On June 24, 2026, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted the EMPOWER Success Celebration at the AHC Event Centre, bringing together more than 65 participants, community partners, stakeholders, facilitators, and guests to recognize the achievements of newcomer and underrepresented women who completed the program.
The celebration marked an important milestone for participants as they received their Certificates of Achievement and reflected on their personal and professional growth throughout their EMPOWER journey.
The evening featured inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with others who share a commitment to supporting newcomer women as they pursue employment, entrepreneurship, education, and professional development goals. Guests heard welcoming remarks from AHC’s Director of Programs, Suzana Dumo, and viewed a commemorative video highlighting AHC’s 30 years of service and impact in building healthy, inclusive, and welcoming communities.
Keynote speaker Patience Ndlovu shared reflections on resilience, leadership, and the importance of community support during the integration journey. Attendees also enjoyed a special violin performance by Melissa Garcia, adding a memorable artistic element to the celebration.
A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring EMPOWER participants and community stakeholders from the program’s Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Education and Upskilling pathways. Panelists shared their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, offering valuable insights into the different paths participants took toward achieving their goals.
The celebration concluded with networking, refreshments, entertainment, and opportunities for participants, partners, and guests to continue building connections.
The EMPOWER Success Celebration was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the achievements of participating women and celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and progress they demonstrated throughout the program. AHC remains committed to supporting newcomer women as they build confidence, develop skills, and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities.
