Today is International Women’s Day. The theme this year is Women Inspiring Women, which invites us to highlight and celebrate women, their achievements and lead by example by empowering women every day.
At Parkland on Eglinton West the Culinary Team, Care Team, Recreation Team and Sales and Marketing Team are female-led and they wanted to share what International Women’s Day means to them.
Photo: Top row from left to right: Deanna, Ola, Abigail, Pawan, Margit, Danya, Jess, Yatri, Jovana, Katie. Bottom row from left to right: Reefat, Andrea.
Abigail
Lifestyle Consultant
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I have worked at Parkland for 18 months.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is a day to celebrate all the amazing things women do every single day of the year.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
Always follow your dreams, work hard and smile every day.
What is your favourite part about your job?
Helping people find the perfect place to call home and spend their best years living each day to the fullest. We have an incredible group of strong and respectful female leaders at Parkland on Eglinton West. I think some might even have superpowers!
Ola
Lifestyle Consultant
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I have been here for two years.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is a celebration of every woman – celebrate and honour their accomplishments and acknowledge and thank those who have paved the way for me.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
Follow your dreams, you are capable of more than you think. When someone tells you you cannot do something, prove them wrong.
What is your favourite part about your job?
Getting to know other amazing people. Hearing their stories and celebrating them. Helping residents and their loved ones navigate retirement living and starting a new chapter of their story at Parkland. I consider myself so lucky to be working with such an amazing group of people!
Pawan
Movement Coordinator
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I have been working at Parkland for almost 6 months now.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day to me means that we all come together, support each other, celebrate achievements and stand up for ourselves and each other.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
Never give up and learn to set boundaries.
What is your favourite part about your job?
My favourite part of my job is that I get to work with people who are friendly and always willing to help no matter how busy their schedule may be.
Andrea
Food & Beverage Manager
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I’ve worked at Parkland for 19 months.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International National Women’s Day is a day to celebrate all women and all their accomplishments.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
Never underestimate yourself, always aim higher and never stop learning.
What is your favourite part about your job?
Talking to the residents, making sure they are having a good a time and coming up with new ideas to make their day better.
Margit
Dining Room Supervisor
How long have you been with theHow long have you worked at Parkland?
I have worked here since November 2020.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is important to recognize and acknowledge women within their role. Having 3 daughters of my own, it was important to me to raise them to be empowered females.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
There are just as many opportunities for females as there are for males. Follow your dreams and don’t be afraid to use your voice.
What is your favourite part about your job?
I always look forward to daily small talk with residents.
Katie
Chef
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I’ve been at Parkland on Eglinton West since October 2020.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and appreciate all the women in my life who inspire me. It is a reminder that we have come a long way in the quest for equality but that there is still work that can be done. It’s a day to show appreciation for the generations before me that have fought for women’s rights. It is a day to come together and recognize our strength and to continue to build upon that.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
Advice that I share is that conversation is important. It might seem tiring at times, but you can change people a lot through open conversation. Also, don’t let your gender determine what you can do. Being strong and persistent can get you far.
What is your favourite part about your job?
My favourite part about being a Chef at Parkland is working with the wonderful culinary team here and creating menus that the residents enjoy.
Reefat
Health and Wellness Manager
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I have worked here for 6 months.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
This is a day I get to reflect on how proud I am to be a woman and recognize not only my accomplishments in my professional and personal career but also accomplishments of all women and their greatness.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness”. No woman should ever have to change to fit societal norm, we get to choose who and what we want to be.
What is your favourite part about your job?
Being able to go above and beyond for residents.
Jess
Recreation Coordinator
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I have been with the company for 7 months
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge women and their achievements. It’s important that we as women continue to empower other women. We can be powerful leaders and change makers. Girls need to know that they have a voice and they can be equal players.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
One piece of advice I would share with other women is not to let your fear get in the way of what you can accomplish. We have the power to control our future.
What is your favourite part about your job?
My favourite part of my job is being able to make a change in the lives of the residents and working with such an amazing group of people.
Yatri
Recreation Coordinator
How long have you worked at Parkland?
I’ve worked at Parkland for 2 months.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is a very special and emotional day.
What’s a piece of advice you would like to share with other women?
Do not compare yourselves to others. You are beautiful you are confident and you can do it!
What is your favourite part about your job?
How it is girls supporting girls – especially on The Recreation Team!
Parkland is a positive, inclusive, and productive workplace where you can thrive, grow and contribute. We are committed to welcoming the best and the brightest—if this sounds like a place for you, consider a career in one of our communities across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario.
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