By Helen Cole
I’ve always believed in the power of women — not just to lead, but to transform. To change conversations. To stand at the front of the room when they’ve spent years being told they belong in the back. To speak truth to power, even when their voices shake. As a matter of fact, I created my first women’s conferences called ‘Simply for Women’ around 2001 or so. Work got in the way back then, however, I am back at it again and so proud of the difference we are making with The Jean Collective!
Belief that we are better with women at the table is what led me to start The Jean Collective with special thanks to to my friends who helped me create the original collective, most especially Carrie McEachran, Julie Hillier Vrolyk, Marika Sylvain Groendyk, Lisa Isaac & Kirsty Kilner Holmes.
It didn’t happen overnight. Originally, I only wanted to be a chapter of Equal Voice but once the ball got rolling it just kept going! Starting with conversations with a selected group of friends who wanted to see more women leading in communities, with stories whispered over coffee about women who wanted to run for office — but didn’t know where to begin, or didn’t believe they belonged. I saw brilliant, capable women hesitate. I heard them say, “I don’t know enough,” or “I don’t see myself there.” And each time, I thought: What if we created a space that said, “You do belong. You are enough. Let’s get you there.”
So, in 2019, The Jean Collective was born — named for my mentor, friend and adopted Mother Jean Macdougall and those everyday women whose names aren’t always in the headlines, but who hold communities together. Women. Your neighbour. Your grandmother. Your friend. Women who don’t need the spotlight to lead, but who shine when they find it.
What began as a simple gathering has grown into something bigger than I imagined — leadership conferences, campaign schools, mentoring, storytelling, and now our latest chapter: the Healthy Democracy Project. Because I believe democracy is healthiest when more women, more voices, and more lived experiences are at the table.
This work is it’s personal. It’s a promise to my younger self, to my granddaughters and yours, and to every woman who’s ever doubted her ability to lead.
And here’s the truth: we don’t need to wait for permission. We get to build the table, invite others to join us, and pull up extra chairs.
The Jean Collective is still growing. Still evolving. Still rooted in the belief that when women lead, we all rise.
Welcome to Jean Talks. I’m so glad you’re here.
Helen Cole is the founder of The Jean Collective. She’s spent her life building stronger communities through leadership, advocacy, and heart in the non profit world.. When she’s not hosting conferences or supporting women, you’ll find her encouraging others to step forward — even if they’re unsure, even if they’re afraid — because that’s where leadership begins.
