A Disruptive Dialogue with Women United: Empower & Elevate

– Jennifer Francis Founding Member, Women United

Join Women United for our 5th Annual Disruptive Dialogue, taking place on Thursday, November 7th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This year, we’re spotlighting two critical issues affecting women and girls: financial literacy and mental health. In addition to our discussions on these important topics, we’re also hosting a powerful panel discussion that will highlight the groundbreaking impact of women in philanthropy.

This event is extra special as we’ll come together in person to celebrate a decade of women's giving at United Way East Ontario. Join us as we drive forward these vital conversations and make a difference by amplifying the voices of local experts and those committed to ensuring the most vulnerable women can access the support they need, when they need it.

We all have a role to play in building strong, healthy, safe communities for everyone. And there are steps you can take to help.

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In this thought-provoking event, our speakers will take a deeper dive into some prominent issues faced by women in our community.

MEET THE SPEAKERS:

Meseret Haileyesus - CEO, Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE)

Meseret (Mesi) is a multi-award-winning executive leader and thought leader, advocating for national and international responses to economic abuse policies to address economic harm in Canada. As the CEO of the Canadian Center for Women Empowerment (CCFWE), Meseret has become a driving force in shaping policies through systemic change and technology to advance economic safety for women in Canada. She collaborates with consumer lawyers, fintech firms, the tourism industry, financial institutions, private companies, telecommunication companies, energy companies, and the federal government to introduce new programs to support victims of economic abuse and injustice.

Currently, Meseret serves as a Board Advisor for the Black Canadians Advocacy, a national initiative supporting the establishment of a permanent legislative policy to ensure Black Canadians have a permanent seat at the table in Parliament. She also serves on the Board of Directors at the YMCA National Capital Region, the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, the Centretown Community Health Centre, and the End FGM Canada Network.

She has been invited to the Canadian Parliament on several occasions as a witness, where she has addressed the Parliamentary Committee to testify on various policy recommendations to advance women's economic security, financial inclusion, homelessness, access to investment for women entrepreneurship, the federal budget consultation, and legislative change to end gender-based violence and economic abuse.

Misty Pratt - Ottawa Writer, Researcher and Author

Misty is a science communicator and author of the book All In Her Head: How Gender Bias Harms Women's Mental Health.

With over a decade of experience working in the field of biomedical research, Misty unpacks how personal and systemic biases have shaped our scientific understanding of disease and wellness.

In her day job, Misty liaises with media to spotlight groundbreaking research coming out of ICES, an independent research institute that leads cutting-edge studies evaluating healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Misty has written for publications including Broadview, Mindful.org, and Today's Parent, and is an advocate for better mental health care.

She lives in Ottawa with her family and her mischievous pug, Winnie. All In Her Head is her first book.

Learn from local leaders and advocates who are driving change in their communities and gain valuable insights into critical issues. You'll leave with a clear understanding of United Way and Women United’s pivotal role and actionable steps to make a meaningful impact.

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Cost

• Early Bird: $55

• Regular: $65
• Women United Members: $50

• Table of 8: $500

Looking to empower the women in your workplace or community? Bring together your family, friends, colleagues, and networks for this impactful Women United event. It’s a unique opportunity to engage in essential discussions and drive change together. Reserve your seats now and be part of a transformative conversation. All are welcome.

Please note that the content of this event will be presented primarily in English. We do our best to incorporate French whenever possible, based on the language abilities and preferences of our hosts and speakers.
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In addition to attending the Disruptive Dialogue, you can elevate your impact by.

Women United works to address gender-based violence, empower women in leadership, ensure young mothers and their children have the tools they need to succeed, and build an equitable economic future. Together, with our members and donors, we can ensure all women have the supports they need to thrive.

Host or Publisher Women United / Elles Centraide