ST. PAUL - The theme for this year's International Women's Day is 'Choose to challenge.' The message encourages people to call out gender bias and inequality, but the theme also reminds people that they are responsible for their own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.
The day is set aside to seek out and celebrate women's achievements, while working toward an inclusive world. "From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge," reads a statement from the International Women's Day website.
Lakeland This Week put out a call on the St. Paul Journal's social media, asking residents to put forward names of women in the community who stand out and act as positive role models. The response was immediate, with a variety of women in different roles being acknowledged for their impact.
Elected leaders
Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller and St. Paul Education Board Chair Heather Starosielski were described as "amazing women" in positions of leadership.
"It is important to have diverse representation and diverse opinions in our elected representatives," says Rhonda Lafrance, a former St. Paul Education school board trustee herself. She believes that Miller and Starosielski bring different perspectives to the table as women, and she describes them both as being "forward-thinking."
"The political arena is not a friendly one, but I hope other women are courageous enough, like Maureen and Heather, to come forward and represent their communities," says Lafrance.
Starosielski says her start in politics began with wanting to be a strong advocate for equitable education in rural Alberta.
"I had two young daughters in the school system, and I was a school council chair for several years. Like any mother, I wanted the best possible education for my kids and I didn't feel living in rural Alberta should put any student at a disadvantage," says Starosielski. "In 2010 I knew I was ready to further my activism into where I could affect the most change and have my voice reach a greater audience."
Starosielski admits that women in politics have to have a 'thick skin.'
"You need to be able to make courageous decisions and have difficult conversations and unfortunately, you will not always be liked," she says. "With that being said, it is really tough to be a strong woman and not be seen as being overly dominant to where you are labelled a nasty word for it. I work with men every day and I may not be one of the boys, but I do know how to hold my own."
While both of her daughters have now graduated from high school, they continue to be Starosielski's "compass and focus in life."
"Since they were little girls I have always strived to teach them to empower themselves and to know that they can invoke the change they want to see," says Starosielski. "Girls need to have unshakable confidence and to trust in their ability to be strong and equally capable."
Miller says she's been involved in a variety of organizations since she was a youth. She says her parents taught her that when involved in an organization's inner workings, you develop a more broad understanding of the community, as well as a greater appreciation for the complexities of decision making.
"This base as a youth naturally developed into adulthood," says Miller. After being involved with many volunteer boards, "it seemed to me a natural transition into a political role."
Miller has held a political position for over 10 years, when combining her involvement as a past trustee with St. Paul Education, and now mayor of the Town of St. Paul.
"Although there are always challenges, it has been one of my most rewarding experiences. I have been blessed with incredible councils/boards to work with and, as a group, guided the community through extremely challenging times," says Miller. "I cannot encourage enough that it is necessary to have women represented, not only on volunteer boards, but within the greater political scope. Better decision making is the outcome of hearing diverse perspectives."
Another important piece to municipal government is the Chief Administrative Officers who lead the countless staff members providing services for residents. County of St. Paul Coun. Darrell Younghans put forward the names of County of St. Paul CAO Sheila Kitz and Town of St. Paul CAO Kim Heyman as being "outstanding" women in their line of work.
'A blessing to the community'
Brenda Rosychuk has been working with the Lakeland MS Society for a number of years, and is also a fitness instructor in the community.
"Brenda is so kind, she truly loves and cares for this community, despite not actually being born and raised here," says Marielle Brimacombe. "She is extremely hard working and motivates woman to be their best, most authentic selves. She does not put herself on a pedestal, or pretend she knows all the answers, but rather stands alongside all the woman she serves."
Brimacombe believes Rosychuk is a role model to all women, in all walks of life. She describes her as a "born leader who works hard to share her gifts with woman, in the most humble, relatable and loving way."
Brittiny Kalynchuk echoed Brimacombe's sentiments, saying, Rosychuk has been "a blessing to our entire community. Her desire to help others in any way is who she is."
When asked why she does what she does, Rosychuk says she loves leading women in fitness because "every single class, connection and drop of sweat has ignited something in me, and when I see it in another's eyes, that is a proud moment."
Rosychuk says being able to help others is something she has always wanted to do, even from a young age.
"It feels so rewarding to make people smile from the inside out, and being authentic and vulnerable really creates that true connection. This is true for fitness and also working at the MS Society of Canada. It really is true in all aspects of life."
While Rosychuk acknowledges that she can't help "everyone," she believes in the motto that "we can help someone."
"Connecting the community is a huge part in seeing success, because why shoot for the stars when you have beautiful hearts that surround you?"
At the root of what she does is her family, which includes her young daughter. "They are the ones I want to help first - the root of my why."
A voice for others
Linda Boudreau Semaganis is an active senator with the National Association of Friendship Centres, representing Alberta. She's been an advocate and activist for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and LGBTQQIA2S people and has advised committees working toward a National Action Plan to assist in resolving this issue.
"To overcome COVID isolation concerns, I developed a Winter Warmth program for the homeless and youth in northeast Alberta, drove around and distributed bags, also to Elk Point and Lloydminster," says Boudreau Semaganis. "This was to honour the life of my grandson who died from an unintentional overdose in September of 2020 in Elk Point."
She has also recently offered support to isolated friends in senior lodges, sending cards and puzzle books to them in the mail, among a list of other accomplishments.
And the list goes on...
Business owner Debbie Poulin, who owns and operates Twisted Fork in St. Paul, was mentioned for her support of other local businesses, and for simply being a great person.
Jenn Doonanco from St. Paul-based salon Chez Elle was acknowledged as someone who has the ability to make other women truly feel beautiful.
A variety of school staff and administrators were also put forward for their hard work and dedication to education. Principals Susan Kotowich-Dubrule, Kandy Songer, and Karol Cabaj-Martin were specifically mentioned for being leaders in St. Paul schools, along with Ashmont School assistant principals Corina Idzan and Denise Warchola.
Larissa Sadlowski from Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel was acknowledged for her compassion and ability to work with people who are dealing with the loss of loved ones.
Penny Fox was noted for her involvement in a variety of community-based initiatives, along with a list of other women who make the community whole.
