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

Welcome to My Journey: Helen Cole

I'm a passionate advocate for women's leadership and empowerment. Over a remarkable 35-year career spanning local government and the non-profit sector, I've had the honour of serving and making a difference in the communities of Chatham Kent, St. Thomas Elgin, and Sarnia Lambton in diverse roles.

My journey commenced as a municipal clerk in local government, leading to an elected councillor position, and ultimately transitioning to the role of manager in a local office of a national charity. This journey not only allowed me to contribute significantly to my community but also helped me refine my leadership skills. Along this path, the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce bestowed upon me the Outstanding Business Achievement Award not once, but twice, recognizing my impactful work.

Remembering the wisdom of my beloved mentor, Jean Macdougall, I established the Jean Collective, A Woman in Politics Initiative. This initiative mirrors my commitment to empowering women in leadership, with a focus on municipal politics. I'm immensely proud of our accomplishments to date. Today, our focus has changed slightly so that we focus on leadership rather than solely on politics.

The Jean Collective, a Women in Politics Initiative, stands as a testament to my belief in the limitless potential of all women to be extraordinary leaders. Inclusivity is the cornerstone of our efforts. We welcome and stand by all women, including those who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ and are part of the LGBTQ community.

Our exciting 2023 program kicked off with the Women's Leadership Conference on September 16, 2023. In October 2023, we introduced "Women Who Lead," a 10-session weekly series. 

For those who may be curious about venturing into elected office, "7 Steps to Winning" will launch in the fall of 2024, featuring workshops (find them here https://thejeancollective.ca/7-steps-to-winning), a pre-recorded speaker series and other initiatives designed to uplift all women and gender diverse individuals.

My commitment to non-discrimination is unwavering. Regardless of background, identity, or affiliation, all those identifying as women deserve to have their voices heard and to lead with confidence. This commitment permeates every facet of our work. I warmly invite you to delve into our endeavours and join us in this exhilarating pursuit of inclusive leadership. We're proud members of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce and Pillar Non Profit in London, Ontario.

Let's embark on this transformative journey together, one woman at a time, toward self-discovery and empowerment. Join me; let's make a difference!

Warmly,

Helen Cole, Founder of The Jean Collective and Women Who Lead