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, I bring over 35 years of experience in local government and the non-profit sector. My career began in Chatham Kent with a later move to St. Thomas Elgin, then finally Sarnia Lambton. I began as a municipal clerk, later served as an elected councillor, and then transitioned into managing charitable organizations. This journey has allowed me to refine my leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to my community. I’ve also been honored twice with the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Business Achievement Award.
Inspired by my mentor Jean Macdougall, whose dedication to women’s leadership left a lasting impression, I founded The Jean Collective 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 over 500 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: Through conferences and workshops, we 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.
- 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.
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
We are partnering with Paro Centre!
Please email us if you would like to know more about their programs and services.
[email protected]
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is pleased to again offer the Young Women of Excellence Program!
In 2025, the YMCA is inviting young women, ages 19-25, from across all our regions to participate and BE INSPIRED. This program is FREE to successful applicants.
The program will accept 100 participants who will:
- Attend (in person) the Women of Excellence Awards Gala for NO CHARGE on May 15, 2025 at RBC Place London.
- Be inspired by learning about 8 incredible women whose outstanding activities have contributed to the vitality of the local, regional, or global community.
- Be a part of a supportive group of young women who are open to learning and sharing from each other.
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 the 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!
