We are proud to share that earlier this month, our Executive Director Belma Podrug travelled to Ottawa to meet with Canadian leaders past, present, and future. What a way to celebrate International Women’s Day! Twenty five years ago, when Belma came together with other forward-thinking women to found Global Gathering Place, they could have never imagined where we would be today. At the same time, the reality is that our most vulnerable clients are still overwhelmingly women and girls. In addition to a celebration of how far we have come, International Women’s Day continues to be a necessary call for justice and equality for all those who face oppression based on their gender identity — including trans women and the Two Spirit and non-binary communities. Our work is not done but the future is bright. Belma is happy to report that the leaders and inspiring young people she met with this week expressed their commitment to gender diversity and the empowerment of minority voices.
Volunteer Finds Meaning by Giving Back to the Community That Supported Her
Laura Cuizara moved to Canada in 2024 from Bolivia, where she was met with support, kindness, and a community that welcomed her in. Just over a year later, she is the one offering that same welcome to others as a Global Gathering Place volunteer. “[GGP has] provided me with opportunities to learn, connect with the community, and better understand my new home. By volunteering, I hope to contribute to the well-being of others and help create positive experiences similar to those I have had,” Laura says.
