Community Women Honored for International Woman’s Day
Joy Warner Nominated
On this International Women’s Day, I am so touched to nominate Joy Warner as a woman who has been such an inspiration to me over the years.
Joy has consistently been one of those people in my life who has stood out for all that she stands for, all that she believes in and all that she does.
Joy has inspired me most with her deep compassion and care for others, especially women, working towards greater equity. Joy speaks so eloquently and with passion on these issues that matter to our shared hearts. In her many years working with Status of Women she has been a leader and trailblazer!
I first met Joy over a decade ago, at a provincial conference on poverty reduction in Nova Scotia. I just knew as soon as I met her, she was one of the best!
I am so lucky to have worked with her as part of our local poverty coalition, advocating for issues of poverty in rural Nova Scotia. In our work together we leaned on our shared core values of integrity and opportunity for all. My work with Joy on this coalition will forever be one of my greatest privileges.
Over the years we connected, laughed, cried, supported and celebrated and I am happy to now truly call her friend. I did tell her when she retired recently that she has been a mentor to me in so many ways!
Joy’s dedication, steadfastness and love as a mother to her children and grandchildren is so evident and I have looked up to that so much in my own role as a mother. A number of years ago I was going through a difficult time in my life and Joy was such a rock of strength, such a mentor and guide to walk alongside me - supportive and empowering. Joy’s quiet strength, intelligence, insight and passion are the qualities she has inspired me to continue to work toward.
We have shared so much over the years, stories and pictures of ALL the horses, dogs, goats, chickens, donkeys…..well you get the idea!
I know Joy has retired to the farm now after a tireless career of working towards women’s rights, equity, and support for families and communities. A well deserved rest after caring for so many. I am looking forward to visiting her soon among the horses and chickens, sharing a cup of coffee, and continuing our friendship.
So it is my honor and privilege this International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023, to nominate dear Joy as one of the most inspirational women in my life.
~ Sincerely, Nancy Stewart
Beth Fairn Nominated
When I think of females who inspire me, various famous women come to mind: MargaretAtwood, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Catherine the Great. The list goes on. These women motivate me from afar with brave movements in life that have made their mark in history. None of them, though, inspire me on a personal level like my own Mother, Beth Fairn.
From a young age, I knew that my mother was a hard worker. Having a career with the RBC for 35 years, working her way to management, I am strongly influenced by mom’s drive and work ethic. Mom managed a family and a full-time career. Only now, as an adult with two children of my own am I able to appreciate how trying that must have been.
In 2006, a tragic accident took my brother from us. Losing a child is something I cannotfathom, and I imagine the grief would be too much to bear. My mother grieved but did so with as much grace as one possibly can in that situation. It seemed to push her further; harder. Mom didn't give up like so many would. It often seems that part of being a woman includes letting go of your own feelings or concerns to focus on your family. This is exactly what mom did. It is during that time that I really understood how strong a woman Beth Fairn truly is.
Presently, my mother is retired from RBC. Being a teacher had always been another dream. So, following retirement, mom decided to start teaching at Digby Adult LearningAssociation. Mom takes great pride in her work. So much so, that she recently completed herMasters in Adult Education over a two-year period, graduating top of her class. While Completing this, mom still gave as much as she could to her family. It’s funny that being inspired can happen with or without directly acknowledging it. While I watched my mother each day, I did not realize the profound effect she would have on me.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Every Woman Matters”. I deeply believe in this. I Believe that when we support and encourage each other, we each feel seen and heard. We feel that we do matter- because we do. This belief is yet another lesson taught to me by my mother,which was taught to her by her mother. Today, I strive to teach my children this same rule, as well as to stand for what you believe in and reach your goals- no matter how high.
~ Leah Karzinins
