1. Tell us about yourself.
Hello, my name is Jessenia Gabriela Zelaya, but I have always liked to be called Gaby, it is easier and shorter to say it, here at WEST everyone knows me by Gaby. I am of Honduran nationality.

I arrived in Canada in 2023. I thank God for allowing me to be in this wonderful place such as Canada. What I have known about this country has enchanted me very much.

I consider myself a very social person. I like to meet different types of people and always take the positive. I also like to help people with my innate optimism.

My favorite food is sushi and seafood, and Italian pasta, my favorite book is called “Who Moved My Cheese” is a book from the United States written by Spencer Johnson that is about how to adapt to a constantly changing world.

I love exploring nature, and all kinds of animals, but I have one in particular: cats.

My favorite hobbies are swimming, listening to music and reading interesting books. Apart from cycling, I sometimes play volleyball and soccer.

About my professional life, with a lot of effort and work I finished high school, I also had the opportunity to enter university although I was not able to finish my degree in System Engineering, since the costs were very expensive and the job I had was not enough to be able to pay for it. I know that at some point I will be able to achieve my goal, it is something that I long for very much and thus be able to develop myself in my skills and helping those who need it. I am very passionate about everything that has to do with technology, programming, designs and editing photos.

I was also studying to be a naval officer or sub-officer but I did not succeed since my dreams were cut short due to a different preference, I ended up with the rank of sergeant class 1.

I could no longer continue studying or working, because the crime in my country does not allow people to seek a better life.

2. What does WEST mean to you?
WEST for me means a process of providing learning opportunities to women who come from other countries with difficult situations and who have not had the opportunity of education and taking a new notebook and learn new knowledge of writing, reading, listening and speaking another type of language, such as English and French. WEST also has other business skills such as training to women who are well prepared to face new challenges and projects, such as a career in construction or electricity. Where in other countries, they are not given the courage to face those challenges along men, and here in Canada and at the WEST school, they give us the opportunity that a woman is capable of achieving many things.

WEST has qualified employees and a very pleasant and patient space to teach new knowledge to the new people who are coming to this great country of Canada.

3. What motivated you to get involved with West, and how has it impacted your life?
What motivated me to be part of West was the treatment and respect with which they received me the day I came to seek help for a procedure that I needed to do at that time, which was how I decided to give myself a chance to study English here. Everything I have learned has been very helpful for my life, the teachers’ way of teaching and the confidence they transmit to us, so that we can getting along with a language that has been a challenge for all those women who have arrived in a country that makes it difficult for us to look for work or do some paperwork.

4. In your experience, what are some of the key challenges faced by participants and how does WEST effectively address them?
Well, this is an excellent question that I decided to answer, because I use myself as an example. When I arrived at the WEST School, my main challenges were fear and anxiety of not knowing how to handle the English language and not knowing how to get along with other people who do not know my Spanish language, since I only arrived here with level 1/2, the same as people who have languages.

WEST addressed these challenges very well because as I said before they have a highly qualified staff to provide peaceful, understanding, and reassuring teaching, to help women overcome their fears by providing positive feedback and encouragement.

The teachers are adaptable, attentive and personable women who adjust their teaching methods and their curriculum to match the needs and objectives of their students.

WEST uses different types of tools and resources such as worship, holiday celebrations, trips to see new places to live together and spend pleasant moments.

5. What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
The advice that I would give to us women to achieve our dreams is, first of all, be positive, trust yourself, accept that not everything in life turns out well the first time, but with each error you are closer to getting what you want.

The other advice I give is not to give up; sometimes it takes more than one fight to overcome the obstacles that appear along the way.

And the last two pieces of advice that motivate me and I hope also motivate you, an empowered and intelligent woman, are: Do not forget our principles, never forget who you are, act consistently with yourself, achieving your dreams is very important, but being honest with yourself, respectful and remembering where you are from is even more important.

The sacrifice achieving your goals is step by step, maybe you have to go through great challenges, maybe you have to work for low wages3 and sleep little.

