Charmaine Williams

In Editor's Choice December 13, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Highlights from the Fourth Cohort of the Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp

Women of Rubies has successfully hosted its 4th Media Visibility Bootcamp, a transformative two-day event designed to empower women with essential tools and strategies to enhance their visibility, build credibility, and achieve success in personal and professional spheres. This year’s Bootcamp was held during a milestone moment as Women of Rubies celebrated its 9th anniversary, marking nearly a decade of empowering women globally.

The event featured distinguished speakers, engaging panel discussions, and interactive networking sessions that inspired participants to harness the power of media to amplify their voices and achieve their goals.

Day 1 Highlights

The bootcamp opened with a powerful address from Hon. Charmaine Williams, Distinguished Guest of Honour, who emphasized the importance of visibility for women entrepreneurs and her unwavering commitment to supporting their access to vital resources.

Special Guest Patricia Bebia, leveraging over 20 years of media experience, delivered an inspiring talk on how visibility can transform opportunities for women, leaving participants motivated to take control of their narratives.

Notable sessions included:

Prudence Zoe Glorious on “Innovative Approaches to Public Relations: Building Transparency and Credibility,” providing actionable strategies for building trust.
Esther Ijewere, founder of Women of Rubies, presented “The Power of Wikipedia: Leveraging Open Knowledge for Women’s Visibility and Empowerment,” highlighting the platform’s role in amplifying women’s contributions.

The day’s Fireside Chat Panel featured insights from:

Heather McWilliam, founder of Brave Inspires Brave, on leveraging media for mental health advocacy.
Amaechi Omijeh, on successful social media campaigns driving small business growth.
Erica Ayisi, with practical steps for women of color to overcome systemic barriers.

Day 2 Highlights

Day 2 began with a keynote by Sabine Soumare, who presented the “2024 State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada,” offering valuable insights into the current landscape.

Special Guest Councillor Colleen James spoke passionately about the representation of women in media and the importance of challenging misrepresentation.

The main session speakers were:

Kesiena Edafiogho on “Leveraging Media to Boost Career Visibility in the Digital Space”

Kesiena emphasized the power of personal branding and storytelling to stand out in the digital world. She provided practical tips on using social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with professional networks and boost career visibility.

Priscilla Iyari on “Effective Marketing Communication Strategies for Securing Funding”

Priscilla shared essential strategies for positioning brands to attract funding. She highlighted the importance of tailoring messaging, building trust, and crafting compelling proposals to secure grants and investments.

The final Fireside Chat brought actionable insights from:

Blessing Okebe, on personal branding for competitive industries

Some Empowering Nuggets Shared During the Bootcamp

Throughout the event, speakers shared memorable and empowering nuggets:

Reflections from Esther Ijewere

Reflecting on the event’s success, Esther Ijewere shared:
“This year’s Bootcamp and our 9th anniversary symbolize the remarkable journey of Women of Rubies. Through this platform, we have empowered countless women to amplify their impact and visibility. I am deeply humbled by the inspiring women who joined us and proud of the milestones we have achieved together.”

Sponsors and Media Partners

The event was proudly supported by Myeki.market, and Chekwube Uchea, with BellaNaija, Naijapreneur Canada, and Guardian Nigeria as media partners.

Get the BootCamp replay here; womenofrubies.com/mvbc4

For more information about Women of Rubies and future events, visit www.womenofrubies.com.

In Career Gems November 8, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Hon. Charmaine Williams: Breaking Barriers as the First Black Minister in Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party

Charmaine Williams is a figure of groundbreaking achievements in Ontario‘s political landscape. As the first Black woman to serve as Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Brampton Centre, she made history not only in representation but also by becoming the first Black minister in the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. Her role as Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity underscores her commitment to championing inclusive policies that support the growth and empowerment of women across Ontario.

