Canadore College hosts Women in Justice event, inspiring next generation of leaders
Canadore College welcomed future leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers to campus this week for its Women in Justice event - an inspiring day focused on connection, mentorship, and advancing representation across justice-related careers.
The event brought together Grade 11 and 12 students, along with Canadore College students and alumni, for an immersive experience featuring speakers and professionals from across the justice sector, including policing, corrections, probation, forensics, conservation, various community justice service agencies and victim services.
As part of its ongoing commitment to equity and representation, Canadore is proud to be the first college to take the 30Forward pledge, supporting increased participation of women in policing and justice careers. The Women in Justice event represents a tangible step in that direction.
“Watching the energy in the room at Women in Justice was powerful. The engagement, confidence, and curiosity from the students was inspiring, but equally inspiring was watching the women professionals who paved the way for them,” said Kindra McMillan, Coordinator of Community and Justice Services at Canadore College. “Many began their careers as the only woman in the room. Today, while progress has been made, the work is not done. As a program and as a college, we remain committed to continuing to push forward until 30% female representation and beyond is no longer the goal, but the norm across the justice fields.”
The event featured strong participation from key partners across the sector, including the Ontario Provincial Police, Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Natural Resources, Barrie Police Service, Anishinabek Police Service, Wikiwemikong Tribal Police Service, North Bay Police Service, Sudbury Police Service, Victim Services of Nipissing District, Denovo Treatment Centre, the Crisis Centre North Bay and the Indigenous Friendship Centre.
“We are honoured to welcome Canadore College as the first college to sign the 30Forward pledge. Their commitment recognizes the critical role colleges play in shaping the future of policing and sends an important message to women entering this profession: you belong, your leadership matters, and the future of policing needs you,” said Valarie Gates, Inspector with the Barrie Police Service and founder of the 30Forward initiative.
“Events like Women in Justice are about opening doors and expanding what students see as possible for themselves,” said Sandra Efu, President and CEO of Canadore College. “By connecting students directly with leaders in the field, we are helping to build confidence, create pathways, and strengthen the future of the justice sector.”
Through events like Women in Justice, Canadore continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore careers, connect with industry leaders, and see themselves reflected in the future of the justice sector.
