Inspiring Municipal Women's Forum

Agenda

• 8:30am - Welcome/Morning Moderator Introduction

  Welcoming Remarks:

  Paul Shipway, CMO, AOMC, Dipl. M.A.
  General Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation, County of Middlesex 
  AMCTO President

  Marilyn Crawford
  Councillor, Town of Ajax

  Morning Moderator:
  
  Madison S. Zuppa, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.A. 
  Deputy City Clerk, City of Sault Ste. Marie 
  AMCTO Director at Large

• 8:45am - Keynote Presentation: What is Your Next Chapter?

  Through thought-provoking insights, attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own leadership journeys, identify the passions that drive them, and embrace the strengths that make them unique. This session will also emphasize the power of authenticity in unleashing true potential, inspiring participants to lead with confidence and resilience. Whether you are just beginning your leadership path or seeking to deepen your impact, this session will empower you to navigate your journey with clarity, passion, and a renewed sense of purpose.

  Presented by:
  
  Ann Mitchell 
  Chief Administrative Officer/City Manager, City of Medicine Hat

• 9:55am - Women in Leadership at the City of Ottawa

  The theme for International Women’s Day this year is Accelerate Action. It is a worldwide call to share strategies, resources, activities and steps needed to achieve gender equality.

  At the City of Ottawa, women make up more than half of the executive team, working in non-traditional roles. Join city leaders Wendy Stephanson and Caitlin Salter MacDonald for a conversation about their career journeys, experiences, challenges and obstacles. Find out why and how they got to where they are, what continues to inspire and drive them as senior leaders in municipal government. 

  Presented by:

  Tammy Rose
  General Manager, Infrastucture and Water Services, City of Ottawa

  Caitlin Salter MacDonald
  City Clerk, City of Ottawa

  Wendy Stephanson
  City Manager, City of Ottawa

• 11:00am - Evil Triumphs When Good People Do Nothing: Why Being an Ally is Important

  Entering 2025, there is a noticeable geo-political shift that’s occurred with an increase of incivility, far right activism, online hate speech and harassment, and the targeting of groups based on race, sexual orientation, and gender. How did we get here? This panel discussion will share reflections and insights on how the current political climate came to be and how we can work collaboratively to create a positive culture change. Through storytelling, panelists will discuss the importance of allyship as an effective way to combat hate and encourage inclusivity. We’ll discuss what it means to be a good ally and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.

  Presented by:

  Andrea Coyne
  Manager, Elections, Policy, Print Services, Town of Oakville

  Sabine Matheson
  Principal/Legal Counsel, StrategyCorp Inc.

  Aretha Phillip
  Chief of Protocol, City of Toronto

• 12:00pm - Lunch Break
• 12:30pm - Peer to Peer Networking Session (in-person)

  Connect with like-minded colleagues from across Ontario in this facilitated networking session, hosted by our Inspiring Municipal Women’s Forum Focus Group. Share your ideas about how to support women and other minority groups in the sector, meet new colleagues, and expand your professional network. This is an optional activity with the aim of fostering positive relationship-building, new connections and support – we encourage you to bring your business cards or have your LinkedIn ready.

• 1:00pm - Afternoon Moderator Introduction

  Danielle C. Manton, AOMC, Dipl.M.M.
  City Clerk, City of Cambridge
  AMCTO Vice President

• 1:05pm - From Burnout to Balance: Personal Stories of Redefining Success

  Join Amy and Kelli in an honest and inspiring session designed for women in the municipal sector. Together, they’ll unpack the hidden challenges of juggling professional responsibilities with personal demands while addressing the stigma surrounding burnout and work-life balance. They will offer insights on fostering resilience amidst competing priorities and share actionable strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and finding harmony in your dual roles. Amy will also delve into best practices for cultivating an organizational culture where women feel supported in achieving balance without being perceived as ‘less than’. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools, connect with peers, and come away inspired to reclaim your time, energy, and well-being.

  Presented by:

  Kelli Campeau
  General Manager of Corporate Services/Clerk, Township of South Glengarry

  Amy Smith
  Director of Human Resources, Oxford County

• 2:00pm - Relationship Roller Coaster or Merry-Go-Round?

  Managing relationships can be a ride - smooth and enjoyable or hold on for your life terrifying. This session will focus on the ups and downs of managing productive and respectful professional relationships. We’ll dive into how to have and survive those courageous conversations that are occasionally required to move the dial forward while at the same time protecting your mental health.

  Presented by:

  Krista Power
  City Clerk, City of Thunder Bay

• 2:55pm - Thriving Through Challenges: Turning Setbacks into Success

  This session explores the power of a growth mindset in building resilience and overcoming life’s challenges. Through compelling examples and practical insights, participants will learn how to transform tough moments into opportunities for personal and professional growth. Designed for municipal sector employees and leaders, this session highlights actionable strategies to navigate adversity, turning setbacks into stepping stones and emerging stronger. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to thrive in the face of challenges, fostering a mindset that empowers them to succeed, no matter the circumstances.

  Presented by:

  Colleen James
  Regional Councillor, Region of Waterloo,
  CEO, Divonify Incorporated

• 3:40pm - Closing Remarks & Adjournment

  David Arbuckle, MPA
  Executive Director, AMCTO