​Resilient by Design event highlights International Women’s Day in Bruce County

Local business owners, entrepreneurs, women and change-makers gathered at the Mildmay-Carrick Recreation Complex, Thursday, March 5, to celebrate International Women's Day. 

In partnership with Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, Bruce County’s Business to Bruce program hosted this year’s event, titled Resilient by Design: Boundaries, Burn-out and the Entrepreneur’s Bold Comeback.

Keynote speaker Calissa Ngozi, award-winning mental health advocate and No. 1 bestselling author, energized the audience with a dynamic message, encouraging women to embrace bold choices, set empowering boundaries and to thrive both personally and professionally. Her inspiring talk challenged attendees to fiercely protect their energy, prioritize with confidence and re-imagine their businesses as sources of joy, purpose and vitality rather than pathways to burn-out.

“Events like this remind us just how strong, supportive, and forward-thinking our community is," said Bruce County chief administrative officer Christine MacDonald. "When vision leads and dedication follows, that carries all of us forward. Women are shaping our future in remarkable ways, especially those celebrated this evening.”

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

The event also recognized outstanding women in Bruce County through annual awards presented by the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey:
 

• Airianna Murdoch-Fyke of Kincardine received the 2026 Woman of Distinction Award
• Kira Thompson of Kincardine received the 2026 Young Woman of Distinction Award

Harley’s Pub and Perk of Mildmay held a raffle, featuring generous prize donations from several local businesses, raising $910 in support of the Women’s House. Beyond the evening’s inspiring presentations, the Resilient by Design event, itself, also raised $5,510 for the Women’s House.



Keynote speaker Calissa Ngozi (at the front) speaks to the crowd at the International Women's Day celebration, March 5, in Mildmay