The Business Women of Moose Jaw (BWMJ) hopes to “inspire inclusion” during its next luncheon as it hosts speakers from Transition House — fittingly, on International Women’s Day.
BWMJ is a non-profit networking and leadership group known for its monthly lunch-and-learns and its once-held Perseverance, Role model, Influential, Successful and Mentor (PRISM) Awards.
The organization’s luncheons bring together female leaders — such as members of 15 Wing, business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and elected officials — to share their experiences, inspirations, and best practices.
BWMJ’s next get-together is Friday, March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grant Hall Hotel. Tickets are $33 per person — the deadline to purchase is March 1 — while non-members are welcome.
That day is also International Women’s Day, which has been held worldwide since March 1911. It’s a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality. The campaign theme this year is “Inspire Inclusion.”
“It’s a great opportunity for us to really deliberately celebrate the women in our community and … around the world. And we’re excited to have the opportunity to build into everybody a little more and celebrate them,” said Kyra Klassen, BWMJ president.
BWMJ purposely scheduled its March meeting on International Women’s Day because that is the appropriate time to showcase women in the community, she continued. Pursuing women’s equality is still important because, while society has come a long way and there are “some amazing women in some really amazing key roles,” there is still more to do to showcase those equality rights.
Jenn Angus, executive director of Moose Jaw Transition House, and some of her employees will speak about what their organization does in the community and its importance. They will also collaborate and network with event attendees and offer support.
It’s exciting to have Transition House staff speak to the group, especially since the business organization partners with the shelter regularly and raises funds for it, added Klassen. Transition House is the BWMJ’s charity of choice again this year.
The Business Women of Moose Jaw announced in early January that it was relaunching with promises of new perks and an “elevated” membership experience. The group formed a new executive after former leaders decided last April to pass the baton.
Klassen, owner of Strong Studio, is president, while Cara Wray, a Strong Studio employee, is vice-president, and entrepreneurship author Gina Fink is treasurer.
The relaunch has gone well, while the group has several exciting initiatives planned — including bringing back past activities, said Klassen. While it is excited with its membership numbers, BWMJ still plans to engage in recruitment drives this spring. It also wants to better promote the organization and network with female-led businesses.
Membership is $99 per year, which includes resources and support to help women who own businesses. BWMJ is also building a “business and showcase hub” to feature its many members and their activities.
BWMJ’s executive meets several times a month, while it attempts to hold a breakfast or luncheon every eight weeks, although it wants to host an event monthly once it is fully operational, said Klassen.
The next event will be in April, where Klassen will speak about goal-setting, overcoming obstacles and doing things together instead of individually.
Visit Business Women of Moose Jaw on Facebook for more information.
