The Niagara Leadership Summit for Women is taking place Saturday, Oct. 18 at Brock University.

A joint initiative of YWCA Niagara Region and Brock, the community event – which is open to the public – presents an opportunity to discuss, evaluate, and celebrate women leaders locally and opens the conversation surrounding women’s issues in Niagara.

Registration closes Oct. 10.

“Our vision is that everyone, regardless of gender or economic status, should have the courage and confidence to be the leader they are and want to be in their community,” said Elisabeth Zimmermann, executive director of YWCA Niagara Region.

The program will kick off with keynote speaker Kim Crosby, an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, activist and educator who will open the Summit with her talk, ‘Reimagining Transformative Leadership.’

Discussion topics will include themes of women in politics and activism, networking for social impact, youth and student leadership and much more. Guest speakers hail from all corners of the region and bring a diverse range of experiences and insights to share with participants.

“The Summit is about much more than the business of leadership,” said Julie Rorison, chair of the planning committee. “It’s about recognizing acts of leadership in our everyday lives and supporting the leaders all around us who make a difference every day.”

The program will wrap up with closing keynote address by Wendy Southall, former police chief of the Niagara Regional Police Service. As the first female and first civilian police chief in Niagara, Southall will share her unique perspectives in community leadership.

The Summit will offer valuable opportunities for women, girls and allies to connect, share common goals and evaluate common challenges, and network with like-minded community leaders.

Cost is $15 per person from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., including lunch.

For more information and to register, visit niagaralsw.ca and connect with us on Twitter @NiagaraLSW and Facebook.com/NiagaraLSW using #NiagaraLSW.