Edwards School of Business and affiliates celebrate International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day happens annually on March 8th across the globe. At the Edwards School of Business, 43.5% of the student population identifies as female, which is why many Edwards counterparts celebrate the day.
This year three different affiliates of Edwards School of Business had events that celebrated the day. Edwards Executive Education hosted LUNAFEST International Film Festival on Wednesday, March 4th. Edwards Business Students’ Society (EBSS) hosted its first International Women’s Day event, the International Women’s Day HERo Brunch on Friday, March 6th. Also, on the 6th, Edwards’ group, Young Women in Business (YWIB), hosted their YWiB USask’s Annual International Women’s Day Gala.
Edwards Executive Education
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Edwards School of Business and the Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Foundation screen LUNAFEST, an international film festival featuring female-produced short films. The film festival provides a platform for women to share their untold stories with the world by bringing fresh perspectives that impact change. Seven short films were screened followed by a panel discussion moderated by Rachelle Brockman of Eureka Experience and Lead Facilitator of the Womentorship program. The panelists included local Saskatoonians Joy Crawford of Edward Jones, Prabha Mitchell of WESK and Kelsey Murphy of The Princess Shop.
Proceeds from LUNAFEST admission were directed towards tuition fees for protégés to partake in the Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Program at the Edwards School of Business. A donation was also made to Chicken & Egg Pictures, a foundation that “supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change.”
Edwards Business Students’ Society
The EBSS’s International Women’s Day HERo brunch celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme of the brunch was “Because of You,” which focused on the heroes of everyday life. Along with three keynote speakers and a panel discussion, students, staff, and business professionals had the opportunity to network during the event. The keynotes included Sherri Swidrovich, a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, Dr. Erica Carelton, an assistant professor at the Edwards School of Business who researches women in leadership, and Amanda Guthrie, the education manager at OUT Saskatoon.
The EBSS believes that it is important to celebrate International Women’s day to celebrate women’s achievements, but more importantly, to highlight many of the issues that society still faces when it comes to equality. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to learn about intersectionality and how women from different backgrounds face various issues. “It’s necessary for us to use this day to learn about our neighbours so that we can be informed advocates for one another,” said Kali Stocks, Vice President Academic for the EBSS. “Because ultimately, we are stronger together.”
Young Women In Business
YWIB USask’s International Women’s Day Gala is an event for women by women that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The event aids in WYIB’s mission to provide support, education, and connections between all professionals, students, and the wider community. At the gala, YWIB honoured Fateme Naderpour, CTO of Levis media, and Shelley Vandenberg, CEO of SK Bluecross. Classified by YWIB as “SHE-E-Os,” the two women shared their stories, challenges, and experiences with inequality to all in attendance. Hillberg & Berk also presented at the gala, talking about their recent International Women’s Day initiatives to fight sex trafficking, a growing issue in Canada, and within the province of Saskatchewan.
YWIB USask believes that it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day not only to celebrate women’s achievements, but also to stand together to continue to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, and work to improve situations.
“By celebrating International Women’s Day, we believe not only women – but everyone – can get tools to improve themselves, their environment, and become a champion of equal opportunity and inclusivity,” said Lucia Veliz, President of YWIB USask. “It is important because we not only celebrate women’s achievements, but we stand together to continue to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, and work to improve situations.”