As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reflect on this year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, the incredible strides women have made in various fields and we acknowledge their pivotal roles in shaping a more equitable world. One significant contribution is that of women in philanthropy and mentorship. Women are driving positive change, especially in the lives of others through their dedication to giving back.
Another crucial aspect of women’s impact on society is their role as mentors, guiding and empowering the next generation of women. At BBBST, currently, 256 BBBST mentors identify as women! Mentorship plays an important role in personal development; provides a platform for shared experiences, and enables young women to navigate challenges and overcome barriers.
At BBBST, we work to empower young women across Toronto, by continuing our learning into the needs of the youth we serve, listening to feedback from our volunteers, parent/guardians and tailoring our programs to support youth so they are empowered to thrive. One such program offered is the ! Belong Girls Mentorship Program. The ! Belong program provides a safer space for mentees to build life skills, confidence and covers topics such as healthy relationships, bullying, social media, and positive self-esteem.
Nicole Frew , Member of the BBBST Board of Directors, and Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer at Scotiabank , shares, “I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organization that puts inclusion at the forefront of the work. We invest in programming and people who understand the challenges that our mentees face and who help them to be empowered and build resiliency. Through meaningful mentoring relationships, BBBST is paving the way for young women in Toronto to become caring adults, and inspire the next generation to pay it forward, too. This Women’s Day – and all year long – I’m grateful for the BBBST staff and mentors who give their time and effort to invest in our youth and help them realize their full potential.”
The positive impact of women’s contributions ripples through our community, creating a more inclusive and compassionate Toronto, sowing seeds for future generations to flourish.
On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the incredible contributions of women in philanthropy and mentorship. Their dedication to creating positive change and empowering others is shaping a brighter future for all. As we acknowledge the importance of women’s roles in these areas, we commit to fostering an environment where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and contribute to a more equitable world.