International Women's Day

How do you celebrate or honour International Women’s Day personally or professionally, and why do you think it's important to acknowledge this day?

Professionally have always celebrated International Women’s Day by attending local speaking events/luncheons and listen to women in my community who have been successful or have overcome hardship situations and landed on their feet.

Personally, I think it is important to acknowledge this day, as I have an incredible group of women in my friendship circle. We all rely on each other and our friendship is something that is extremely important to me, and although celebrated every day, we really stress our love for each other on this day. I wake up to beautiful text messages from my friends, and that is how my day starts.

What advice would you give to current students at Lambton College, especially women who are navigating their educational and career paths?

The advice I give to students navigating their education and career paths is to remember that life is not a straight line. There are going to be twists and turns in the road, and we must remember that we have to love and enjoy every stage of our life. Everything that happens doesn’t happen to us, it happens for us and we learn from it in so many ways. Always believe in yourself and be proud of who you are. Always take time for yourself no matter what.

In your opinion, what is the most important change or movement that needs to take place to create more opportunities for women in your field?

I celebrate International Women's Day both personally and professionally by creating space for reflection, learning, and giving back to my community. Professionally, I often participate in speaking engagements, like this years International Women’s Day Event hosted by Platinum Reality, where I focus on mental health and self-worth beyond achievements. In the past, I’ve also donated honorariums from speaking events to organizations that support women, such as The Centre (previously The Sexual Assault Survivors Centre).

Personally, I take time to reflect on the women who have influenced my journey-mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members by acknowledging the strength, resilience, and wisdom they bring. I also use the day to uplift and support the women in my life, whether through words of encouragement, small acts of kindness, or recognizing their contributions.

Acknowledging International Women’s Day is important because it highlights both the progress made and the work still needed to ensure equality, opportunity, and safety for women. It’s a reminder that our voices, contributions, and well-being matter, and that by supporting one another, we create stronger communities.

What advice would you give to current students at Lambton College, especially women who are navigating their educational and career paths?

My time at Lambton College was foundational in shaping my career as a psychotherapist. The program provided a strong academic framework in the helping field while also emphasizing practical, hands-on experience. One of the most impactful aspects was the opportunity to work directly with clients during my practicum, which gave me real-world exposure to the complexities of mental health work.

I was especially inspired by my professor, Ruth Geurts, who always spoke words of encouragement over me and believed in me. She challenged me to respect my own capabilities and strengths, to believe in myself, and to push forward even when things got hard. Her unwavering support gave me the confidence to step fully into my role as a therapist. I also had other incredible professors, such as Rebecca Wilkinson, with whom I still have a relationship today. She inspired me to be all I can be in my field and to not be afraid of my own strength.

These are just a few of the women who made an impact on me during my time at Lambton College. I also want to recognize Anna, who worked in the cafeteria during my time at Lambton College. She was a warm and friendly face when I was away from the comforts of home, and she made me feel so seen and cared for while I was at school. Her kindness was a reminder that support doesn't always come in obvious ways-it can be found in the small, everyday interactions that make a difference in someone’s life.

As a woman in my industry, the most valuable skills I developed were adaptability, confidence in myself, and the ability to hold space for others while maintaining professional boundaries. The mentorship and support I received at Lambton also reinforced the importance of strong leadership and advocacy, which have been crucial in my work today, whether its bridging service gaps in my community, mentoring new therapists, or advocating for trauma-informed care.

Lambton College prepared me not just with knowledge but with the resilience and passion needed to navigate this field with confidence and purpose.

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating women’s achievements. What accomplishment are you most proud of, and how does it contribute to the advancement of women in your profession?

One of my proudest business accomplishments is building a successful, family-owned company in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men. Manufacturing and eCommerce aren’t always welcoming spaces for women, and I’ve had to fight to be taken seriously—whether in meetings, negotiations, or simply getting my ideas heard. But I never backed down. I demanded respect, trusted my instincts, and proved that women belong in these spaces—not just as participants, but as leaders and decision-makers.

Beyond breaking barriers in my own career, I’m really proud of the opportunities we’ve created for other women within Roo & You. By prioritizing a flexible, hybrid work setting and a strong work-life balance, I hope we’re paving the way for more women to step into leadership roles while balancing the demands of career, family, and personal achievements. Success shouldn’t come at the expense of balance, and I want Roo & You to be an example of how businesses can truly support women at every stage of their journey.

At the end of the day, representation matters. When women see other women leading in spaces they weren’t always welcomed in, it opens doors. I hope my journey shows other women—whether in business, manufacturing, or any field—that they have every right to take up space, to lead, and to build something amazing.

