Who We Are – Our Story

Join us in this transformative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment!

• At The Jean Collective, we believe in the power of women to lead, thrive, and create lasting change in their communities. Since our launch in 2020, we’ve evolved into a dynamic organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering women and gender-diverse individuals to step into leadership roles—whether in the workplace, community initiatives, or public office.

Our Founder’s Journey – Helen Cole

Founder & CEO, The Jean Collective | Community Builder | Advocate for Women in Leadership

Helen Cole is a visionary leader with more than 40 years of experience spanning municipal government, non-profit management, business development, and community leadership. She is the Founder and CEO of The Jean Collective, a social enterprise created in 2019 to inspire, empower, and connect women to leadership opportunities in politics, business, and community life.

Under her leadership, The Jean Collective has launched transformative initiatives including:

• Women’s Leadership Conferences across Lambton, Middlesex, and Elgin Counties, welcoming hundreds of women to connect, empower and lead.
• Campaign School, an eight-week program equipping women to run for public office.
• Young Women of Excellence (YWOE), fostering leadership among women 19+ in London and soon across Southwestern Ontario.
• Healthy Democracy: The People’s Table, engaging citizens in meaningful conversations about democracy and civic responsibility. Currently in Lambton County but soon across Middlesex and Elgin.
• Run Where You Are, a provincial collaboration Of organizations supporting women entering municipal and school board politics.

Helen’s career began in municipal government as a Clerk-Treasurer and later as an elected Councillor for the City of St. Thomas, where she chaired committees on community services, public works, planning, and economic development. She went on to serve as Executive Director of the Elgin Training Council, Regional Manager for Avon Canada, and Manager of the Canadian Cancer Society in Sarnia-Lambton, where she raised more than $1 million annually and built one of the largest volunteer networks in the region.

She has also held leadership roles with the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, the Family Counselling Centre and Fanshawe College’s Ontario Skills Development Office, where her expertise in strategic planning, and program development left a lasting mark, most especially when one of her clients won an Outstanding Business Achievement Award at the London Chamber of Commerce!

Helen has been recognized multiple times by the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, winning an Award in both 2010 and 2019, and receiving nominations in 2002, 2003, 2010, 2013, 2019, and 2024.

Deeply committed to community, Helen has served on numerous boards and committees including Bluewater Health, Women’s Interval Home, Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, All Saints Parish Council, and at least two Chambers of Commerce including St. Thomas and Sarnia. She is also a Congregational Coach with the Anglican Diocese of Huron, helping churches and communities navigate change with vision and resilience.

Whether building large-scale events, mentoring emerging leaders, or advocating for women in politics, Helen is known for her ability to bring people together, foster meaningful connections, and turn ideas into lasting impact. She believes in leadership as service — creating pathways for others to rise, lead, and thrive.

How The Jean Collective has Evolved

Our first major initiative in 2023, the Middlesex Women’s Leadership Conference, brought together over 100 women to build a powerful network of support and mentorship. In 2024, we expanded to host conferences in Elgin and Lambton Counties, alongside continuing the Middlesex Conference, collectively inspiring and motivating hundreds of women through conferences and virtual activities.

At The Jean Collective, leadership is more than a role; it’s a reflection of the diversity and richness of our communities. Our mission is rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all voices have the opportunity to lead and drive meaningful change.

Our work:

• Women’s Leadership Conferences: Through conferences and workshops, we provide role models and help women across various sectors develop their unique strengths and contribute to a more equitable society. 
• Advocacy: Focus on public support of women and political issues. We are a proud supporter of ‘The Women of Ontario say No’.
• The Jean Collective Campaign School: Aimed at preparing women for public office, this multiweek program provides practical tools, mentorship, and support for those ready to take on leadership roles in politics.
• Young Women of Excellence – This is a growing community of purpose-driven young women (ages 19–30) who are ready to lead, connect, and create change — together.
• Healthy Democracy: The People’s Table – This new program launched in Fall 2025. Our mission is to strengthen democracy by advancing equity, inclusion, and civic participation through promotion of a healthy information.  

Together, these initiatives create a leadership pipeline that prioritizes diversity and inclusion while building a community of confident and capable leaders.

A Commitment to Community

As a social enterprise, The Jean Collective reinvests all income back into our mission. Run entirely by volunteers, proceeds from our work and from the Jean Macdougall Fund for Women’s Empowerment fund impactful initiatives like the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario’s Young Women of Excellence. We also support the YWCA in St. Thomas.

We are proud members of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce and Pillar Non-Profit. Our growth reflects a shared commitment to fostering strong, inclusive leadership in our communities.

Join Us

Join us on this transformative journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we can break barriers, build connections, and create a future where all women lead with confidence.

Warmly,
Helen Cole