Breaking the Silence: Trish Barbato on Menopause, Arthritis, and Advocacy

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Trish Barbato, President and CEO of the Arthritis Society of Canada and co-founder of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, to explore the profound impact of menopause on women in the workplace and the broader economy. Trish shares her personal journey through menopause, highlighting the severe symptoms she faced and the inadequate medical responses she received.

Listen to the full episode here.

The Silence and The Stigma

Her experiences led her to become a passionate advocate for menopause awareness and workplace equity, a cause she continues to champion. The Menopause Foundation of Canada conducted two pivotal reports to gather data and validate women's experiences with menopause. The first report, The Silence and the Stigma: Menopause in Canada, revealed that many women feel alone and unsupported during this transition. The second report, Menopause and Work in Canada, underscores the significant economic impact of menopause on women's professional lives.

Menopause in the Workplace

The conversation with Trish also delves into broader issues like ageism and gender equity. Menopause often coincides with a woman's peak career years, making it essential for organizations to address this stage openly. By doing so, companies can support women in achieving senior leadership roles and contribute to a more equitable workplace.

Arthritis Myths

Trish also dispels some common myths about arthritis, emphasizing that it's not just an "old person's disease. We learn how arthritis can affect anyone, from children to elite athletes, underscoring the importance of awareness and research for all age groups.

Advocating for Underfunded Causes

Trish Barbato's advocacy for menopause and arthritis awareness, and workplace equity offers actionable insights into creating inclusive environments. The discussion extends to broader issues like ageism, gender equity, and the challenges of advocating for underfunded causes. Tune in to hear how individual efforts and organizational policies can make a profound difference in supporting women and promoting gender equity in the workplace.

The ​Journey ​From ​Bias to ​Belonging: ​Insights ​From Tonie Ch​altas

In the latest episode of Voices of Leadership, we delve into the remarkable journey of Toni Chaltas, CEO of Achieve, who has navigated the turbulent waters of gender bias and emerged as a formidable leader in the C-suite.

Listen to the full episode here.

The Bluenose II

Toni's experiences, from being part of the first mixed-gender crew on the Blue Nose II to her leadership role at Achieve, offer valuable lessons for aspiring women leaders and organizations striving to foster genuine inclusivity.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Analogy

One of the key highlights of the episode is Toni's use of a dance analogy to break down the multifaceted nature of DEIB. She explains that diversity is being asked to the dance, inclusion is being asked to dance, equity is how much space you get on the dance floor, and belonging is about who chooses the music. This analogy provides a clear and relatable way to understand the different levels of belonging.

Tonie's Work at Achēv

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring Achieve's specialized women's programs, which focus on helping racialized and newcomer women, particularly those re-entering the workforce or facing domestic violence. These programs offer training, job placement, and wraparound services to support women through their unique challenges.

Philanthropic Innovation and Pioneering New Paths in Giving with Rose Greensides

We recently talked with Rose Greensides, the Executive Director at Social Venture Partners (SVP). Throughout our conversation, we explore the work of SVP, mentorship, and the larger issues facing the Waterloo Region today, including the decline in volunteerism and housing and food insecurity. By the end of the conversation, you'll find yourself considering how your own talents could contribute to Social Venture Partners' mission.

Listen to the full episode here.

The Role of SVP in the Community

Rose explains the unique partnership of giving that is SVP. She highlights how SVP brings together the time, talent, and funding from the community to support the nonprofit sector. Additionally, she explains how SVP invests unrestricted funding in local social impact organizations, allowing them to be bold and take their work to the next level.

The Importance of Mentorship

Rose shares her experience as both a mentor and a mentee. She emphasizes the importance of seeking out mentors who can offer guidance and support in one's personal and professional life. Furthermore, she encourages individuals to also act as mentors and give back to their communities.

The Larger Issues Facing the Waterloo Region

Rose discusses some of the larger issues facing the Waterloo Region, including mental health, food security, and housing. She emphasizes the need for collaboration and community-based solutions to address these issues.

Women's Leadership

Rose reflects on her experience as a member of the International Women's Forum (IWF) and the value of women's leadership networks. She highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting other women in leadership positions and the benefits of networking and learning from other accomplished women.