But never forget that your dreams are waiting for you and that all those sacrifices you make today will reward you later.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   My Name is Madelaynes Rodriguez Castro. I am originally from Cuba – from the province of Santa Clara. I am 33 years old, and I am the mother of a 5-year-old child. When I lived in Cuba, I was an executive and at the same time I worked on my passion – modelling. I am also writing a book called Life, which is inspired by my own life story and some others that people have confessed to me at some time. I thought I would write the teachings that life has left us with not very good situations and so when people read the book they can see life from another perspective. I have been writing it for 2 years. I consider myself a person who has many hobbies like writing, practicing yoga, meditation, walking. I’m very curious.
2. What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
   The first time I heard of WEST was from my friend. I asked her what school she recommended since I wanted a school where I felt reflected and supported as a new migrant to try and grow in my English language in Canada. She recommended WEST because in addition to growing in your English you can be trained to look for work. In Canada, these were the two pieces of advice she gave me at the time. My time at WEST has had an amazing impact on my life both inside and outside as it has given me more self-confidence, given me the strength to say “yes I can”, a lot of free information on life aimed at new immigrants and especially as a woman and mother.
3. What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
   The first piece of advice is to never stop thinking about living your dreams. Now, people who will want to turn off that light is inspiration, that wonderful Idea, woman, but you must look inside yourself/ breathe three times and say “yes, I can”, that should be your motto. Every day make an effort, study, see life with a positive mentality and never, ever lose faith in yourself and you will fulfill your dreams.
4. Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
   All of the women at WEST have inspired me every day of my life, but in particular Busra, my teacher, because she is a wise and very insightful woman who always wants the best for her students so that they not only grow as English students but as people.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   I’m a mom of one child – a boy who is 12 years old. I immigrated to Canada on November 11, 2016. The day that I arrived to this land was Canada’s Remembrance Day, and that day became the Remembrance Day for my family and myself. I am a member of WEST staff who assists with various tasks. My purpose is to help newcomer women who are seeking to improve their skills by providing useful training to enhance their employability skills to a find job.My passion lies in helping women to settle down here in Canada. I love helping people effectively and finding the information they’re looking for to adapt to a new country.It’s tough to pick a single favorite book, but one that often comes to mind is “The Five languages of Love”. It’s a useful book to enhance and understand your spouse, from different aspects and provoking strategies and ways to express your love.As for hobbies, I do enjoy learning new things and reading books that improve my abilities. I enjoy exercising and always look to updating my knowledge.
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   WEST has been an incredibly important part of my journey as a newcomer to Canada. For me, WEST represents not just an organization but a gateway to a new life and opportunities in the new country. It’s where I found support, friendship, and the resources I needed to face the challenges of settling into a new environment.
3. What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
   Attending the ELT program at WEST not only helped me improve my skills but also connected me with the community of fellow newcomers who became my friends. Through volunteering with the LEAD program, I was able to give back to the organization that had supported me and further integrated me into Canadian society.My dedication and hard work paid off, leading to multiple promotions within WEST, ending in my current role as EWE program lead. This is all related to my resilience and the support provided by WEST in helping me build a successful life in my new home.
4. In your experience, what are some of the key challenges faced by participants, and how does WEST effectively address them?
   In my experience, some of the key challenges faced by WEST participants who are newcomers to Canada are first of all the Language barriers. Many newcomers face challenges in communicating effectively due to language barriers. WEST offers language training programs like the English language training (LST) classes to improve participants’ English proficiency, enhancing their ability to communicate and integrate into Canadian society. Also, the social isolation is considered as important challenge. Moving to a new country can be isolating, especially without the support of friends and family. WEST provides a supportive community environment through programs like ELT, EWE LEAD etc. and various workshops, where participants can connect with others who are going through similar experiences, enhancing the sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.Lack of job opportunities is another factor. Finding employment in a new country can be difficult due to various factors, including unfamiliarity with the job market and employer expectations. WEST offers employment support services such as job search assistance, resume writing workshops, and job placement assistance to help participants secure employment opportunities.Limited knowledge of Canadian culture and systems are other challenges for newcomers as well. Navigating the complexities of Canadian culture, systems, and resources can be overwhelming for newcomers. WEST provides information and resources through the settlement counsellors team on various aspects of Canadian life, including healthcare, education, housing, and legal rights, empowering participants to navigate their new environment with confidence.
5. What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
