We inspire and educate leaders to learn, champion & advocate for change by providing support, encouragement & training.
The Jean Collective is entirely apolitical, not endorsing any party or candidate.
About Us
Join us in this transformative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment!
Welcome to The Jean Collective!
At The Jean Collective, we believe in the power of women to lead, thrive, and create lasting change in our communities. With over 40 years of experience in local government and the non-profit sector across Chatham Kent, St. Thomas Elgin, and Sarnia Lambton, I’m proud to lead this movement for women’s empowerment.
Starting as a municipal clerk and progressing to an elected councillor and charity manager, I’ve dedicated my career to refining my leadership skills and serving the community. There have been bumps along the way but I’ve been honoured twice with the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Business Achievement Award.
Jean Macdougall, my mentor, profoundly influenced me with her dedication to women’s leadership. Her mentorship inspired me to create The Jean Collective, a Women in Politics Initiative that empowers women, particularly in municipal politics. Our work is inclusive, welcoming all women, including those from the LGBTQ2SIA+ community.
In 2023, our first Women’s Leadership Conference brought together over 100 women, creating a powerful network of support and mentorship.
In 2024, we expanded to Elgin and Lambton Counties & continued with the Middlesex Conference, thus inspiring and motivating over 400 women, and in 2025, we’re launching our second “Campaign School” to prepare women for public office.
As a social enterprise, all income we generate supports our mission. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers, and proceeds help fund initiatives like the YMCA’s Young Women of Excellence and the Jean Macdougall Fund for Women’s Empowerment.
We are proud members of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce and Pillar Non-Profit.
Join us in advancing women’s leadership, breaking barriers, and creating a future where all women can lead with confidence. Together, we can make an extraordinary impact!
Warmly,
Helen Cole, Founder of The Jean Collective and Women Who Lead
We are partnering with Paro Centre!
The next generation of girls and young women will benefit from having diverse role models and mentors.
We choose to support the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, most specifically their Young Women of Excellence Program.
A percentage of profits from all conferences will be donated to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
Our Goal
- To encourage, educate & prepare all women for a leadership role
- To create a better informed and educated electorate
- To advocate for change
- To create parity in politics with a focus on municipal government within Southwestern Ontario
Our Commitment
The Jean Collective is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, language, race, age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, income, political or religious affiliation in all aspects and at all levels of the Collective. We define women to include LGBTQ2SIA+, and the LBGTQ community. We are committed to ensuring that our mission and operations embrace the diversity of all. We will make every effort to see that our structure, policies, and systems promote equal access to all.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that we are on indigenous land. We recognize and respect the traditional territories of the Ojibwa, Potawatomi, Odawa people, who have been stewards of this land for generations. We honour their enduring connection to this place and express our gratitude for the opportunity to live, work and learn on their traditional territory.
"Taking initiative pays off. It is hard to visualize someone as a leader if she is always waiting to be told what to do" Cheryl Sandberg
You can do it! Believe in yourself, your skills and your abilities! We've got your back!
