News & Updates

The annual International Women’s Day Gala hosted by Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. is a powerful celebration of community.

The greatest changes in society often start at the community level, driven by meaningful interactions between individuals. In the Windsor-Essex County, in the southern-most portion of Ontario, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is the driving force behind this exact type of change.

WEST provides support to women in the Windsor-Essex County, helping them to achieve their goals through acquiring employment, training, and skill development, along with aiding newcomers and immigrants with their settlement into the Windsor-Essex community. “Our organization has been doing this great work of empowering women since 1987,” says Rose Anguiano Hurst, WEST’s Executive Director.

Carolyn Brown, CEO of the Windsor Detroit Tunnel Corporation is shown at her office in Windsor on Monday, March 6, 2023. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star

Carolyn Brown for many years has held top executive positions in prevalent organizations throughout the Windsor area, but to this day far too often remains the only woman in the room during any high-level meeting or event.

“It is challenging,” said Brown, currently CEO for the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation. “More often than not, I am the only woman at the table or event and often clearly the only Black woman. I always feel I’m being held to a higher standard.

“Your network of those in a similar position is a small one. There is a very limited level of support of women in similar positions.”

For that reason, Brown when given the opportunity has also strived to “pave the path for others,” she said.

“It’s something I’ve become used to — being the only woman or Black female in the room. So, I understand the challenges over the years and try to set the foundation for others. I would be very happy to see others following in the path that I set.”

The funds raised by this raffle will support the programs and services at WEST.

The winner will receive 50% of funds raised and will be contacted by WEST to claim their prize.

Thank you for your support!

JACKPOT DRAW DATE:
Wednesday, March 8, 2023

TICKET PRICES:

• 200 tickets for $40
• 40 tickets for $20
• 10 tickets for $10

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is on a mission to help women improve their employability and connect with jobs.

Women and newcomers face disproportionately high levels of unemployment. While systemic changes may help rectify their unique barriers to employment integration, the immediate solutions are often local and community-oriented. In Windsor-Essex County, Ont., Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) has become a champion in this area, creating unique programs and collaborating with local employers to get more newcomers and women into fulfilling employment opportunities.

We are raising funds to assist us in providing important programs and services in Windsor-Essex County.

JACKPOT DRAW DATE:
Friday, December 2, 2022

TICKET PRICES:

• 200 tickets for $40
• 40 tickets for $20
• 10 tickets for $10

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. stands with everyone fighting against racism toward any and all people. We are saddened and angered by recent anti-Asian violence in the US and Canada.  No one in Canada should feel unsafe because of who they are, the colour of their skin, or where their ancestors come from.

We  stand with members of the Asian community and other disadvantaged communities  We stand for unity, equality, and safety for all men, women, and children regardless of race, class, gender, nationality.  As we continue to work diligently to assist disadvantaged women in the Windsor-Essex community, we shall continue to challenge racism and other forms of discrimination that exist in our community and are committed to working with our community for more inclusive representation in workplaces.

Although we often think of Canada as a beacon for multiculturalism, pervasive yet often covert racism is a part of the daily lives of our friends and colleagues and women we serve.

We join Canadians and Americans in acknowledging the pain felt due to racial violence and expressing the need for our communities to come together in solidarity to fight against racism and intolerance.

WEST demonstrates our commitment to inclusion through representation. Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. was incorporated in 1987 to improve the employability skills of severely-employment disadvantaged women in order to improve their employability in the workforce and or to further their education. Our Board of Directors, our staff and the participants we work with in our programs all represent the diversity seen across the world. WEST will continue to be a leader in the community and committed to fighting against racism and intolerance.

We all have a role to play in fighting back against anti-Asian racism.Together, we can and will make a difference to turn the tide of hatred. The following recommendations from Stop AAPI Hate (https://stopaapihate.org/) offers five ways to help if you witness hate, according to the organization:

•  Take action: Approach the targeted person, introduce yourself and offer support.
• Actively listen: Ask before taking any actions and respect the other person’s wishes. Monitor the situation if needed.
• Ignore the attacker: Using your discretion, Stop AAPI Hate says to attempt to calm the situation by using your voice, body language or distractions.
• Accompany: If the situation escalates, invite the targeted person to join you in leaving the area.
• Offer emotional support: Help the other person by asking how they’re feeling and assist them in figuring out what they want to do next.

Please report all incidents to 911 and the Canadian Human Rights Commision at https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/