It all started with a dream.
Key women leaders in Canada were well aware of the need: Christian women in leadership needed support, encouragement and practical training to fulfill their mission and calling. And together we needed to develop and build our own ‘Canadian’ identity to ensure that we were equipping future leaders in our nation.
The concept of Leading Women was a shared dream. Ministry partners joined together to plan a weekend that would focus on building leadership capability among our women in Canada and inspire new dreams.
Canada is a nation known for its rich endowment of natural resources. From Vancouver Island to the shores of Newfoundland and to the far reaches of the north, this nation enjoys extraordinary economic and social benefits thanks to its natural resources making it a nation people want to call home.
Just as we are rich in natural resources, so our nation is filled with incredible, talents and gifted women who need to be applauded, supported, and encouraged to live out their dreams. Canadian Christian women have not reached their potential in impacting their communities, our nation and the world. Our resources and dreams are still too hidden and that needs to change.
Leading Women is the one national event where Canadian women in leadership can be trained, supported and encouraged. It’s a weekend where women who have achieved are celebrated. It provides rich networking opportunities where experiences and resources can be shared. It’s focus on Canadian leadership enhances the opportunities that we have in building our own identity as women of mission and calling. The optional learning opportunities empower women to believe in themselves and their dream.
To fulfill a dream is not an easy task. It takes courage to move from a comfort zone to the unknown. Risk taking is necessary to move forward.
Creative ideas and passion become like an inner flame giving the leader dream-energy and confidence. The need of mentors is indispensable. Perseverance and commitment are essential character traits. Learning to trust God in the development process is a fundamental spiritual cord that links the conception of a dream to it’s fulfillment.
Shared stories from those who have been through the journey of seeing a dream fulfilled create an energy at Leading Women that inspires commitment and trust and believing that we can dare to move forward.
The 4th Leading Women Conference will be held Feb 28, 29 & March 1, 2008 at the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre in Mississauga. Our theme, appropriately chosen, describes the heartbeat of fourteen ministry partners; their dream for Canadian Christian women: “Dare…igniting a culture of courage.”
Together we are shaping the future and challenging women to dare to believe in themselves and their God to fulfill their calling and mission.
Women who dare to dream shape the future. Plan to attend Leading Women 2008!
Margaret Gibb
Co-Chair
Leading Women 2008
