International Women’s Day always feels like more than a date on the calendar. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and celebrate the women who lead, build, create, and inspire — sometimes boldly, often quietly, but always with impact.
This year, I had the joy of celebrating at the Ladies Who Lunch “Kindness” Luncheon at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa organized by Catherine Landry — an extraordinary gathering of community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers. The energy in the room was unmistakable. Supportive. Collaborative. Full of the kind of conversations that remind you just how powerful women’s networks truly are.
🎤 Leadership in the Room
A highlight of the afternoon was a thoughtful panel hosted by Michelle Groulx, featuring three remarkable regional mayors:
Christa Lowry — Mayor of Mississippi Mills Nancy Peckford — Mayor of North Grenville Corinna Smith-Gatcke — Mayor of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Their conversation wove through leadership, entrepreneurship, and the vital importance of supporting local business and community — themes that resonate deeply for anyone building something meaningful.
One especially lovely moment for me was meeting Mayor Nancy Peckford, a fellow Newfoundlander. We had a wonderful chat — and I have to say, her tattoo is genuinely inspiring. ❤️
📚 Fearless by Design
Guests were gifted copies of Janice McDonald’s book Fearless — a celebration of Canadian women who have shaped this country in powerful, lasting ways. It felt like exactly the right takeaway for a day dedicated to courage, leadership, and possibility.
The afternoon itself was beautifully curated. The Indigenous-inspired meal prepared by the NAC culinary team was outstanding — thoughtful, creative, and a quiet tribute to the richness of Canadian culture and storytelling.
✨ The Moment I Walked In
But one of my favourite moments happened the second I entered the hall.
The first face that greeted me was Catherine O’Hara — part of a stunning display honouring recipients of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards. Surrounding her were portraits of legendary Canadian women whose artistry has shaped generations.
Anne Murray. Joni Mitchell. k.d. lang. Sarah McLachlan. Luba Goy. Mary Walsh. The McGarrigle Sisters. Sandra Oh. Karen Kain. Geneviève Bujold. Angela Hewitt.
Artists. Storytellers. Musicians. Dancers. Women who created boldly, spoke truth, broke barriers, and opened doors for the rest of us.
Walking through that display felt like a masterclass in what leadership truly looks like — and a reminder that influence takes many forms. Some lead through policy. Some through business. Some through a song, a performance, or a story told at exactly the right moment.
All of them shape culture. All of them shape possibility. 
👕 The Line That Said It All
The spirit of the entire afternoon was captured perfectly on a T-shirt worn by attendee Lorna Crowe:
“Don’t be a lady. Be a legend.”
Yes. That. Exactly. ❤️
One small postscript — my “Heated Rivalry” Canada sweater sparked more than a few conversations throughout the afternoon. A good reminder that sometimes the simplest way to connect with people is to show up as yourself. Authenticity has a way of opening doors.
Today — and every day — I celebrate the women who lead, create, build communities, and inspire what comes next.
Thank you for paving the way. ❤️