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
As the Founder of this organization, Helen brings over 35 years of experience in local government and the non-profit sector. The journey began in Chatham Kent with a later move to St. Thomas Elgin, then finally Sarnia Lambton. Working as a municipal clerk, and later as an elected councillor, and then transitioning into managing charitable organizations. This journey has allowed Helen to refine Her leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to several communities. Helen has been honoured twice with the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Business Achievement Award.
Inspired by her mentor Jean Macdougall, whose dedication to women’s leadership left a lasting impression. The Jean Collective was founded to carry forward her legacy. Our mission is to empower women while fostering an inclusive space that welcomes women from all backgrounds, including those in the LGBTQ2SIA+ community.
How We Have 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’ https://www.thewomenofontariosayno.com/
- The Jean Collective Campaign School: Aimed at preparing women for public office, this 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 is ready to ‘rock & roll!’ We will be launching 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 are proud members of the Sarnia Lambton 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
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.
