Registration is now open for a new event aimed at empowering local women leaders.
The Huron Chamber of Commerce inaugural signature event, Women Who Lead Huron, is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the White Carnation Banquet Hall in Holmesville
The gathering brings together women from across the county for an afternoon centered around leadership, shared learning, and building meaningful connections.
Women Who Lead Huron serves as the flagship gathering under the Chamber’s broader Women’s Leadership Initiative, which launched in March to strengthen support networks for women navigating leadership roles across business, agriculture, non-profit organizations, public service, and community life. The initiative was designed around direct input from local leaders to foster meaningful professional development and mentorship across all stages of a career.
“From the beginning, we wanted the Women’s Leadership Initiative to be shaped by the experiences of women in Huron County and by the kinds of opportunities they told us would be useful,” said Heather Glenister, Membership Services Coordinator with the Huron Chamber of Commerce, who is leading the initiative. “Women Who Lead Huron gives us an opportunity to bring those conversations into one room, learn from women with very different leadership experiences, make new connections and create an afternoon that is relevant whether someone has been leading for years or is just beginning to see herself in that role.”
Inspector Laura Lee Brown, Detachment Commander for the Huron County OPP, will deliver the event's keynote address, titled “Leading Together: Redefining Leadership Through Connection, Courage, and Community.” Appointed to her role in April 2025 following extensive service across Perth County, Wellington County, and West Region Headquarters in London, Insp. Brown will reflect on resilience, overcoming professional barriers, building confidence, and fostering collaborative leadership environments that open doors for future generations of women.
“Insp. Brown brings a perspective that fits very naturally with what Heather and the committee have been building through this initiative,” said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “Leadership takes many forms across Huron County. We see it in businesses, farms, community organizations, public institutions and around board and council tables. Women Who Lead Huron is an opportunity to bring some of those experiences together, strengthen connections and help more women see opportunities to contribute their own leadership.”
Following the opening address, attendees will participate in interactive breakout sessions designed to explore real-world workplace challenges. Facilitators and speakers include Genny Smith, Vanessa Kee, Nadine VandenHeuvel, Dyna Dizon, Carole Lee Foster, and Heather Glenister, who will guide discussions covering critical topics such as decision-making under uncertainty, leading through organizational transformation, managing competing priorities, executive communication, turning setbacks into strength, and preventing workplace burnout.
Designed as an ongoing annual highlight for the region, Women Who Lead Huron offers limited seating, with tickets available for $65, which includes light refreshments provided by the venue. Interested participants can secure their spot by contacting the Huron Chamber of Commerce or visiting the official event registration portal.
