Huron Chamber Launches New Women’s Leadership Initiative

On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Huron Chamber of Commerce is announcing the launch of its Women’s Leadership Initiative, a new program designed to support women in leadership roles across Huron County and those aspiring to step into them.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) is a Chamber-led project that will focus on identifying opportunities to strengthen and support women’s leadership in business, non-profit organizations, and other areas of community life. The initiative will be guided by a committee of community leaders and shaped by direct input from women across the region.

Heather Glenister, Membership Services Coordinator at the Huron Chamber of Commerce, is leading the development of the initiative.

“This initiative begins with listening,” said Glenister. “We know that women are already leading in every sector across Huron County, from small businesses to farms to community organizations and municipal councils. Our first step is to understand what supports, connections, and opportunities would make the greatest difference in their leadership journeys. The Women’s Leadership Initiative will be built around those needs.”

The Chamber is currently assembling a committee of local women leaders to help guide the process. The committee will work to define priorities, identify gaps, and develop programming that reflects the realities of leadership in a largely rural region.

While the long-term programming of the initiative will evolve over time, one key date is already confirmed. The Chamber will host the inaugural Women’s Leadership Initiative event on October 1, 2026, at the White Carnation in Holmesville. The afternoon event will serve as the formal kickoff of the initiative and is intended to become an annual signature event for the organization.

Details about the format and content of the October event will be announced in the coming months, as the committee’s work progresses.

Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce, said the launch of the Women’s Leadership Initiative reflects both the Chamber’s mandate and its values.

“As an organization focused on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages, we recognize that leadership matters,” said Carmichael. “Women are already playing critical leadership roles throughout Huron County. This initiative is about ensuring that those leaders are supported and that the next generation of women leaders sees a clear pathway forward.”

Carmichael also emphasized the importance of the initiative being led by women within the Chamber itself.

“It is especially meaningful that this initiative is being led by Heather and shaped by a committee of women from across the community,” he said. “The Chamber’s role is to convene, connect, and create space for leadership to flourish. In this case, that means ensuring that women are setting the direction and defining what support looks like.”

The Women’s Leadership Initiative aligns with the Chamber’s broader role as an independent, non-profit organization serving businesses and communities across Huron County. Through advocacy, collaboration, and events, the Chamber works to bring the right people together to address local challenges and opportunities.

Board Chair Jodi Snell welcomed the launch of the initiative, noting the impact that strong leadership can have at every level of the community.

“Leadership is not confined to one sector,” said Snell. “It shows up in entrepreneurship, in volunteer boards, in municipal government, and in community involvement. As someone who has experienced leadership in several of those spaces, I know how important it is to have networks, mentorship, and encouragement. The Women’s Leadership Initiative is an important step in making sure those supports are visible and accessible.”

Snell added that launching the initiative in connection with International Women’s Day is both symbolic and practical.

“International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress, but also to reflect on the work that remains,” she said. “By announcing this initiative now, the Chamber is signaling that supporting women in leadership is not a one-day recognition. It is an ongoing commitment.”

Over the coming months, the Chamber will invite community input through conversations, surveys, and direct outreach. Women in business, non-profits, public service, and other sectors, as well as those who aspire to leadership roles, will be encouraged to share their experiences and ideas.

The Chamber expects that the Women’s Leadership Initiative will include a mix of networking opportunities, educational programming, and mentorship-focused activities, shaped by the feedback received.

More information about the October 1 kickoff event and ways to get involved will be shared in the weeks ahead.

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