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weWednesday: Why interview African women for the book

February 20, 20200Comments

by Suzanne F Stevens - YouMeWe

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Why did you interview African women for the book?

Special weWednesday vlog – the backstory of writing Make Your Contribution Count for you • me • we.

In this episode…
Consider how to make your contribution count:

The need for leadership
Making transformational change
Amplify pioneers voices

by Suzanne F. Stevens, Conscious-Contribution™ Cultivator, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), YouMeWe.ca

Book purchase/overview

Please share your comments below!

African women conscious contribution contribute Questions weWednesdays writing make your contribution count Your Contribution Counts

Suzanne F Stevens - YouMeWe

Suzanne F. Stevens, is multi-awarded social entrepreneur, and The Wave•Maker at YouMeWe Social Impact Group Inc. As a speaker • trainer • coach • author • podcaster, and community builder she empowers a WE culture by cultivating conscious leadership. Elevate your leadership, amplify your authentic voice, and accelerate your sustainable social impact with YouMeWe—YouMeWe.ca • we@youmewe.ca

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suzannefstevens Liked by renovatingcollingwood

Is this you? Multitaskers, jugglers, dream-chaser

Is this you?

Multitaskers, jugglers, dream-chasers, fire-putter-outers, risk-takers, peacekeepers, budget-stretchers, coffee-fueled go-getters, innovation architects, late-night strategists, problem-solvers, community-builders, passion-fueled dynamos, glass-ceiling smashers, opportunity creators, social change catalysts, wave•makers…

If any of these resonate, you're a WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR. 🎉
So, Happy Women's Entrepreneurship Day!!

But let’s get real for a moment:

👩‍💼 Only 18.4% of businesses in Canada are majority-owned by women.

🗣️ Investors? 60% of the time, they choose pitches delivered by men, and a meager 4% of venture capital flows to women founders.

💰 Financing? Men-owned businesses typically receive 150% more funding than women-owned ones.

And yet…

Women lead 45% of social ventures—those trailblazing organizations making waves in the community. 🌍

Why is this worth celebrating on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day?

Because women entrepreneurs don’t just create businesses—they empower their employees, address critical community needs, and champion sustainability. 🌱 When you support a woman-led business, you’re not just buying a product or service—You’re fueling real change.

So, how can you amplify the impact of women entrepreneurs?

✅ Shop consciously.
✅ Seek out women-led businesses.
✅ Amplify their stories and support their growth.

Need a place to start? Check out inspiring women entrepreneurs on the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast (podcast.youmewe.ca) or explore ethical businesses on Good Market Global (https://www.goodmarket.global/marketplace), Good Trade (https://www.thegoodtrade.com/)

Make your contribution count—because when women rise, so do their communities. Together, let’s create waves of change. 🌊

💬 Drop a comment to share your favorite woman-led business, and let’s amplify their impact!

#womenentrepreneurs #socialimpact #socialentrepreneurship #consciousleadership #founder #womenentrepreneurday #socialentrepreneur #youmewe #wavemaker #womensupportingwomen #youmewemovement

As I pause today, a mix of gratitude and sadness f

As I pause today, a mix of gratitude and sadness fills me. I think of those who fought, sacrificed, and gave their lives for our values and freedoms—and yet, wars still rage. Conflicts around land, beliefs, and identities persist. And now, rights that should be fundamental—like sexual and reproductive health and freedoms—are under threat, stripped away in parts of our world. We lose sight of unity and shared purpose, divided by the very differences that could strengthen our collective humanity.

Reflecting on this, I felt an urge to regain control amidst the chaos. So, I cleaned. Not just tidied—but purged. Files, cupboards, years of memorabilia... Each item dusted off a memory, an opportunity, a reminder of the privilege I’ve enjoyed. And yet, I recognize that so many others haven’t been as fortunate, often marginalized by race, religion, culture, or gender—barriers that some of us have never faced.

Through this exercise, three realizations resonated:

1️⃣ Privilege is a gift and a responsibility. Conscious leaders have opportunities to create space for others. Those of us who can walk through open doors have a duty to hold them open for others.

2️⃣ Control the controllable. Cleaning my space wasn’t just physical—it was cathartic. In a world that feels out of control, focusing on what’s within our reach can restore a sense of purpose and clarity.

3️⃣ True freedom is found in authenticity. To honor those who fought for our rights, we must protect the right of every individual to be fully themselves, to express their truth, and to embrace the freedom to live without fear of prejudice or judgment.

As leaders, we have the power to shape a legacy where respect for one another’s choices, identities, and experiences creates a ripple of change. 🌊
This Remembrance Day, let’s commit to ensuring that the sacrifices of the past empower everyone’s future. Let’s work to break down the barriers that divide us and amplify the voices that unite us.

