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November 2023

In this issue:

iSisters 2023 AGM | Annual Report | Save the Date:Giving Tuesday

PCL Donation | StrongHer AI Event | Partner Spotlight

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Here at iSisters, we respectfully acknowledge that we work and live on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinabe Nation. We commit ourselves to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation. Ondaje iSisters, nidapiitenindaamin kikenindamang eji ondaamitaayaang ashidj abiyaang ondaje ega wiikaad kamiigiwaaniwang iyo kichi Anishinaabewakii. Niwaawiindamaagemin niinawind kidji-kikenindamang tebwewin ashidj kidji-kwayakijichigeyaang kabii-ijiwebag.

iSisters 2023 AGM

Our 2023 Annual General Meeting, held October 17, was an evening of inspiration and celebration of everything iSisters.

Hear are some highlights:

• Our new ED Karyn Steer introduced herself with an inspiring live message delivered remotely from Australia.

  
  

• We announced the resignation of Board member and iSisters volunteer Director of Communications, Michelle Coates-Mather. While we're sad to see Michelle go, we acknowledge her terrific work in helping raise our public profile.

And a hearty congratulations to this year's award winners:

• The amazing Paola Ceron was recognized as Volunteer of the Year (not an easy choice given our terrific roster of volunteers!)

  
  

• Brad Spooner accepted the award for Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre as Partner of the Year.
  

• Community Supporter of the Year went to the Johansen-Larsen Foundation, with Marianne Larsen on hand to collect this well-deserved award.
  

• The third annual Keller Williams Realty iSisters Scholarship went to Basma Al Haji for her inspiring accomplishments as an iSisters learner and entrepreneur. Thanks so much to KWIR for your ongoing support!

The evening capped off with a touching tribute from iSisters co-founder Cathy Lewis for outgoing Executive Director Ann McSweeney, who retired at the end of September. Board Chair Claire Toplis also noted several certificates in recognition of Anne's retirement and service to iSisters, including one from the Ottawa Mayor's Office. Thank you Ann for all you've done!

All in all, a great night, and we look forward to seeing everyone at next year's event.

Annual Report

We are thrilled to announce the release of our 2022-23 Annual Report. It's been an amazing year, and we're proud to showcase the incredible impact we've made together. To our learners, instructors, partners and supporters, thank you!

Download the report

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2023, is Giving Tuesday, an internationally recognized day for giving back and recognizing the importance of helping those, less fortunate.

This Giving Tuesday, we ask you to take a moment to reflect on how you can empower change with a donation to iSisters. Your contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of women in need by helping them build brighter futures for themselves, their families and communities.

But you don’t have to wait until Giving Tuesday to donate. You can do so anytime by clicking below.

PCL Donation

On October 27, iSisters Program Manager Erin Keeley-Messier and Board Chair Claire Toplis accepted a generous donation in the amount of $3,200 from PCL Construction. In May, Erin gave an introductory presentation for iSisters at a PCL event celebrating women in construction, with proceeds from the event going to iSisters. Thank you to PCL for their ongoing support!

StrongHer AI Event

On October 26, iSisters staff attended Nokia’s @ StrongHer Canada event "Advancing Equitable AI: How to address unconscious bias in AI that can impact women at the workplace.” The event featured expert speakers and panelists in an engaging, critical discussion on unconscious bias in artificial intelligence and various strategies to mitigate its impact on women in the workplace.

iSisters is monitoring the development and potential of AI for its mentoring programs to equip our participants with the knowledge and skills to harness this technology for personal and professional growth, ensuring that they are well-prepared to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Partner Spotlight

The Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre (NROCRC) is a non-profit community service organization that helps vulnerable individuals and families lead better lives. They provide programs for immigrant families, families new to the area, youth, and seniors. NROCRC supports over 200,000 people-and serves the largest physical territory of all of Ottawa's community resource centres.

Registered Charity Number: 874302714RR0001

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