Fresh Idea Collective wraps up International Women’s History Month with Speak to Lead showcase

Fresh Idea Collective brings together 10 women entrepreneurs to speak at the inaugural Speak to Lead Showcase for Women at the Here for Now Theatre later this month in recognition of International Women’s History Month.

A Speak to Lead Showcase for Women will take place at Here For Now Theatre on March 29, where 10 women from across the region will come together to share their signature talks.

The event offers recent graduates of the eight-week Speak to Lead Academy for Women – a course designed and delivered by Fresh Idea Collective – an opportunity to take the stage.

Speakers will cover a range of topics including midlife reinvention, resilience, nutrition, mental wellness and community building. Sessions include Embracing Your Encore: Creating Your Best Life after 50 by Shari Doherty, The Balanced Plate: How Nutrition Fuels Your Success by Danielle Reid and The Laughter Effect: Transforming Communities, Relationships and the Workplace by Jenna Goodhand.

Kerry Ramsay, founder of Fresh Idea Collective, said the program was designed to get women on stage to share their personal stories and inspire others.

“This is all about getting more women on stages, so that women’s perspectives are reflected and women’s stories are shared,” said Ramsay. “Because we know that until women’s stories are shared, nothing else changes.”

“The advantage for entrepreneurs and leaders is that when you have a signature talk and you're getting paid to speak, it establishes your credibility and your authority. It positions you as a leader in your field,” she added.

Ramsay said the location – Here For Now Theatre – was the “icing on the cake” when it came to booking a venue that supports women.

“We approached Here For Now Theatre to partner with us on this event because it’s a space that celebrates women and underrepresented voices,” she said. “We’re particularly pleased to be holding the showcase in this feminist venue, with an all-women board and an incredible artistic director leading the way.”

Running a business is never easy – but for women, the challenges can be even greater. Fresh Idea Collective is showing that when women come together in a supportive community, it not only fosters connection but also helps cultivate the next generation of female leaders across the region.

“The community itself is a safe and accountable space where women can gather to look for ideas and exchange solutions,” said Ramsay. “Business is dynamic. It's constantly changing. But what is really amazing about being part of a community is that it provides a solid foundation that helps alleviate fears and anxiety when it comes to building and growing a business.”

Fresh Idea Collective has connected with more than 500 women across the region, helping to build strength, resilience and a sense of community among entrepreneurs at various stages of business growth.

“As human beings, we crave community; we are designed to live, work and play in community,” said Ramsay. “Increasingly, we have become isolated from each other because of technology. Of course, you can run a business online, but there is power in coming together in the same space – connecting as human beings, laughing together, crying together, sharing wisdom and experiences that really can’t be replicated by any AI robot.”

To learn more about Fresh Idea Collective, visit www.freshideacollective.com