Ready to make waves? Let’s connect and keep the conversation going on how we, as hashtag#consciousleaders, can contribute to a world where everyone’s authenticity is respected and celebrated. #socialimpact #womenentrepreneurs

I don’t have a daughter. I’m not American. But

I don’t have a daughter. I’m not American. But I don’t need a daughter, or a shared nationality, to feel compassion for women everywhere—across races, ages, religions, cultures, and identities. When I read Paul Ladipo post, I couldn’t help but think of the many Black African women who helped shape who I am today.

Spending two years traveling through Africa, interviewing women IMPACT leaders in politics, business, advocacy, and nonprofit work, taught me invaluable lessons. These women showed me—both a Westerner and a Canadian—how to lead inclusively, build businesses that uplift the marginalized, and contribute meaningfully to society. Their inspiration transformed how I lead, how I contribute, and how I show up in the world.

So, when I read Paul’s post, my resolve was only strengthened. Sitting on the sidelines is not an option. Now is the time for each of us to lean in, raise our voices, and be a part of the change.

Here are three things you can do right now:
1. Amplify Voices: Share, promote, and celebrate the work of women and other marginalized communities striving to make a positive impact. Whether you’re an advocate, entrepreneur, or ally, your support can create ripples that strengthen their reach and influence.

2. Educate and Engage: Engage in real conversations about race, gender, and rights in your circles and communities. By understanding each other’s experiences, we can start to bridge gaps and shift mindsets. It’s uncomfortable, yes, but necessary.

3.Take Care of Yourself: Activism is a marathon, not a sprint. Carve out time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with why this work matters. Our strength is sustained by caring for our own well-being so we can continue showing up.

As VP Kamala Harris said, "It is not time to raise your hands, but roll up your sleeves."

I will continue to amplify women’s voices and stand for social change. And I will not go quietly into that good night until all women are treated equally and those in power understand that denying rights only reveals a fear of the power we truly hold.
#conscousleadership, #socialimpact #impactleaders #impactpreneurs #womenleaders #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #women

The secret ingredient to empowerment? Purpose-driv

The teacher becomes the student. As Wave-Makers

The teacher becomes the student.

As Wave-Makers and social impact leaders, we’re here to lift others. But how often do we pause to consider that the people we help might need to offer something in return—not for our sake, but for theirs?

This week, the importance of dignity took on a new meaning for me. My 90-year-old neighbor, having just lost her son, found herself facing deep loss, confusion, and an uncertain future. After expressing my condolences, I stepped in—organizing meals, clearing her son’s apartment, coordinating with doctors and lawyers...

On day two, she tried to give me a gift as thanks. I declined. By day three, she insisted, handing me a small token from her birthplace in Germany. It struck me that accepting this gift wasn’t about me at all; it was about her (I don't even know if she is aware of how much I like beer!).

In the midst of chaos, this was one thing she could control. This was her way to maintain a sense of dignity and purpose.

As conscious leaders, the question isn’t just about what we can give but also how we receive. Allowing others the opportunity to reciprocate—even in small ways—gives them a sense of power, a chance to feel needed, and ultimately, dignified.

So, as you make waves of change, remember this: Accept what those you serve may offer, however small. In doing so, you’re giving them back a piece of their own strength.

Are you creating space for others to give back? Let’s empower with reciprocity.
#SocialImpact, #WaveMakers, #consciousleadership #socialenterpreneurs #weculture #youmewemovement

Did you know that October is not only #WomensHisto

Did you know that October is not only #WomensHistoryMonth in Canada, but it’s also:

Small Business Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Yet, amidst all this vital awareness, Women’s History Month in Canada seems to have slipped through the cracks. I’ve heard mention of every other cause in the media, but the celebration of the incredible contributions of Canadian women? Crickets.

Why is that?

This year’s theme is "Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women"—spotlighting the unique perspectives of Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, women with disabilities, newcomers, and more. It’s a moment to reflect on their struggles, triumphs, and the impact they’ve made in shaping a more inclusive Canada. But without recognition, how do we fully honor this diversity?

This silence is concerning, especially when we know that parity still doesn’t exist in Canada. And the silence surrounding Women’s History Month only underscores how much more work we need to do.

As a Wave-Maker, I’ve been celebrating Women’s History Month in my way—by interviewing extraordinary women who aren’t just talking about change but are living it, catalyzing sustainable social solutions in their communities. These women are making waves. 🌊🌊🌊

So, who’s your Canadian woman making a difference?

Who inspires you, your community, or your business? Let’s shine a spotlight on the women transforming Canada today. Add their names below so we can celebrate them!

#WomensHistoryMonth #CelebrateWomen #CanadianWomen #WaveMakers #SocialImpact #DiversityMatters #WomenEmpowerment #youmewe

There are few things I love more than this! When

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