WE HELP #PROMOTEHER WITH VALUES-BASED LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

It’s proven that investing in women’s education and leadership development positively impacts communities at a local, national and global level - yet no country in the world has successfully closed the gender gap.

Current estimates from the World Economic Forum (Global Gender Gap Report 2022) suggest that it will take another 132 years to close the economic gender gap globally.

the current reality

IN BC THE GENDER WAGE GAP IS 22%

Conference Board of Canada, 2017

Since 2001, Minerva BC has worked to advance economic and leadership opportunities for women and girls. Over the past 20 years we’ve raised more than $10M to support leadership and career development programs and more than $2M to support women’s education.

our impact

I always assumed to be a good leader you had to be self-assured, out-going, and outspoken. I never considered myself a leader because I did not possess these attributes, but my experience at Learning to Lead™ broke that stereotype. I was empowered to identify the qualities I already had that enabled me to be a leader in my own unique way.

I am a slow learner and I lost confidence in myself and in my goals, but after Learning to Lead™ I gained my confidence back and now I know I’m smart and I know what I want to be. I am First Nations and I’m trying to make a change for my people and myself. This school year, I will take a leap for all that comes my way and not be afraid to try something new. I want to show others it’s okay to get out of your comfort zone because there's a lot out there to see.

Women Leading the Way™ is one of the most meaningful things I have done in my career. Through this course I gained a greater understanding of my personal priorities as a leader, developed my skillset and established a new and diverse professional network.

Minerva taught me how to tap into my confidence and recognize my abilities. I learned that my background is not a hindrance if I don’t want it to be - all of those successful, capable women that came in to speak to us had their own stories to tell and their own vulnerability to overcome. I am applying those learnings by taking on projects and goals that were completely outside my comfort zone before taking this program.

I cannot begin to put into words how much this award means to me and to my children. From the places I have come from, there are many reasons for me not to be where I am today. I have been blessed with so many women in my path who lift me up and who push me forward when I feel weak. Through this award I have once again been lifted and shown that support by women. So for that, as well as this support with my education, I am so humbled, honored and grateful. Kinanaskomitinaw – thank you all.

Receiving this award makes me smile. And I don't mean just a little smile... but a HUGE smile! Because it's like someone reaching out and hugging me and saying, “Look! You did it! And we see you doing it!” I'm a role model to my children, and I hope to other single mothers, to other women beginning their education later in life. For what Minerva BC allows women to accomplish, please let me share my deepest thanks.

the face of leadership is changing

but it's not changing fast enough.

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Minerva BC is a Vancouver-based charity that is
dedicated to advancing the leadership of women and girls.

Our office is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.