York Region conference offers women chance to create life goals

Yorkregion.com
June 19, 2014
By Adam Martin-Robbins

A lot of women are so busy between their jobs, looking after their families and volunteering that they struggle to find time to even set goals for themselves, let alone try to achieve those goals

That’s what inspired Ann Tortolano to found the Women’s Empowerment Conference in York Region, taking place Sunday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Destiny Banquet Hall, 4220 Steeles Ave. West.

“This conference is an opportunity to dedicate the time to learn from experts, network and create concrete life goals,” said the Richmond Hill resident. “It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your financial status is, these women owe it to themselves to determine what they were meant to do in their lives.”

The event features 16 speakers covering a broad range of topics from managing your finances to transforming the way you do business and from conquering your fears to volunteering in your community.

“I find that each one of us has a unique talent and they need to harness that talent and incorporate it into their life goals. Then, as they’re taking care of everyone else in their lives, they can also work toward achieving these goals,” Tortolano said. “Without having (the goals) laid out, we’re moving endlessly and not achieving the things we should be doing as we’re getting older.”

Among those speaking at the conference are Regional Councillor Deb Schulte, also a local councillor in Vaughan, and Brenda Hogg, Richmond Hill regional and local councillor.

Both women will share their success stories, provide career tips and inform attendees about potential volunteer opportunities in their respective communities, among other things.

Other speakers include Jacinth Tracey, life success coach and author of Dump Your Fear; Suzanne Letourneau, life coach and author of Soar; Lucy Solomon, insurance and financial advisor, David Sutherland, investment advisor at CIBC Wood Gundy and Valerie Hutchinson, Toastmaster and inspirational speaker.

Rita and Samy Szarny will lead a laughter yoga session for conference attendees.

The conference wraps up with a workshop, dubbed 5 Keys to Bring Your Goals to Reality, by Sandra Dawes, life coach and author of Embrace Your Destiny.

Dawes will show participants how to take everything learned from the 16 conference speakers, combined with their own expertise and experiences, and incorporate it all into their life goals.

“It’s going to be such an amazing day,” said Tortolano, who will also be speaking at the event. “I know a lot of women need this experience. It’s a motivational, learning, goal-setting experience. We just need that day to regroup and be empowered to achieve our life challenges.”