Seven Years of WORTH: A Letter from Joanna

Dear Women and Allies of WORTH

This month, we celebrate seven incredible years of purpose, growth, and community. I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed next. 

In 2018, I launched what was originally called the BC Women in Hospitality Association. It was short-lived, as I quickly learned you can’t start an association without approval, incorporation, and bylaws. My application was rejected. The government thought it was too close in name to the BC Women’s Hospital, where I had recently given birth to my daughter. I tried to explain that hospitality and healthcare were very different industries (although I’ve certainly worked in hotels that felt as hectic as an emergency room). While holding my newborn in my arms, I landed on the name WORTH, an acronym encompassing women in our industries but also a noun reminding us of our value. 

Including our rocky launch, there have been many lessons along the way. My tendency to jump in feet first and ask questions later has mostly served us. Thanks to the patience of the board and the dedication of the management team, ideas move quickly into action. We’ve stretched our goals each year to reach more women, expand our offerings and take up more space. 

Over the past seven years, we've hosted more than 30 events and programs that have impacted thousands of women in our sector, grown from a grassroots initiative into a respected voice on gender equity in Canada, launched bold new initiatives like Yes Shef, the Leadership Summit and WORTH Academy, and conducted research and policies challenging the status quo and creating real change.

When we began this journey, we had a bold vision: to build a stronger, more equitable future for women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality by creating spaces for leadership, belonging, and systemic change. That vision has taken shape thanks to your energy, your advocacy, and your belief in what’s possible when we work together.

But while we’ve accomplished a lot, our work is far from done.

As we look ahead, we’re focused on building scalable, sustainable programs that reach more people in more places. We're deepening our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals such as reduced inequalities, gender equality, decent work and economic growth. We’re working with partners and sponsors to build the capacity it takes to shape the next seven years and beyond.

To every team member, sponsor, volunteer, and woman of WORTH: thank you. You are the reason this work matters. You are the momentum behind every milestone we’ve reached.

Here’s to the next chapter, rooted in gratitude, driven by purpose, and powered by community.

With deep thanks,
Joanna Jagger