On the morning of March 4, I had the privilege and great pleasure of attending the International Women’s Day National Event that brought together CPHR members from across the country. Layne the Auctionista, the emcee, was joined by Sheena Russell, Founder of Made with Local, a popular Nova Scotian snack brand built on community values. The event took place in three parts: a keynote by Layne, Sheena’s inspiring story of success rooted in passion and values, and a candid, vulnerable fireside chat between the two women. 

Layne’s energy was palpable through the screen and immediately kicked off the event on the right note, setting the expectations high and the vibe just right. Their keynote about authenticity and belonging was powerful, personal, and incredibly touching. The chat was blowing up with attendees agreeing with Layne’s messaging and supporting each other. This captured the spirit of International Women’s Day perfectly: lifting each other up, being present and there for each other, and erasing geographical boundaries by bonding over similar experiences and shared values.

Layne shared three simple yet influential daily decisions that each one of us can undertake to make an impact, better ourselves, and help those around us: Give Permission. Give Recognition. Give Example. By doing these consistently we can create space for others to shine and become inspiring leaders ourselves.

And speaking of inspiring leaders, from the very introduction of Sheena Russell, we, the attendees, knew we were in for a treat. A Nova Scotian entrepreneur; a woman who is passionate about communities; and the trailblazing founder of Made with Local: these descriptions were more than just words and titles to a name. Sheena was relatable, humble, with an amazing strong presence that drew everyone in from the beginning. She shared herself with the attendees fully, talked about her childhood, her dreams, and how hard she worked towards her goals. The most amazing thing about Sheena’s story is the impact it had on the people around her and how many lives she touched and changed for the better by staying true to herself and following her gut, almost literally, since the brand started as her personal favourite gym snacks.

Following Sheena’s uplifting story, Layne jumped in with some thoughtful and engaging questions, which turned to be one of the best fireside chats I’ve ever had the good fortune to witness. It was almost like eavesdropping on a conversation between two close friends. Layne and Sheena were open and compassionate with each other, sometimes even finishing each other’s sentences. They shared their experiences, personal struggles and how they overcame them, while all of us in the chat did the same with each other. It once again became pure magic of engaging with your community and finding yourself in other people’s stories and experiences.

I can’t imagine a better way of not just marking International Women’s Day on the calendar, but recognizing women, empowering them, inspiring them, and bringing them together for 90 minutes of insight, joy, and pride. This event started with a powerful message: be yourself, put courage over comfort, empower others by leading by example. It continued with introducing us all to that example – Sheena’s story and success, that she so generously shared with all of us. And it finished strongly with a wonderful moment of connection, candid conversation, and truly meaningful exchange that we all got a chance to participate in and experience. 

Alex Kogay, CPHR is the HR Manager of CPHR BC & Yukon.

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