AWC EAST 2018

Here is what we have heard!

Here is what Tony Morris, P.Ag, Director with The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) and sponsors of 5 AWC students had to say about AWC EAST 2017: “Developing and enhancing leadership skills is a key component of GRAS vision in providing sustainable community engagement. AWC provided students the opportunity for interaction and networking with leaders, which is important for their own individual growth and for the future of community development and leadership. AWC was excellent with very interesting topics. It was an amazing experience for personal growth. It helped me with a better understanding of the differences in viewpoints and critical analysis that are evident between the sexes, as well as improving my own personal ability to interact in such a setting.”

Merel Voth, who operates Hillside Dreams Goat Dairy with her husband Barrie, was inspired to start a goat association for commercial producers when she heard leadership stories by other women who attended our Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in October 2017. We love providing the space for learning and inspiration like this! Click here to read her story.

In their own words – comments from our sponsors and delegates

“At Cargill, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that fosters growth and development for all our employees. The Advancing Women Conference reflects this and is a great way to accelerate the development of women at Cargill and in Canadian agriculture. Our employees return from the conference energized, motivated and excited about what they learned and the networking they were able to do. It is exciting to see women in agriculture coming together in such an engaging way and Cargill is proud to be a continuous sponsor of this event.”
~Jeff Vassart, President, Cargill Limited

“The success of the Canadian agriculture industry is thanks to the bright women and men who have brought us to where we are today. The challenges of tomorrow will require even greater leadership, and G3 is very pleased to support the Advancing Women Conference to foster the development of women across the industry. We hope the experience is inspiring and empowering for all of the conference participants.”
~Karl Gerrand, CEO G3

“That was the best conference I have ever participated in my life.”
~Kithma D., Truro, Nova Scotia

“Your passion for this conference is making a real difference for women in Canadian agriculture and I would say for the ag industry overall.”
~Fran B., Winnipeg, Manitoba

“During AWC I heard messages of ‘never say no out of fear’ and to ‘seize every opportunity’. At the conference end, I decided to apply for a new work position and I’m glad I did! Thank you for inspiring many to step outside of our comfort zones!”
~Marijke V., SE Ontario

“It was amazing to get a chance to network with other women in the industry from around the country. Was an awesome conference. Loved the speakers, all very empowering.”
~Julie V., Norton, New Brunswick

“Very interesting, uplifting and motivating conference that is amazing for young women who often question their decision to enter this industry. This conference smashed all doubts.”
~Melissa D., Olds, AB

“Fantastic opportunity to be reminded of dynamic and important contributions women make in agriculture.  Reinforces and reminds us of good strategies for strong leadership.”
~Carmen S., Weyburn, SK

“I would also like to thank you for the wonderful opportunity. As an attendee at the past two Advancing Women in Agriculture Conferences, I benefited immensely from what I learned from all the speakers, and I found the opportunity to share some of my own thoughts with others to be surprisingly rewarding as well.
On behalf of women in agriculture, thank you for the hard work that you put into these events. It’s an incredibly necessary and beneficial event!”
~Jodi R., Lambton Shores, ON

“I feel empowered to be a better advocate for my industry and to take our farm to the next level. This conference has been a game changer for me.”
~Merel V., Salmon Arm, British Columbia

“As a student it has been an experience of a lifetime that I will remember for years to come. Thank you again for giving students like myself the opportunity to be inspired and achieve great success as leaders.”
~Sarah T., Calgary, Alberta

To hear more from past attendees, speakers and sponsors, click here