A woman in the middle of the frame is speaking into a microphone. She is surrounded by other women sitting around round tables for a conference

HSAA Women's Summit makes history during Women's History Month

News

HSAA just held its first Women’s Summit on October 3, 2024 – during Women’s History month, no less! It was a jam-packed day event in Calgary, which left many feeling inspired and better equipped to face challenges in the workplace, support their co-workers and, most importantly, elevate and empower women in our Union!  

The theme of the summit was “Empowered Women, Empower Women,” and included sessions that addressed the most pressing issues impacting HSAA members identified in the Women’s survey last year.  

“Need a Break,” session was facilitated by HSAA member and psychologist Kristina Brache, who helped members with a base level of understanding of various leave options available and when they may be applicable. “The Balancing Act,” was a session facilitated by Thriving Workplaces that focused on developing work-life balance strategies or women in health care, sharing actionable strategies to identify and manage stress.

The final session was an inspiring and empowering panel, moderated by Leanne Alfaro, featuring Megan Connolly (HSAA Board Member), Stephanie Smith (former President of BCGEU) and Krysty Thomas (Alternate Regional VP at PSAC and President of the Lethbridge Labour Council). This panel focused on highlighting the many experiences of women in leadership – the barriers women have faced and how they overcame them, and the importance of lifting women up into positions of leadership. The Q&A portion of the panel saw questions from members who were really focused on how what can be done in our Union, at all levels, to empower other women.

HSAA’s Women’s Summit left a room full of women inspired by the knowledge they gained and ready to enact change in their lives and beyond – to continue the legacy of women throughout history who have fought for gender equity and a more inclusive society.

During Women’s History Month, we think about the trailblazers who came before us and we also think about the work still to be done to reach gender equity. The first HSAA’s Women’s Summit shows that HSAA members are committed to following in the footsteps of a long history of women in unions pushing for change, pushing towards gender equity and a more equal world.