The Event

The 6th Women’s Municipal Campaign School was a two-day event that took place on Saturday, May 2nd and Saturday, June 13th. The event brought together current and aspiring leaders for a program designed to help women and individuals from diverse backgrounds explore and pursue municipal office. Day 1 focused on the question, “Should you run?”, featuring candid conversations with elected officials about leadership, public service, and the realities of political life. Day 2, themed “You’re running. Now build your campaign,” provided hands-on training in campaign planning, voter outreach, fundraising, media relations, debate preparation, and team building. Through inspiring keynotes, practical workshops, and honest discussions led by experienced leaders, participants gained the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to plan, run, and win a campaign—and to help build more representative local government in Waterloo Region.

Agenda

Day 2 — You’re Running. Now Build Your Campaign.

10:00 – 10:10 AM – Opening Remarks
Karen Redman

10:10 – 10:30 AM – Keynote
Mayor Natasha Salonen, Wilmot

10:30 – 11:15 AM – Campaign Planning Panel
Meena Waseem, Vice-Chair of WRDSB Board of Trustees

Jen Vasic, Ward 5 Councillor, Waterloo

Debbie Chapman, Ward 9 Councillor, Kitchener

Moderator: Regional Councillor Colleen James

 11:20 – 11:50 AM – Campaign Debate Prep
Ward 4 Councillor Diane Freeman, Waterloo

11:50 AM – 12:20 PM – Voter Outreach Panel

Mayor Dorothy McCabe, Waterloo

Brenda Louis, Co-Founder of Loop Forward

Moderator: Ward 6 Councillor Mary Lou Roe, Waterloo

12:20 – 12:30 PM – Run4OfficeWR

12:30 – 1:10 PM – Networking Lunch

1:10 – 2:00 PM – Fundraising Panel
Tracey Weiler, Vice-Chair of WCDSB Board of Trustees

Mayor Sue Foxton, North Dumfries

Ward 3 Councillor Corey Kimpson, Cambridge

Moderator: MP Bardish Chagger

2:00 – 2:30 PM – Media Training
Melissa Durrell, Former Ward 7 Councillor, Waterloo

2:30 – 3:30 PM – Team Building Panel
Maedith Radlein, Chair of WRDSB Board of Trustees

Ward 7 Councillor Julie Wright, Waterloo

 Ward 10 Councillor Stephanie Stretch, Kitchener

3:30 – 3:50 PM – Ask me Anything
Question Session

3:50 – 4:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Thank Yous
MP Bardish Chagger

 

Agenda

Day 1 — Should You Run?

1:00 – 1:15 PM – Opening Remarks
Former Councillor Karen Coviello, Waterloo

1:15 – 1:30 PM – Icebreaker
MP Bardish Chagger

1:30 – 2:00 PM – Keynote
Regional Councillor Colleen James

2:00 – 2:40 PM – Panel 1 + Q&A: The Power of Support
MPP Catherine Fife
Ward 10 Councillor Stephanie Stretch, Kitchener
Ward 4 Councillor Christine Michaud, Kitchener
Moderator: Former Ward 7 Councillor Melissa Durrell, Waterloo

2:40 – 3:00 PM – Break
Networking

3:00 – 3:45 PM – Panel 2 + Q&A: The Joy of Showing Up

Regional Councillor Chantal Huinink

MPP Aislinn Clancy

Ward 8 Councillor Margaret Johnston, Kitchener

Moderator: Former Ward 7 Councillor Melissa Durrell, Waterloo

3:45 – 3:55 PM – Closing Encouragement
MPP Aislinn Clancy

3:55 – 4:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Thank Yous

Former Councillor Karen Coviello, Waterloo