When she was growing up, Sharon Gaetz was told that religion and politics were improper subjects for women to speak about. This has never deterred her, as her listeners learned at the February luncheon of the Business and Professional Women of Mission (BPW).
Since 1996, Gaetz has been elected as a Chilliwack city councillor four times and mayor twice, running unopposed the second time. In addition, she serves her community with membership on several regional boards and as a director of the Union of BC Municipalities. She is an honourary member of several local service organizations and has received a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for her community service.
Her former career as a church minister and family counselor also provided her with numerous examples to illustrate, in her words, “…the joys and trials of challenging society’s norms.”
Gaetz offered several suggestions to those who were creating new or revised career paths: “…identify your mentor or hero; develop the skills for goal achievement; act—just don’t talk about it; learn to value differing voices; …and then summon your courage and count your costs.”
Mission’s BPW will continue its speakers' series March 28 at the Cedarbrooke Chateau. Fiona Douglas-Crampton, CEO of the Minerva Foundation, will speak on women as mentors. Minerva offers programs to BC women and girls in the areas of education, leadership development, and economic security.
For more information about Mission BPW, contact Mady Pechler at info@madygraphicdesign.com.