Women’s Network Ontario and Atlantic Region Host First Lean In Circle Sessions
July 9, 2021
Last week, more than 30 members in the Women’s Network Ontario Region took part in a Lean In Circle session on creating work/life balance. With an introductory video by Dr. Kristen Race, TedXMileHigh presenter and author, the session focused on the topic of: Slow Down, Pay Attention, and Say ‘Thank You!’
The session included an interactive component with seven breakouts where participants were able to connect and share related session activities and exercises together where many takeaways were gathered.
Ontario Women’s Network Chair Jennifer Eastman, CSC LEF and Vice Chair, Lori Bagazzoli, Ledvance were very pleased with the turnout and positivity from the Lean In Circle session.
The Atlantic Region Women’s Network examined the topic of, Tightrope Bias: Why Women Have to Fight to be Respected at Work. The Atlantic Region Women’s Network felt it was of fundamental importance, to provide an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of how gender and tightrope bias impacts women, as in many jobs – including those in the industry – a person has to take on stereotypically ‘masculine’ qualities (like assertive, competitive, and ambitious) to be successful.
Joan C. Williams, Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of California, Hastings College of Law and co-author of What Works for Women at Work: Four Patterns Working Women Need to Know, kicked off the session with a video on how to understand and identity tightrope bias, and strategies for addressing tightrope bias in the workplace.
Atlantic Region Women’s Network Chair Julie Mills, said Lean In Sessions like these help connect men and women of all ages and backgrounds to build a more collaborative and comfortable environment for women in the electrical workforce.
“I started this group here in the Atlantic to help women in all areas and positions in our industry grow in their careers,” Mills said. “I want to help women overcome some of the barriers I had to fight.”
Electro Federation Canada would like to thank the WN Ontario and WN Atlantic Region committees, the breakout session facilitators, and all members for participating in this session. Their team looks forward to sharing more timely topics that help empower members, provide professional development opportunities and support a healthy lifestyle.
