NWDLC Web Header - Cohort 2023

INTERESTING, INTIMATE, AND INFORMATIVE

MORNING MEET-UP AND SMALL-GROUP SPEED DATING | APRIL 15, 2023

YOUR PATH TO POLITICAL LEADERSHIP, Building Diversity in Political Leadership for Our Future, is a second-year initiative championed by the NWDLC in partnership with PowHERhouse Impact Media Group.

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - A political preparation conversation with interactive, small-group strategic speed dating sessions took place virtually on Saturday morning, April 15, 2023. The gathering launched an innovative, inviting, and inclusive comprehensive engagement and preparatory program for women and non-binary people who may be interested in running a political campaign in the next one to five years.

Now in its third year, this community-focused initiative is hosted by a diverse group of champions who have held public office, work in labour union leadership, and are considering public office. Watch the April 2nd event recording below.

READ THE 2023 IMPACT INITIATIVE!
SPRING 2023 POLITICAL READINESS COHORT EXPERIENCE - register now!
Charlene (1)

Charlene SanJenko

Former two-term Councillor

Town of Gibsons, BC

Charlene is a former two-term Gibsons municipal politician (2011-2018), competitive athlete + performance coach, social impact entrepreneur since 2000, two-time YWCA Women of Distinction Award Nominee (2014/2022), and community economic development enthusiast.

She is able to see the End Game, walk through a growth plan, and synthesize the efforts necessary to enjoy the greatest leverage, clarity, traction, and fulfillment for individual leaders, communities, and the collective whole. 

Charlene is an Indigenous founder who has supported the acceleration and amplification of women's leadership for over two decades, including programming, publications, media, events, and purposeful cohort group experiences.

Learn more about Charlene here.

 

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Christina Benty

Former Mayor
Town of Golden, BC
 

Christina Benty is the former Mayor of Golden with over 11 years experience as an elected official.  She was a director on the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and President of the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments. She studied political science in university and has a keen interest in governance/governance structures.  She obtained her Masters of Leadership from Royal Roads University. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, cycling, cross-country skiing, and spending time with family and friends.  She recently began singing with a jazz band and performing in local venues.  Christina is a dynamic speaker and presenter. 

“I am committed to the continuous task of mastering my inner life.  I examine my heart and try to live congruently with my values.   I aspire to surround myself with positive, ethical people who are dedicated to excellence."  

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Hillary Bergshoeff

2021 First Steps Cohort Participant

IATSE891 Assistant Business Representative.

After moving to Canada from New Zealand in 2005, Hillary has worked in a variety of fields and brings more than 17 years of experience from the not for profit, municipal government, communications, and health care sectors; and is now based at IATSE891 in the role of Assistant Business Representative.

With a lifelong love of film and a desire to give back, Hillary is part of the team working to demystify the film industry, recruit new workers, and champion causes that will continue to build a safe, diverse, sustainable, and inclusive industry that will be a thriving part of BC for years to come.  

MEET OUR CONVERSATIONALISTS| Political prep champions

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome participants to an intentional, informative, and interactive session.

Preparing for a Better Future with Greater Diversity in Political Leadership is a second-year initiative championed by the NWDLC in partnership with PowHERhouse Impact Media Group. It is described as an innovative, inviting, and inclusive comprehensive engagement and preparatory program for women and non-binary people who may be interested in running a political campaign in the next one to five years. 

Janet Andrews NWDLC round (Small)

Janet Andrews, NWDLC, Secretary-Treasurer and April 15 Panel Champion

“The New Westminster & District Labour Council has been endorsing candidates for local government for more than 50 years, and we know the importance of preparedness in ensuring success. If we want our communities to be reflective of our best selves then we must also do the work to foster and support diverse leaders to meet their fullest potential.

 

We are excited to be working with PowHERhouse to help leaders who share our values to develop their skills and focus their energy to build inclusive, resilient communities for everyone.” ~ Janet Andrews, NWDLC, Secretary-Treasurer

Janet Andrews is the full-time Secretary-Treasurer of the New Westminster & District Labour Council, which represents over 60,000 union members in fourteen municipalities in the lower mainland of British Columbia.

Janet is proud to be a part of a grass roots, local organization with a strong tradition of workers speaking out on issues affecting them in their workplaces and in their communities. A member of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Union Local Lodge 764, Janet has served on her Local’s Executive Board, as both Women’s and Political Action Committee Chairperson, on Bargaining Committees and as Chief Steward of her bargaining unit.

Janet is currently serving as one of the labour representatives on the Metro Vancouver Regional Economic Prosperity Management Board and is on the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Lower Mainland. She has a BA in Classical Studies (UBC) and an MA in Classical Archaeology (UBC).

More information on the NWDLC and their work can be found at www.nwdlc.ca, or by contacting nwdlc@shawcable.com. 

Janet Andrews, NWDLC, Secretary-Treasurer

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to use a gender-aware lens to build better communities.

By activating and empowering more women and non-binary people who share our values of strong, inclusive, resilient, healthy communities, we ignite a clear path to successfully run for elected municipal office for future generations.

Preparing for a Better Future with Greater Diversity in Political Leadership kicks off this Spring 2023 with the following opportunities. Questions? talktous@powherhouse.com

NWDLC Panel 2023

Preparatory Group Cohort May - July 2023 led by political champions, former two-term mayor, Christina Benty, a strategic advisor to numerous municipal leaders across Canada, and Indigenous founder, impact media visionary, and former two-term municipal councillor, Charlene SanJenko.

Cohort registration now open!

Limited spots are available for this interactive 10-week cohort experience beginning May 6th. Designed for those looking to become future political champions by those who have been there with input from those leading in politics at this time. 

To learn more about this initiative and receive event details and program updates, please register above.

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