesses of today. Planning, organizing, promoting, supporting, networking and building businesses, not just here, but all over the world, brings the women of business and entrepreneurship into a united bond with each other. Much has been
accomplished over a very long stretch of time and there is still much more to be done. This time next year will mark another milestone of achievements and another reason for more celebration, not only for PARO, but for women in business everywhere. We are getting there one dream at a time!
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise was founded in January 1995 and since that time, has quickly grown to become one of Canada's leading community economic development organizations. PARO is a recognized leader as a provider of innovative and effective business development strategies for women.
PARO celebrated International Women’s Day/ Week on Wednesday, March 7th, as workshops are always held on Wednesdays at the centre. It was convenient for those attending the workshops in the earlier part of the day to also participate in the afternoon celebration.
The theme chosen by Status of Women Canada for the celebration of International Women’s Day / Week 2012 was very appropriate with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise vision. The Blueprint for Success project—funded under the Status of Women Canada—is about Gender Base Analysis research throughout Northern Ontario regarding barriers/challenges women encounter when starting up a new business or expanding their small enterprise.
The event began by welcoming everyone and informing them why it was important to reflect on women’s advancements throughout Canadian history. Everyone celebrated together, enjoying an elaborate selection of "Toss It Up" salads, deli-cuts, breads and dips, followed by cake and fruit for desert..
Keeping in mind women’s achievements, the participants were encouraged to complete a short Quiz. The women were also asked to answer a few questions to aid in the Gender Base Analysis research. Once completed and submitted, each one was given a ballot for a chance to win one of
the four prizes. There was also entertainment—Belly Dancing with Dahab from World Dance Centre. Also, various media interviewed Suzanne Brabant, event organizer, along with Suzanne Tighe. The celebration was a great success with 34 in attendance.
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is focused primarily on delivering programs to enhance micro-enterprise development and to provide for the development and support of peer lending circles.
By offering educational programs, economic alternatives, training, opportunities to network and mentor with other women, business counseling, and support; PARO aims to improve the lives of its members and have a positive impact on the community and the region.
The Women of PARO can help you in your vision for starting or developing your business. Call, write or just walk into PARO.
Suzanne Brabant, Bilingual Project Coordinator, blueprint@paro.ca
Josée Rousseau, Bilingual Project Coordinator Northeastern Ontario, northeast@paro.ca
Joanne Fisher Wade, Administrative Assistant, admin@paro.ca
Lynn Evans, Business Development Trainer, trainer@paro.ca
Cassie Riddle, Business Development Trainer, businessmentor@paro.ca
For more information about our programs and services, contact us today:
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
110 - 105 May St. North
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3N9
Tel:(807) 625-0328
Toll-Free:1-800-584-0252
Fax:(807) 625-0317
Email:info@paro.ca
Office Hours:Monday to Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