What advice would you give to current students at Lambton College, especially women who are navigating their educational and career paths?

Trust yourself, take up space, and insert yourself into rooms you never thought you could be in. Don’t let fear or self-doubt stop you from going after what excites you—even if it feels unconventional. When I started Roo & You, there were plenty of moments of doubt, from outsiders and even from myself, but I kept pushing forward. I learned to adapt, be resourceful, and become an expert in things I once knew nothing about. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need the confidence to figure it out along the way.

Build your network, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. Having a support system makes all the difference, whether that’s a mentor, a friend, or a partner who believes in you. Success isn’t just about climbing a corporate ladder—it’s also about creating opportunities for others, making an impact, and defining success in a way that aligns with your values.

And most importantly, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something—because YOU CAN.

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating women’s achievements. What accomplishment are you most proud of, and how does it contribute to the advancement of women in your profession?

While I’m incredibly proud of my accomplishments—like founding Sarnia Speaks and being nominated for a Premier’s Award—what I’m most proud of is my ability to persevere despite struggling with mental illness. The road hasn’t been easy, and there have been many times when I’ve felt knocked down. But no matter how hard it gets, I keep trying.

In the creator economy, where hustle culture and perfectionism can feel overwhelming, I believe that my openness about mental health helps create space for other women to succeed without sacrificing their well-being. By sharing my experiences, I hope to normalize conversations about mental wellness, encourage resilience, and remind women that success isn’t about never struggling—it’s about continuing to show up for yourself, even on the hard days.

Through my content and community, I strive to foster a space where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to embrace their messy, beautiful lives. I want to help shift the narrative around success, proving that you don’t have to have it all together to make an impact—you just have to keep going.

How did your time at Lambton College prepare you for your career, and what specific skills or experiences from your studies have been most impactful for you as a woman in your industry?

My time in the Business Administration – Marketing program at Lambton College played a fundamental role in shaping my career. It gave me the foundation to turn my passion for storytelling and community-building into a sustainable business. From understanding branding and consumer behavior to developing marketing strategies, my studies equipped me with the foundational skills to grow my platform, build partnerships, and navigate an ever-changing creative landscape.

One of the most impactful takeaways from my education was the importance of building authentic connections—a skill that has been invaluable in both my content creation and brand collaborations. As a woman in this industry, the ability to market myself with confidence, negotiate opportunities, and create meaningful engagement has helped me carve out a space where I can uplift others while staying true to my values.

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating women’s achievements. What accomplishment are you most proud of, and how does it contribute to the advancement of women in your profession?

Personally, I celebrate International Women's Day by gathering with friends to reconnect, recharge, and share stories about our journeys and the challenges we've overcome. Professionally, I believe it's meaningful to highlight and celebrate female leaders by featuring their achievements and inspiring journeys in the company's monthly newsletter.

Celebrating International Women's Day is essential as it raises awareness of the invaluable contributions women make across all areas of life. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. By honouring this day, we foster an inclusive environment where women's voices, talents, and achievements are recognized and celebrated.

How did your time at Lambton College prepare you for your career, and what specific skills or experiences from your studies have been most impactful for you as a woman in your industry?

My time at Lambton College was truly transformative and prepared me for my career in so many meaningful ways. The hands-on learning and practical experience gave me a solid foundation in business management, but it was the leadership opportunities and community involvement that had the biggest impact on me. I threw myself into competitions, volunteered for causes like Habitat for Humanity and Earth Day cleanups, and took on roles as a student representative, ambassador, and council leader. These experiences taught me how to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse groups, and lead with confidence. As a woman in the corporate world, those skills have been invaluable. I learned to advocate for myself and others, step up in male-dominated spaces, and bring different perspectives to the table. Looking back, I realize that those experiences shaped my ability to navigate challenges and foster inclusivity wherever I go.

Summer is a proud member of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation who is currently a contestant for Miss Indigenous Canada 2025, a self-development and leadership program for young Indigenous women across Canada. As a contestant, Summer hopes to use her platform to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams no matter how big or far away they may seem.

You can follow her journey via Facebook.

In your opinion, what is the most important change or movement that needs to take place to create more opportunities for women in your field?

As a First Nations woman I think is important to have more representation of other First Nations women working in education outside of an Indigenous Student Centre and throughout institutions.

What advice would you give to current students at Lambton College, especially women who are navigating their educational and career paths?

Advice that I give current students who are navigating their educational career paths is to dream big, imagine what will make them the most happy and not focus on barriers that may get in their way but look for solutions to achieve their goals. Also, that it’s important to prioritize and create boundaries for the benefit of their education.