A Strong Foundation in Social Services and Therapy

Before her entry into politics, Charmaine built an impressive career over 19 years in social services and behavioural therapy. She worked as a certified Multi-Systemic Therapist, Behavioral Consultant, and Counselor, lending her expertise to various programs and initiatives. Her experience includes working with youth-focused organizations such as the Associated Youth Services of Peel, Youth Substance Abuse Program, Peel Children’s Center, and the Reach Out Center for Kids in Peel and Halton regions. Her hands-on approach and understanding of complex social issues equipped her with unique insights that she now brings to her role as Associate Minister, where she strives to create policies that address women’s and families’ social and economic challenges.

Making Political History in Brampton

Charmaine Williams’ transition into politics came in 2018 when she made history as the first Black woman elected to Brampton City Council. Her victory was not only a personal achievement but a monumental moment for Brampton’s Black community and for diverse representation in politics. Known for her proactive stance on community issues, Charmaine advocated for policies that supported youth, social programs, and neighborhood safety. Her work as a councilor set the stage for her further political involvement and commitment to advocating for marginalized communities.

Leading as Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity

As Associate Minister, Charmaine Williams focuses on initiatives that empower women economically and socially. Her background in counselling and behavioral consultation allows her to understand the layered issues women face, especially those from underserved communities. As minister, she works on programs that foster economic independence, support women in the workforce, and address systemic barriers that affect women’s access to opportunities.

Hon. Charmaine Williams: An Inspiring Legacy

Charmaine Williams’ journey from social services professional to political leader is a testament to her dedication and passion for advocacy. Her work has paved the way for more diverse voices in Ontario politics, and her focus on women’s opportunities highlights her commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for future generations. By championing policies that address women’s and family’s needs, Charmaine continues to inspire positive change and a brighter future for all Ontarians.

Hon. Charmaine Williams’ leadership and dedication exemplify the impact of diverse representation in politics, making her a powerful role model and advocate for social and economic justice in Ontario.

To learn more about her work, follow her on Linkedin

In Career Gems October 29, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Esther Ijewere Honored With CIBWE Canada’s Top 100 Black Women To Watch Award

We are thrilled to announce that Esther Ijewere has been recognized and celebrated as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch by CIBWE (Celebrating and Inspiring Black Women Everywhere) Canada. This prestigious award is a testament to Esther’s exceptional contributions in her field, her dedication to community empowerment, public relations, and the various fields that have earned her this prestigious accolade.

Esther Ijewere, a celebrated multi-award-winning media personality, entrepreneur and ardent women’s advocate, has used her influential Women of Rubies platform to shine a spotlight on over 5,000 remarkable women worldwide. Her tireless efforts in amplifying women’s voices and championing gender equality through her NGO, Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children have made a substantial impact on society.

The awards ceremony, held in Mississauga on the 28th of October, was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the iconic Jean Augustine, Charmaine Williams, Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, and the esteemed Senator Amina Gerba. The visionary behind the CIBWE awards, Rose Cathy Handy, founded the platform to celebrate and inspire the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black women.

Esther Ijewere’s Acceptance Statement:

Esther Ijewere expressed her profound gratitude for the honor, saying, “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch Award from CIBWE. It is a privilege to be recognized among such a distinguished group of inspiring women. This award is a testament to the collective efforts we make to create a better world. I am committed to continuing my work in uplifting and empowering women, and I am dedicated to the cause of gender equality. This award further fuels my passion for positive change, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead.”

About Women of Rubies

Esther’s profound work with Women of Rubies, a platform dedicated to showcasing and uplifting women from all walks of life, is emblematic of her unwavering commitment to positive change. With an unshakable belief in the power of women’s stories to drive positive change, Esther has curated numerous impactful events, including the Media Visibility Bootcamp, aimed at equipping women with the tools they need to amplify their voices and broaden their impact. Women of Rubies stands as a beacon of inspiration, fostering a community where women’s achievements and aspirations are celebrated, and their voices heard.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact; admin@womenofrubies.com

See more photos from the event;