Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) celebrated another highly successful International Women’s Day Celebration on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, highlighted the power of generosity, community support, and shared success – recognizing how giving time, knowledge, compassion, and opportunity strengthens the pathways for women in Windsor-Essex to thrive.
The celebration, held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts, welcomed an outstanding turnout of 550 attendees, including leaders and representatives from corporations, small businesses, government, banking, industry, labour, academia, and the non-profit sector.
The evening featured a keynote address from Hilda MacDonald, Warden of Essex County and Mayor of Leamington, whose message emphasized the importance of mentorship and the strong network of support that guided her throughout both her professional career and personal life.
The event also showcased Dr. Mona Stonefish with a moving Dinner Reflection and Eclipse Duo filling the evening with their melodies, celebrating resilience, creativity, and leadership of women in our community.
Created to honour individuals, organizations, and businesses who empower women and support WEST’s mission, the Journey Towards Success Awards serve as a reminder that each of us can play a role in advancing equity by challenging bias, discrimination, and stereotypes in all forms.
This year’s award winners included:
- The Phenomenal Woman Award: Georgia Vary
- New Partnership Award: Myrtle Donnipad
- Sisterhood Award: Melissa Munger
- Youth Community Leadership Award: Hajar Abelouah
- Visionary Award: Margo Reily
- Influencer Award: Josie Hope
- Perseverance Award: UHC – Hub of Opportunities
- Daphne V. Clarke Trailblazer Award: Earnest Immigration and Citizenship Services Inc.
- DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Award: Mary Cifende Aganze
- Give to Gain Award: Unifor Women in Trades
WEST wishes to acknowledge and express sincere gratitude to our award sponsors, including Erie Shores Foundation, CTV Bell Media, AM800/CKLW, Caesars Windsor Cares, Attache Group, Biz X Magazine, Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, and LiUNA.
We also extend our appreciation to our IWD Celebration sponsors, partners, and silent auction contributors. Special thanks to our Presenting Gala Sponsor, TD Bank Group, and all supporters who helped make this year’s celebration memorable.
The 2026 International Women’s Day Gala was a resounding success – an evening filled with inspiration, unity, and celebration of women’s achievements. WEST looks forward to continuing this momentum and welcoming the community back for next year’s event.