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April 2023 |
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In this issue: Celebrating National Volunteer Week | Meet Paola Ceron | International Women’s Day 2023 | iSisters Membership Renewal | Operations Retreat | Spotlight on Partners
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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. |
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Celebrating National Volunteer Week April 16-22 |
| The theme for National Volunteer Week 2023 is “Volunteering Weaves Us Together”.
Through volunteering, we experience our interconnectedness, making our lives more meaningful.
Knowing our volunteer contributions are valued and meaningful creates a greater sense of purpose and dedication.
During National Volunteer Week 2023, we celebrate our collective impact: through our kindness, generosity and commitment to volunteering, we weave our lives together. |
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| In honour of Volunteer Week, iSisters is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch on Friday, April 21 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM at First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue in Ottawa.
We have sent an email invitation to all of our volunteers asking to RSVP for the event by 5:00 PM Friday April 7. If you have not already done so, please do so by emailing execassistant@isisters.org.
This is an opportunity to socialize with other iSisters volunteers and get the chance to win some great door prizes!
To all iSisters volunteers and members, thank you for your support and dedication!
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Meet Paola Ceron - Volunteer |
| Paola has demonstrated true dedication and commitment to iSisters, and we cannot thank her enough for all that she has done.
Her expertise and experience in data analysis has provided valuable insights to our organization’s operations and impact. Her contributions and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure we have accurate and timely data that has been critical to our success.
As a volunteer, she has demonstrated true professionalism and dedication, and is an invaluable member of our team! Thank you Paola. We are grateful for all that you have done. |
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International Women’s Day 2023 |
In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, iSisters took part in several activities to raise awareness of this important event. |
| Nokia (Kanata) - I was invited to attend an in-person and online panel discussion on March 8 (IWD) to discuss equality and equity for women. The President of Nokia Canada, Jefff Maddox and I were the presenters. Thank you Yuliia (iSisters instructor) for attending to support iSisters and to learn about Nokia’s StrongHer initiative.
Nokia has donated $10,000 to iSisters and hosted a silent auction with iSisters being the recipient of funds raised totalling $5305. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Chantha Nhem, Nokia, also attended a Ukrainian Career Connections Session at IWSO and was most impressed. She possibly will attend other sessions as well. I also met with Diane Watson, Nokia on March 16 to discuss Women in Communication & technology and she also serves on the Female Founders and Funders sub-committee with Invest Ottawa to discuss opportunities that iSisters could potentially benefit from.
Below is a statement from Nokia on my presentation.
READ THE STATEMENT (PDF) |
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| Alterna Savings – Erin Keeley-Messier, our Program Manager, participated as a panelist in a virtual discussion on February 13 to celebrate International Women’s Day. You can see the full discussion here. Great work Erin!
Thank you Alterna for the $1000 donation for iSisters to celebrate IWD. Your support of iSisters is much appreciated. |
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| Accenture – Erin and I virtually presented our video and information on iSisters organization and our programs currently being offered to our learners. We extended our gratitude for funding received from Accenture and the individual monthly donations we receive from Accenture employees. Kudos were given to Jacob Samuel and Aditi Mohan, Accenture’s wonderful volunteers that participate in our programming at partner agencies. Thank you Sharon Peck and Jennifer Torbet for the invite and this opportunity! |
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iSisters Membership |
As we approach the renewal period for iSisters memberships, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission.
Memberships make a real difference by giving you a voice that contributes to helping women live better lives, create brighter futures and build stronger communities.
If you already a member, we hope you will consider renewing. If you are not yet a member, this is a great to time to become part of an amazing community that supports the objectives and values of iSisters.
Membership Fees and Benefits $21 for one-year membership Life Membership only $300 Membership is effective May 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024.
What you get iSisters Connect monthly Newsletter invitation to attend our Annual General Meeting voting rights at our AGM virtual and in-person networking opportunities special invitation to iSisters events member awards and recognition on our website
Click below to renew your membership, or to join as a new member. |
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Operations Retreat – March 6, 2023 | Another successful retreat for our Ops Team. The focus of our retreat was Personal and Professional Values and Teambuilding. Thank you to Ken Evraire, TECTONIC TLC for coaching us through an informative and engaging exercise linking our personal and professional values. A fun teambuilding exercise was the icing on the cake! Our retreats allow in-person connectivity to gain information on our organizational milestones, obtain feedback and to celebrate our successes. | |
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Spotlight on Partners |
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Welcome our Returning Partner, Lanark County Interval House. They offer emergency and on-going programs to women and children living in or escaping from domestic violence. We are pleased to be offering our Basic Computer Skills, Career Connections and iMentor (employment) programs.
After a few year’s lapse in programming, we look forward to improving the lives of women through technology in Lanark County. |
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Did you know… |
We have learning vignettes and a list of community resources on our iSisters YouTube Channel |
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| Donate to iSisters
As a non-profit organization, all of our funding goes into creating a safe, judgment free learning environment for our students.
Your support helps make this possible. Consider a donation today! |
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Registered Charity Number: 874302714RR0001 |
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Quote of the Month |
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