Women rising together

It was a day marked by emotional resonance, intellectual reflection, and spiritual grounding at the 26^th Annual International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Jamaica Canadian Association (JCA) Women’s Committee. Held on Sunday, March 8^th, 2026, at the JCA Community Centre in Toronto, the event drew hundreds of attendees: community members, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and former elected officials, gathered in a shared spirit of recognition, empowerment, and collective purpose.

From the opening moments, the atmosphere was both celebratory and purposeful. The program balanced inspiration with urgency, reminding attendees that while progress has been made, the work toward gender equity remains unfinished.

Councillor Anthony Perruzza (Humber River–Black Creek) delivered remarks that blended personal reflection with public recognition. Speaking about his wife, Kayla, he connected personal admiration to broader acknowledgment of Black women’s contributions in Canada. He referenced trailblazers such as Dr. Jean Augustine and Viola Desmond, whose legacies continue to shape the nation’s social and political landscape. Perruzza also pointed to current leadership, noting that both Toronto’s mayor and deputy mayor are women, an important milestone, though not a signal of completion. He underscored this with statistics illustrating the persistent gaps in gender equity across politics, workplaces, and institutions.

The event’s theme, #GiveToGain, was articulated with clarity and depth in the program message from Dr. Dana Powell, Chair of the Women’s Committee and IWD Coordinator. She reframed the concept of giving as intentional and collective rather than burdensome, “This year’s theme is #GiveToGain… it’s about all of us giving with intention so that women and girls gain what should never have been out of reach: opportunity, equity, safety, wellness, recognition, and real belonging.”

Her message emphasized that meaningful change often comes not from grand gestures, but from consistent, everyday actions: mentorship, advocacy, and opening doors for others.

JCA President David Betty reinforced this message, positioning the theme as both philosophy and call to action. He highlighted the longstanding tradition within the Jamaican Canadian community of mutual support and collective advancement, noting that Black women have embodied the principles of Give to Gain long before the phrase was coined.

The event was skillfully hosted by Stacy-Ann Buchanan, whose presence brought both energy and cohesion to the program. Vocalist Tesharah Briscoe delivered a moving rendition of the Canadian national anthem and later performed “She’s Royal,” serenading award recipients in a moment that blended cultural pride with personal affirmation.

The keynote address by Kayla-Marie Williams, a television personality and entrepreneur, anchored the event in lived experience. Her message was both vulnerable and galvanizing. Reflecting on a year marked by personal and professional transitions, she spoke candidly about resilience, faith, and the power of community support. Her words resonated deeply with the audience “We do not rise alone, but together.”

Williams emphasized that leadership is not defined by titles but by the ability to endure, adapt, and uplift others. She spoke of what she described as a valley season in her life, during which the support of other women became a lifeline. Her message reframed giving as an act of multiplication, small, consistent contributions that build confidence, connection, and change over time.

A spoken word performance by Shelly Grace added a reflective dimension to the program. Her piece, I Am Poetry, invited the audience to consider themselves as works in progress, unfinished poetry. In an interactive moment, attendees were encouraged to write down their gifts and share them with one another, reinforcing the event’s central theme of collective empowerment.

A key highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of eight women whose work continues to shape communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. The Women Who Inspire Change award recipients represent a cross-section of leadership, advocacy, and innovation:

• Heather Watson, empowerment coach and community organizer, recognized for her work supporting mothers and promoting holistic wellness.
• Roxanne Francis, psychotherapist and founder of Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting Services, noted for her leadership in mental health and community care.
• Keziah Myers, Executive Director of ADVANCE, acknowledged for her influence in Canada’s music industry and advocacy for Black professionals.
• Angella Bennett, Regional Director of Tourism for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board, recognized for her leadership and fundraising efforts supporting disaster relief in Jamaica.
• Ingrid Waldron, professor and HOPE Chair at McMaster University, honoured for her work in environmental justice and authorship, including There’s Something in the Water.
• Simone Jennifer Smith, mental health advocate and Chief Correspondent of the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, recognized for her leadership in psycho-educational initiatives and community impact through Brothers Who Care.
• Crystal Garvey, scholar and nurse educator, acknowledged for her contributions to equity in education and her documentary Silent Voices, which explores systemic barriers faced by Black individuals.
• Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson, Vice Chair of the Upper Grand District School Board and recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, honoured for her leadership in education, community service, and authorship.

Each recipient’s story reflected a broader narrative: that impact is not singular but cumulative, built through sustained commitment to service, advocacy, and leadership.

As the event concluded, one message remained clear; this was a call to sustained action.

March 8^th, 2026 will be remembered for its recognition of excellence, and for its reaffirmation of a truth often spoken yet still being realized: when women are supported, valued, and empowered, entire communities are transformed.