4-minute read
Post Contributed by Jade Laningham, Manager, Events and Ceremonies, Strategic Marketing and Communications, External Relations, University of Manitoba
Leadership Winnipeg Class of 2024-2025
When I think of the speakers we heard from in our day in the inner city, the threads that tie them all together are two traits: resilience and adaptation.
- Taking a leap from being a marketing manager to leading a social enterprise construction company
- Navigating running a business without traditional financial support
- Finding creative ways to keep employees working through a slow season
- Responding to changing demographics and needs in the community
- Attempting a capital campaign during a pandemic
- Overcoming incredible personal obstacles
All these stories exemplify these leadership traits and left me inspired to live these traits myself.
Our first stop was the Social Enterprise Centre, a building that represents adaptation itself. Once a hub for new immigrants in Winnipeg, it has now become a thriving space for social enterprises. Marlis Funk from CCEDNet, Sean Hogan from Build Construction, and Kalen Taylor from Purpose Construction all shared their conviction that businesses can focus on people over profit while still being successful.
Next, we went to Mother Earth Recycling, where Greg Teillet gave us a tour and told us about the Moose Hide Campaign against gender-based violence, which allows them to keep staff employed year-round.
At the North End Women’s Centre (NEWC), Executive Director Cynthia Drebot and Associate ED Kris Beaune discussed the Centre’s history and how the community’s changing demographics have influenced their work. They spoke about the challenges they face due to the impact of drugs and violence in the neighborhood but also shared hope and optimism. They have found success with their social enterprise, The Up Shoppe, and their transitional housing unit, and are planning a capital campaign to build a Centre that can serve the community even better.
Our next stop took us to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, where we were welcomed by one of our cohort members, Andrew. We heard from President & CEO Stefano Grande, as well as three researchers from the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM). They all spoke about Reconciliation in their work, and it was clear they were speaking from the heart. We also toured the Travis Price Heart Centre, built as a result of their capital campaign.
The day concluded with a visit to Urban Circle Training Centre, where their ED Haven Stumpf said “she can’t tell the story of Urban Circle without sharing her own story.” Her resilience and adaptation shone through as she shared her journey and how it’s influenced her work at Urban Circle. In a very candid moment, she pulled a participant into the room to share her story. Hailey said “I feel like I’ve got the ball rolling for myself” thanks to Urban Circle, and her sincerity has stuck with me since. Our final stop at Makoonsag Intergenerational Children’s Centre, filled with the sounds of laughing children, was a perfect end to a day dedicated to learning about resilience, adaptation, and the power of community. The day was filled with heart, perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Our Leadership Winnipeg program is made possible with the support of our Vision Partners Canada Life, Johnston Group and The Winnipeg Foundation; Proud Partner Assiniboine Credit Union and our Proud Supporters Boston Pizza, Change Innovators Inc., Honest Agency, and University of Winnipeg.
