About Us
Founded in 2013 as Head Start for Young Women, the Network was originally a municipally-funded organization supported by Ottawa City councillors Marianne Wilkinson and Catherine McKenney with the aim of getting young women involved in their local communities and municipal politics.
The network rebranded to Empow(Her) Network in late 2016 and is experiencing new growth with a diverse group of ambitious young women who want to speak to three important aspects of young women’s lives: personal, professional, and political.
A lot of local young women’s groups are geared towards young professionals in business, law, and government, but many millennials don’t have traditional 9-5 jobs, so we want to open things back up to other professionals, like people working retail and those with side hustles.
We want to see young women and femme identifying indviduals be equipped with the skills they need to succeed in what they want to do.
VISION
Supporting young women* and femme identifying individuals in Ottawa to excel in their professional,
personal, and civic lives through peer-to-peer mentorship, networking opportunities, and skills-building workshops.
*We recognize that the term “women” may not encompass the diverse identities of our audience. Please note, we welcome and strive to create an inclusive environment for all trans, non-binary and agender persons.
MISSION
Empow(Her) Network provides young women* and femme identifying individuals in Ottawa opportunities for growth and networking, while encouraging them to assume positions of leadership.
*We recognize that the term “women” may not encompass the diverse identities of our audience. Please note, we welcome and strive to create an inclusive environment for all trans, non-binary and agender persons.
SPHERES OF ENGAGEMENT
PERSONAL
PROFESSIONAL
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Foundation
will empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the many firsts in life. From finances to self care, we’ve got you covered!
Foundation
will empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to start your professional life with confidence. Searching, landing, and beginning a new (or first) job can be complicated, but not for you!
Foundation
will empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an actively engaged citizen. Whether it’s becoming politically engaged or volunteering in the community, we know you’re invested in positive change.
Growth
provides opportunities to continue engaging with your life journey, and creating goals that you can crush. The road to success is highly personal, cookie cutter listicles need not apply.
Growth
tackles the important work of excelling within your career. Whether you’re interested in learning new skills or seeking a promotion, we will support your goals and guide your path to success.
Growth
seeks to discover what makes you passionate about your community. Whether your thing is politics, supporting a local organization, or leading the next big movement, we see great potential in you!
Community
we’re here to support you in building connections within our community. There’s nothing more powerful than women promoting women.
Community
focuses on mentorship and networking. Networking has a bad rep, but we’re here to tell you it’s all about relationship building and you can totally do this!
Community
is where the Empow(her) Network gets involved in activism that impacts local young women. We are committed to offering inclusive, intersectional programming, that focuses on advancing important societal issues that have an impact on all women.
