Leading Ladies: Highlighting Female Community Leaders For International Women’s Day

In light of International Women’s Day, Moose FM is shining a light on local female leaders who are making a difference in their communities.

The global event celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

For Stefanie Giampaolo, Owner of Stef’s Quality Painting in Kemptville, the day is about acknowledging the contributions of all women over the course of history.

“It’s really just to bring awareness to women throughout history who’ve paved the way for us so women like me can vote, get a good education, employment, and salary that’s equal to men,” Giampaolo said.

Giampaolo says growing up, her role model was her mother, who was a single mom in the 80s living in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

Her mother used to paint, renovate and sell every house they’d been in until they came to Canada. 

Giampaolo adds the reason she’s doing what she does today as a career is solely thanks to her mother, and she’s since tried to pass that inspiration onto her daughter.

“I have a four-year-old daughter myself, so I’m all about showing her how a female can definitely be a leader in business or wherever they choose to lead, and that she can do whatever she puts her mind to,” Giampaolo said. “We actually already have her helping us paint the house when we do updates.” 

For Natalie Brundige, who owns two businesses, Heritage House Health Spa in Winchester, and Lakeshore Massage Therapy Health & Wellness Clinic in Morrisburg, her message is never give up on yourself.

One of her role models growing up was a woman who she worked with through her high school’s co-operative learning program.

That same woman now happens to work with Brundige at her Winchester location. 

At one point, Brundige ran her business independently, but today, she has a team of 19 women across both her locations, to help her meet the needs of her clients. 

“To me, it’s all of us helping each other and helping others. We all share the same passion, and together we’re able to do it,” Brundige said. “We support each other, and support our community, which in return always supports us, and I’m really appreciative of that.” 

The theme for this year’s celebration is #ChooseToChallenge, encouraging people to challenge the status quo, and to call out gender bias and inequality. 

Head here to learn more about International Women’s Day, and how you can make a difference.