Originally appeared in the Calgary Herald, March 8, 2025.
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action – a moment to recognize the remarkable achievements of women while taking a hard look at the work still ahead. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is both a challenge and an opportunity: how can we push forward with urgency to create a more equitable and inclusive world?
In the social sector—and especially during uncertain times—bold, innovative leadership is critical. Across Canada, women make up 85% of all non-profit support staff and hold 70% of senior executive roles. This is a multi-billion-dollar industry driven by women leading with purpose, compassion and resilience. These women don’t just respond to the needs of today – they are architects of change, shaping the future of the communities where we live, work and play.
Here in Calgary, I am privileged to work alongside extraordinary women redefining leadership in the social sector. Leaders like Karen Ramchuk (President & CEO, Women in Need Society), Joy Bowen-Eyre (CEO, The Alex), Kim Ruse (CEO, FearIsNotLove), Sally Zhao (President & CEO, The Immigrant Education Society), Lana Bentley (Executive Director, The Women’s Centre at UCalgary) and Shannon Doram (YMCA Calgary) are just a few pushing boundaries and improving lives. Their vision extends beyond meeting needs – it’s about creating systemic change and a better future for our city.
This year’s Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards celebrates women making a difference in our community, including Sue Tomney (CEO, YW), recipient of the Social Enterprise Award. Sue’s leadership and unwavering dedication to Calgary’s non-profit community proves that when women break barriers and create opportunities, the entire community thrives.
Lifting as We Climb, Together
Accelerating action doesn’t happen in isolation. When women lift each other up—through mentorship, sponsorship and shared opportunities—we build a cycle of empowerment. One strong, confident woman inspires another, and another and another.
I see this snowball effect firsthand in the women I’ve mentored – women who are accelerating action in their communities and for others. Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji is an upcoming force in the social sector – first through her work at Big Brothers Big Sisters and today at United Way. But her path to success wasn’t straight-forward, growing up in poverty and struggling to think her voice mattered. Danisha is thriving today thanks to the mentorship she received from strong women like her mom, her Big Sister and others who believed in her so she could believe in herself. She’s just one of many women at our organization and within my orbit that inspire me every day – women who are fostering collaboration, embracing bold ideas and building bridges that accelerate change.
But women can’t do it alone. Male allies like David Smith—United Way board member and this year’s CWIB Male Champion award winner—play a critical role in advancing progress. They do this by amplifying women’s voices, ensuring diverse leadership and challenging bias. And the evidence is clear: organizations with diverse leadership are more innovative, effective and successful.
As we mark International Women’s Day, let’s move from awareness to action. Advocate for women in your workplace and community, listen and credit women’s contributions in meetings, call out gender inequality in pay and leadership, advocate for inclusive policies that allow women to thrive and invest in organizations that are making a difference.
Let’s accelerate action today and every day. Because when women rise, we all rise.
Karen Young is the president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area