At WORTH Association, we use an inclusive definition of the terms woman and female. We welcome trans, cis, gender queer and non-binary people in our community. We also welcome men who support our mission to educate, elevate, empower and advocate for equity. This definition has recently been expanded to be more welcoming and further elevate and empower.

On March 8th, 2021 we recognize International Women’s Day across the globe. This year’s theme is “Choose to Challenge”, a call to action to combat injustices in the fight for women’s equality. Since our incorporation, IWD has always been a positive event. A day to celebrate inclusivity and acknowledge the social, political and economic achievements of women. It’s also a chance to gather our community.

Part 3 of Colourful Conversations brought us a discussion between Tolu Aladejebi of Black in Hospitality and Co-owner and VP of Career Contacts Natasha Jeshani about all things recruitment and creating safe work environments. Natasha also happens to be an Amazon bestselling author (HR Insider: How to Land your dream job and keep it).

After the end of one chaotic year, I found it challenging to set goals, make resolutions, create a vision board or even select a ‘word’ for 2021. How could I consider what might lie ahead while I was trying to make sense of the past? I was still processing a year that left me burnt out and depleted. I did not anticipate to find clarity on the future by tapping the top of my head during an IG live. But that’s exactly what happened…

The second installment of Colourful Conversations brought us Judith Kasiama, founder of Colour the Trails, in conversation with Woman of WORTH Tolu Aladejebi, and left all of us wanting to get outdoors immediately! If you missed it, never fear, we’ve recapped it with you in mind.

WORTH Association is not throwing in the towel. We’re in your corner with many other women who are paving the way and fighting for a fair future. We need you in this fight. We are expanding our Board and Volunteers and are looking for talented women to help join us in 2021. We’re looking for support with our partnerships, sponsorship finances, operations and advocacy efforts.

In the first instalment of this IGTV series we joined woman of WORTH Tolu Aladejebi in conversation with Asha Wheeldon of Kula Kitchen to learn more about Asha’s experience creating a community of plant-based food lovers in Vancouver and the barriers she faced as a BIPOC business owner.

It has been a challenging year for many of you and we know the strain the pandemic has put on your mental and emotional well-being. We spoke with Registered Clinical Counsellor, Orli Paling for advice on how to take care during this unprecedented time. So whether you're grieving old colleagues, struggling in an unhealthy work environment or not working, you'll want to read this.

As the hospitality and tourism industry continues to re-open, it presents an opportunity to implement overdue change. You may know the issues of racism, prejudice and biases BIPOC staff face within the hospitality and tourism industry, but what is the industry doing about it?

Recent events and global protests launched as a result of the murder of George Floyd have forced many of us to re-evaluate our institutions and the ways white supremacy has created systemic limitations for Black Canadians. Even more pronounced is the question about what can we do to break down these social and systemic barriers. This is my open letter and call to action to the leaders and executives in the hospitality and tourism industry.

WORTH Association launched a mentorship program in January, 2020. A first for our industry, the program paired over 40 women from Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver. Our matches came with different backgrounds and experiences, but the one thing they all share in common is their love of the industry.

Over six months, the pairs connected in person, by phone, through text or virtually. With the guidance from their mentors, we saw women ask for pay increases, earn promotions, relocate and return to school. We felt especially grateful to our mentors who supported their proteges through the disruption caused by the pandemic.