   My advice for women striving to achieve their dreams is to just believe in yourself, recognize your own potential, and believe in your abilities to achieve your dreams. It’s natural to face doubts and challenges along the way, but maintaining self-confidence and resilience will help you overcome obstacles and stay focused on your goals. Secondly, try to network and build relationships. Networking is essential for career and personal growth. Attend networking events and participate in community activities to expand your network and build relationships with individuals who can support and mentor you along the way. Also be proactive and adaptable. Success often requires you to be ready for changing circumstances, willing to step out of your comfort zone, look for opportunities, and learn from both successes and failures. The most important is to give back and support others, as you achieve your own dreams. Share your knowledge, experiences, and resources with others, and be a source of inspiration and encouragement for those who believe in you. Finally, the journey to achieving your dreams may not always be easy, and you may encounter setbacks and challenges along the way. Stay resilient and maintain a positive mindset. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for a new route.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   I am a Community Manager at Libro Credit Union where I am delighted to lead our Belle River team. At Libro, we help our Owners to attain financial wellbeing through meaningful financial coaching. We also strive to make a positive impact in the Belle River Community and Windsor-Essex as a whole. I’ve been in financial services for 13 years and have held positions as an advisor and in leadership. I have found my home at Libro where I feel we truly make a difference in the lives of our Owners and communities! My passion is in helping others and finding ways to make the world around me a better place. I am also passionate about mental health and how physical activity is an important factor in both this and overall wellbeing.My favourite books include pretty much anything written by Stephen King and one of my favourite TV shows is Survivor, in large part because I have fun watching it with my brother. I do not currently have any pets, though am hopeful to be a dog mom in the years ahead. I love to keep active with volleyball, swimming, rollerblading, and biking along with additional hobbies of reading, cooking, and doing puzzles (depending on the weather!). Fun facts are that I have seen a tornado and I am the oldest of 6 siblings. My favourite restaurant is a toss-up between India 47 and Smoke & Spice. I’m always open to trying new places!
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   To me, WEST means empowering women with the skills and training to have a thriving successful career trajectory. It means driving equity by providing opportunities for growth. It means working together to build for a strong, more inclusive, and thereby more powerful society.
3. What motivated you to get involved with WEST?
   I had heard of WEST prior to beginning my career at Libro. It was when I joined Libro that I learned more about this incredible organization and the valuable services provided in the Windsor-Essex community. I was motivated to get more involved when I learned of our close value alignment in empowering others in their employment and the importance of diversity & inclusion. I was further motivated after getting involved by the dedicated and exceptionally passionate individuals that comprise the WEST Team. I am a huge fan of the efforts of WEST in our community!
4. In your opinion, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
   In my opinion, what sets WEST apart is its approach is the expansive nature of programming to support women in all fields. Another standout is the enthusiasm of the WEST team towards driving the organizational mission and purpose.
5. What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
   The advice I would give to women striving to achieve their dreams is to believe in yourself, take advantage of opportunities to grow, and surround yourself by a community of women who will support you and encourage you along the way. Know that all goals are achievable with the right mindset and willingness to persevere through challenges. A challenge is a teachable moment and it is through our challenges that we come out stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the next. Aim to be fearless in the pursuit of your goals!
6. Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
   There have been numerous women in my life who have inspired and continue to inspire me. The woman who has inspired me most over the past year has been my Libro leader and Windsor-Essex Regional Manager, Lori Atkinson. Lori leads with a delicate balance of mind and heart. She is highly passionate about being a force for good in our community and uses strong business leadership skills to be able to contribute to this at a high level. Lori is compassionate, thoughtful, and driven. She instills confidence in others through strong relationships that challenge with a foundation of trust. I have heard the expression that leaders must hold themselves to a higher standard and it is something that I personally believe. I see Lori do this on a daily basis and it is evident that she gives her all in her work at Libro. Lori inspires those around her to give their all, myself included, and doesn’t forget to have fun together along the way. I am extremely grateful to have the continuing opportunity to work with, learn from, and be inspired by Lori.
7. What empowers you?
   I am empowered by being part of a community of women who continuously pursue their dreams and who support one another along the way. In my work at Libro, my community involvement, and my career as a whole, I have met so many exceptional women who have pushed through obstacles to achieve their dreams. Hearing others say ‘I can’ and ‘I have’ energizes me to say the same in my own pursuits. Learning from the shared experience of others is key for me and I take every opportunity for empowerment that I can. I would like to recognize WEST for putting on workshops that empower in this way, including the Pathways to Progress event this year, in which I was honoured to participate. In that workshop alone I heard numerous empowerment pieces from the speakers including how to overcome perceived gender barriers, tactics for deescalating critical situations, and finding ways to lead in any position. Learning through these experiences and formal education are both ways in which I empower myself to continue to grow.
8. Describe the collaboration between your organization and WEST. How does this partnership contribute to achieving shared goals and objectives?
   Libro is a proud partner and supporter of WEST. Through our Libro Annual Grants process we have recognized our value alignment and are glad to be able to support and participate in ongoing WEST initiatives. Our objectives overlap in the realm of gainful employment and the important place this has in overall financial wellbeing. I have heard the phrase that your ability to earn an income is your greatest asset. Empowerment in employment combined with financial literacy is a great recipe for success in attaining overall financial wellbeing. It has been a true pleasure in working with WEST to make strides toward our shared goals this year!
