Sudbury partnership aims to empower women

Two organizations in Sudbury are joining forces to help support more women in the community. CTV’s Angela Gemmill has the details.

Two organizations in Greater Sudbury are joining forces to help support more women in the community -- and they’re starting at the top.

Chantal Makela is taking on the role of interim executive director of SWC, formerly Sudbury Women’s Centre. At the same time, she will remain CEO of Spark Employment Services.

“What I hope to bring to the role is really just that guidance and that support, being able to connect with both boards of directors and grow both agencies,” she said.

SWC provides access to basic needs, resources, services and education for women and gender diverse individuals in Sudbury.

Makela said both organizations have a similar clientele.

“Being in the position of leader of both organizations, there will be more opportunities for us to bring the resources together and for us to be able to refer between each other very seamlessly,” she said.

Makela met with Giah Sumalde, vice-chair of the SWC board, on Monday to bring herself up to speed on the organization and what the partnership Spark Employment Services could mean.

Expanding resources

“We are expanding our resources, as well,” Sumalde said.

“Having Chantal Makela as the interim executive director, with her track record of amazing leadership as the CEO of Spark, I think it will increase the growth of our leadership team as well as the long-term sustainability of the organization.”

Despite having one leader in two roles, both organizations said they’re fully committed to their respective clients and will remain two separate agencies.

“However, this will give us an opportunity for us to come together and work … together, whether that be on programming, whether that be on future grant applications,” Makela said.

“This is really a new, innovative way for us to deliver our services and to structure both organizations.”

Makela said SWC wants to create a hub model that would essentially be a one-stop shop for clients in need of support. Adding that she’s hopeful her leadership can help grow both agencies and move them closer to that goal.