During the second Lakeland Women’s Conference, participants came together to share their journeys and learn from one another.
On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Bonnyville Centennial Centre was filled with women looking to inspire each other through stories and lessons learned along the way.
The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Sharing Your Journey.’
“We showcased local women who are still on the journey of their career and where they’re at right now,” explained conference project manager Diahann Polege-Aulotte.
The event featured women from across the Lakeland on a number of different panels, including business and health, among others.
Polege-Aulotte noted the success from last year’s event had them planning another, giving them the opportunity to “showcase (some) of the amazing ladies” from the area.
The keynote speaker was Kelly Falardeau, who shared her story of receiving burns to 75 per cent of her body when she was only two-years-old and how she overcame it.
“What I didn’t understand was some people see their tragedies as that, a tragedy. I saw mine as a gift that was going to be able to help people. Ultimately, I want people to start loving who they are instead of hating who they are and what they see in the mirror,” Falardeau detailed.
Attendee June LaBoucane was blown away by Falardeau’s speech, and was reminded “everyone goes through something, and even if you think your stuff is minor, it’s still major for you.”
When choosing participants, Polege-Aulotte said the committee considered those who could share their stories and inspire.
“We’re hearing from women, which is a unique perspective. Women have a tough time, we’re all too humble and too busy taking care of others to be able to honk our own horns,” she expressed.
Among the panelists was Larisa De Freitas, who shared how she became involved with Days for Girls, and brought the program to the area.
This year’s keynote speaker was Kelly Falardeau.
“Bonnyville is a great community. women are always looking for places where they can be involved and make a difference,” noted De Freitas.
Yoga for You owner Tracy Koluk discussed how she came to open her studio in town, and thought the whole event was great.
“It’s actually amazing to see the diversity. It’s a small community, yet we don’t even know what some people do,” said Koluk, adding she was honoured to be asked to participate.
For Polege-Aulotte, it was the humble behaviour of those involved that stood out.
“When people start talking about their journeys, it’s such an intimate story, and the ladies being brave enough to tell (others) about their stories and journeys. What one person thinks ‘oh, it’s just what I do, I’m strong because it’s just what do.’ To someone else, it’s not just that,” she expressed.
LaBoucane encouraged others to participate the next time the Lakeland Women’s Conference takes place.
“To listen to the women that are local, that have so much to offer, and the things they’ve done for themselves is proof you can do it too.”
While the event will continue, the next one won’t be for another two years.
“It’s just to keep the momentum going, because we don’t want to get people tired of it right away. We want people to anticipate it, and ask ‘when is the next conference coming? It was so good’ or ‘I missed it last year, when is the next one coming up?’” Polege-Aulotte explained.