9. Can you share an experience where understanding or embracing cultural diversity significantly impacted your work or personal life?
   It is my firm belief that a collective purpose is enhanced and made better when all voices are heard and represented. The greatest unity and reach of our voice is achieved when that voice is comprised of diverse individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Over the course of my career I have been gifted with the opportunity to work with a number of beautifully diverse teams of individuals. I have learned the importance of acknowledging and embracing differences in one another. I know that I can bring my best self to any situation when I feel comfortable in bringing my full authentic self with me. As such, I do my best to encourage others to bring their full selves with them each day and share this brightness with the world around them. As a leader, it is also important for me to take action when I see someone being treated in a manner that discourages this ability. I am proud to work at an organization where we highly value diversity, equity, and inclusion.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   My name is Janelle Abela and I am the CEO of Diverse Solutions. I like to call myself a “Growth Strategist” because I look for ways that people can improve themselves, the way we can improve teams and our workplaces, and how we can grow as a community. I am an avid reader and “people watcher” because I think that this is the best way for me to learn about others and the world. I have a puppy named Zoey. I also enjoy going to the gym. The gym reminds me that consistency provides results over time, something that I forget when progress is intangible. I also enjoy cooking because it provides me a creative outlet to explore new things and learn from others.
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   WEST means opportunity and support. These are two things that people can easily take for granted if they have it. For those who don’t have it, it can be hard to gain it, becoming a prominent barrier in their lives. Many people struggle with opportunity and support when they go through major transitions in their lives. So, to have people and space where this is provided, it gives hope and strength.
3. What motivated you to get involved with WEST?
   As a woman of colour, I am aware of the challenges that women can face in entering the workforce. Having experienced harassment and discrimination myself, I know firsthand the effects on well-being. Being involved with WEST allows me to provide support for women who may be in situations like mine and to draw attention to these ongoing challenges for people who may be unaware (workplaces/employers).
4. In your opinion, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
   Comprehensiveness and consistency. WEST is about making sure women are supported in various ways – they are like a family. It’s also not just about preparing the women. WEST makes an effort to prepare the community as well. This creates sustainable change and long-term growth for the women supported. WEST is also consistent with their support and always invested. This shows women that they matter and that they are worth the time.
5. What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
   Be your biggest fan. It can be challenging when you are trying to get buy-in from others, validation from others, and even support from others. This can be draining on your self-confidence and drive. Being your biggest fan means you believe in what you are doing and are celebrating yourself. It creates self-love and that is the fuel that keeps you going.
6. Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
   My mother and sister. They have taught me to persevere because we have to. Both have worked very hard to support their families and are continually striving to be better and do more. They are also both my biggest cheerleaders. Having strong women support strong women is more than inspiration, it feels like they have thrown me a rope to pull me up with them.
7. What empowers you?
   Potential. I am a strong believer in asking and trying. What’s the worst they can say? No. So, why not ask. What’s the worst that can happen? It doesn’t work. So, why not see if it does. I learn from asking and trying, which helps me grow for the future. I am empowered by my freedom to think and do and the potential outcome of that.
8. How does your organization’s partnership with WEST help address issues of cultural diversity and intersectionality?
   The work that my organization does is on the workplace/employer side of cultural diversity and intersectionality. I am able to utilize my own experiences as a tool for learning when building stronger workplace approaches. Also, having been on both sides of issues, I am able to navigate and support employers with low-risk, high-reward scenarios and discussions. In my work with WEST, I have leaned into support for the individual, which stems from my learning when working with employers.
9. Can you share an experience where understanding or embracing cultural diversity significantly impacted your work or personal life?
   Understanding others has helped me realize that it’s not always about me. Doing things the way I have always done it or because I feel like it is the best way can be harmful to others. This supremacy can hinder growth and opportunity for everyone. Being a business owner, I have a strong connection to the success or failure of my organization. This has caused me to train/manage staff in a way that may be more like micromanaging or babysitting. After acknowledging the value of the people I brought on (I bring them on for a reason, right!), I am able to support them as a part of my company rather than a duplication of me. Embracing their differences exposes me to new insights and allows me to reframe my approaches to life and work.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   I am someone who thrives on building connections and helping others unlock their potential. My career has been focused on supporting and uplifting women, particularly those facing barriers in the workplace. This is evident based on the various departments of WEST that I have worked including Employment Services, Young Women in LEAD, Women in Skill Trades the UTIP-SMART program and my current role of Program Coordinator of the Settlement Program for Newcomer Women and Girls. I am deeply passionate about creating inclusive and safe environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed; this passion has driven me to volunteer in many different organizations such as WECAS, WWIA, The Giving Eight, The Black Council, BKIA, Windsor Women Supporting Women. When I am not working, I love spending time with my 2 beautiful children and ensuring that they are given all the opportunities to experience the world around them.
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   WEST is more than an organization as I literally grew up at WEST! I have been working at WEST for almost 8 years and before that I was a part of 2 programs that were delivered by WEST; the Logistics program and the Young Women in LEAD program. In the walls of WEST I was able to discover a community where women, young girls and their families can find not just resources, but also a sense of belonging and empowerment. It is a space where individuals are supported at every step of their journey, whether they are looking to advance their careers, embark on a new career, gain new skills, or build confidence. WEST represents a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all women to thrive!
3. In your opinion, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
   What sets WEST apart is its holistic approach. The organization does not just focus on one aspect of a woman’s life; it addresses the whole person. From assisting newcomer women and their families to navigate the nuances of moving to a new country and starting over to career training to emotional support, from financial literacy to mentorship, WEST ensures that women have access to all the tools they need to succeed. Another important aspect that sets WEST apart is the faith they have in their client’s ability to succeed which, is demonstrated in WEST’s practice of hiring clients to work in the organization and I am proud to say I am one example of many! WEST is a trailblazer of creating a supportive community where women uplift each other!
4. In your experience, what are some of the key challenges faced by participants, and how does WEST effectively address them?
   Participants often face challenges such as lack of confidence, limited access to education or training, and barriers related to childcare or transportation. WEST addresses these challenges head-on by providing accessible programs, offering childcare solutions especially for newcomer women through our Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) Program, and fostering an environment where women are encouraged to believe in themselves. The personalized support and mentorship available at WEST help women navigate these obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
5. Reflecting on your journey with WEST, what’s one significant lesson or insight you’ve gained that you’d like to share with others?
   One significant lesson I have learned is the incredible power of resilience. The women I have met through WEST and within the Windsor Essex community have shown me that no matter how tough the circumstances, with the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome almost anything. This insight has taught me to be more compassionate and to never underestimate someone’s potential, even when they might doubt it themselves.
6. Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
   My mother has been a constant source of inspiration for me. She faced numerous challenges in her life but always persevered with grace and strength. Her resilience and unwavering belief in herself have taught me the importance of staying true to one’s values and never giving up, no matter the circumstances.
7. How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
   I empower myself by continuously seeking out opportunities for growth, whether through education, new experiences, or simply surrounding myself with positive influences. I try to empower the women around me by being a supportive listener, offering encouragement, and sharing resources or knowledge that might help them on their path. I believe that by lifting each other up, we can all reach new heights.
8. Can you describe a particularly impactful moment or success story that you’ve witnessed during your time working at WEST?
   One particularly impactful moment was when a participant who had struggled with confidence and unemployment for years finally secured a job in her desired field. Watching her transformation from someone who doubted her abilities to a confident, self-assured professional was incredibly moving. Her success story is a testament to the power of persistence and the right support system, and it’s moments like these that remind me why the work we do at WEST is so important.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   One of the things I love is meeting people – they fascinate me and I’m always intrigued by the variety of people we meet in our lives. My profession is that I’m a conflict resolution specialist and a mediator. I have spent over 40 years in this business. If you break down what is most important to almost all of us it is family, safety, work ethic, kids, good food, great friends – you get my drift. We all work to achieve those goals. My passion has been Indian dancing and I taught that for 40 years in Canada though a lot more years in India. My volunteerism started when I was 12 or thirteen in my convent school and it molded my career. I enjoy watching crime and law shows intermittently with Bollywood films. I love to cook, bake and feed my friends. When I reached a milestone birthday I decided to support my husband and did skydiving for Polio twice.
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   WEST is a dream come true for all the founding members and me. A fervent belief in the capacity of women to shine like beacons of hope in the employment arena the founding group founded WEST. We were bang on!!
3. What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
   The concept of WEST inspired me. I have always been a women’s advocate from my days in India and had some incredible mentors like Mother Theresa, my dance teacher, Sucheta Joshi, and a few other strong women and I was inspired to continue that pathway for others to follow. So, when we knew there was an opportunity to craft an organization to support women into becoming professional we seized the moment.
4. What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
   My advice to women is as follows:
   • Believe in your dreams
   • Never give up
   • Stay strong but be kind
   • Gather like-minded women around you
   • Be patient and flexible
   • Work hard and plan every detail
   • Stand up tall always
5. What makes you a strong woman? What fulfills you?
   I believe in humanity and that if you serve the world, it becomes an amazing place. I laugh a lot and my life was blessed by my late husband and my two incredible kids. I draw my strength from my family and my friends and that is my strength.

1. Tell us about yourself. 
   I am originally from Pakistan and moved to Windsor 9 years ago to be with my husband.I have always believed and worked on the fundamental equality and empowerment of all individuals and advocating for people’s rights has been a long-life passion of mine. I started my journey when I was selected as a young Pakistani delegate to represent my country at an international leadership building camp in Maine, USA, hosted by the Seeds of Peace Organization in 2006. It was through this opportunity that I was able to address Mr. Richard A. Boucher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) USA, at the White House and discuss the conflicts happening in the region of South Asia. For a 14-year-old, that was an extremely empowering and memorable moment. From that time onwards, I have worked on the issues of social injustices across various countries, and I continue to be an advocate through my job at WEST. In my very spare time when I am not helping people find employment and when I have completed all my wifely and motherly duties, I enjoy playing video games as it gives me a break from all the stresses of the world. My favorite video game franchise is Resident Evil, especially the 4th one.
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   WEST is a source of fulfillment for me as it allows me to express my talents, pursue my passions, and make a meaningful contribution to society. I see every day in real-time what a difference we make in the lives of the people we serve, and it gives me the strength to persevere amidst all the challenges life throws at us. It is not just my workplace, it is a place where I make connections with people, provide them guidance, and give people the skills they need to be able to become successful and contributing members of our economy.
3. What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
   My mother-in-law took language classes at WEST when she came to Canada and as a newcomer, WEST was the only place of socializing for her. During her time at WEST, she not only improved her skills, but she also made friendships that are still thriving today. Being extremely passionate about social work and seeing the impact WEST had on my mother-in-law, I applied for the first job opportunity I saw at WEST so that I too am able to help transform people’s lives.
4. In your opinion, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
   WEST not just talks the talk, it walks the walk and its promise of helping remove barriers to employment for women is reflected in our staff, especially in leadership positions as I have yet to see more diversity in any other organization. No matter which community you belong to, there will be someone from WEST who will be able to understand you, empathize with you and help you with whatever it is that you are looking for.
5. What empowers you?
   My children are my greatest source of empowerment and I have been gifted with both a neuro-divergent son and a neuro-typical daughter whose unconditional love, resilience, and endless curiosity inspires me to be the best version of myself not just for my family, but for all families out there.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   I come from an immigrant family from Italy and have four siblings. During high school, I spent my summers working at my father’s construction company. I am a graduate of St. Clair College’s civil engineering program. I’ve been happily married for 36 years and have two wonderful sons and two grandchildren. My passion for construction has led to 30 years of experience working on incredible projects. I’ve had the privilege of working with industry champions like Mario Vozza, Denise Meret, Perry Wong, Don Spurr, Robert Demenia, and currently, Rob Petroni. At the LiUNA Training Center, I have a great team that makes me enjoy my work and be passionate about partnerships, such as with WEST.
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   To me, WEST represents an opportunity for women to showcase their passion and courage in facing challenges that were once unthinkable.
3. What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
   Five years ago, when WEST approached us, we were hesitant. However, looking back, partnering with WEST has been one of our best decisions. We are at the forefront of history, witnessing women’s increasing involvement in the skilled trades, and we are proud to be partnered with WEST.
4. In your opinion, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
   WEST is accomplished, professional, and aggressively focused on growth in the skilled trades, making it both challenging and rewarding.
5. Reflecting on your journey with WEST, what’s one significant lesion or insight you’ve gained that you’d like to share with others?
   One key insight I’ve gained is the passion for construction. Previously, I was surrounded by male colleagues and never anticipated that women could be interested or passionate about this field. I was proven wrong.
6. Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
   My mother’s story is inspirational. An Italian immigrant who married at 16, she moved to a new country and raised five children by the age of 23. Her courage, strength, and determination are qualities I will always admire.
7. What advice do you have for women who want to work in a male dominated field?
   Women in the construction field represent a new generation where opportunities previously unavailable are now within reach. They are being watched and judged, so I encourage them to be champions, focus on success, and not be deterred by any negativity. Success stories emerge daily when women challenge themselves outside their comfort zones and excel in areas once deemed unlikely for them.

1. Tell us about yourself.
   My name is Ankita, and I am from one of the culturally richest countries of the world, India. I embarked on a journey to Windsor as an International Student, beginning my Canadian experience in 2018. Currently, I serve as a Job Developer at WEST, where I interact with job seekers from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds daily. My passion lies in guiding and motivating my clients to pursue careers they’re passionate about. One of my favourite reads is ‘The Power of Different,’ which delves into how cognitive diversity drives genius work and create successful individuals. Outside of work, I adore spending time with my five adorable pets – two dogs and three cats – who bring immense joy to my life. I love to travel and always seek out unique experiences. I find solace in swimming for relaxation on weekends.
2. What does WEST mean to you?
   WEST serves as a dynamic platform empowering job seekers with vital resources for self-education, networking, and embarking on their employment journey. It’s a catalyst for not only fostering individuality but also inculcate an impactful representation for women in the workforce by breaking down barriers to employment and guiding them towards meaningful employment opportunities. The comprehensive approach to helping clients with addressing unemployment challenges is what makes WEST a powerful platform in my view. My association with WEST has encouraged me to establish a resilient community foundation that not only fosters individual growth but also enhances market adaptability and sustainability.
3. In your experience, what are some of the key challenges faced by participants, and how does WEST effectively address them?
   The key challenges encountered by participants at WEST are diverse and contingent upon numerous factors. Some of these include:
   • The challenge of inadequate financial resources to fulfill mandatory skills certification demanded by employers is mitigated through pre- and post-employment financial assistance programs. These initiatives empower participants to acquire essential competencies, transforming them into competitive candidates in the job market.
   • The occupational stigma poses a significant social barrier to the job readiness of candidates, hindering their financial stability. This challenge is addressed by creating a platform that fosters direct engagement between participants and employers, enabling the development of long-term career by understanding employer needs.
   • Educational Equivalency is also a major barrier for Immigrant for various skilled professions which is addressed by facilitating interactive training sessions through skilled trade workshops and helping candidates avail grants to continue education for skilled professions.
   • Building a professional network poses a significant challenge for newcomers, women and individuals who have been disconnected from the job market for an extended period which is addressed through robust training and work placement services, empowering participants to establish connections and strengthen their foothold in the job market.
4. Reflecting on your journey with WEST, what’s one significant lesson or insight you’ve gained that you’d like to share with others?
   Working at WEST has taught me a lesson in the significance of self-reflection. Engaging with candidates and assisting them in exploring their career objectives, strengths and weaknesses, training needs, and passions has been incredibly enlightening. This experience has not only empowered me to guide them on their employment path but has also served as a source of personal motivation, driving me to strive for improvement each day.
5. Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
   My mother has consistently been my source of inspiration and a guiding light since I set out on my journey for success. She has achieved remarkable success both professionally and personally, imparting to me the invaluable lesson of maintaining a balance in life. Every day, she motivates me to accept myself fully and strive for continuous personal growth, enabling me to contribute sincerely and wholeheartedly whenever the opportunity arises.