Women's History Month, observed in Canada annually in October, is a time to honour and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women throughout our Canadian history. This year’s theme, Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements and contributions of women from diverse backgrounds.

At Greenwin, we believe in uplifting the voices of our people to build a more unified future for our organization, residents, and communities. Through the inspiring stories, memories and experiences of our people, we celebrate the connection and sense of community that is the backbone of our organization.

As part of our #MyGreenwinLife series, Greenwin is honoured to share the story of Manager, Community Engagement, Ossana Ber:

As Manager, Community Engagement at Greenwin, my life has been intricately woven with the company's values and mission, which is to invest in people and places to create exceptional, inclusive rental communities  – one building at a time. Working on Greenwin Cares initiatives and resident programming, I have the pleasure of bringing our communities together and celebrating their uniqueness. Every day, I witness the power of positive change and the importance of fostering inclusivity and diversity in our workplace and communities.

I've had the privilege of working on initiatives with Greenwin Cares that resonate deeply with me, providing opportunities and support to young individuals in our communities. One of the proudest moments in my career at Greenwin was accepting the Impact Award at the FRPO MAC Awards for the work we are doing through our Laptops for Learning program. This program, which provides laptops to youth in our communities to ensure no child falls behind due to lack of resources, has been a significant highlight of my time here.

In my role, and as a member of Greenwin’s Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Committee, I've come to understand the significance of creating spaces where all voices are heard, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for a work environment that benefits everyone. This journey has been about continuous conversations, setting internal targets, and uplifting all the different voices that make our organization what it is.

Working at Greenwin is a source of immense joy for me. Whether through employee engagement events, speaker series, or Greenwin Cares initiatives, I get to make a positive impact in our communities and bring joy to those around me. With speakers like Rhonda Lucy, a 2-Spirit filmmaker with Mohawk and Melungeon roots, and Karen Craggs-Milne, a global anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion leader, we’ve emphasized the importance of fostering a safe space for ideas and change. These sessions have reaffirmed that transformation begins with us, and one person can inspire a movement.

Women throughout history have achieved remarkable gains, from securing the right to vote to shattering glass ceilings. I'm particularly thankful for the feminists who blazed the trail for gender equality, enabling women like me to thrive. It’s important for us to recognize this history, the changes that have been made and the work that still needs to be done. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that values this and love that I get to be an active player in pushing this work forward, each day.

Greenwin is not just a workplace; it's a community of like-minded individuals striving to make a positive impact in the world. I'm grateful for the opportunities and experiences I've had and the lifelong friends I've made along the way, and I look forward to continuing my journey here at Greenwin.

Women's History Month is an important time to acknowledge women’s achievements, resilience, and the progress we've made towards gender equality, while also recognizing the work that remains. Let's use this Women's History Month as an opportunity to deepen our understanding, challenge our preconceptions, and honour the spirit of women worldwide. We’ve gathered the resources below to help you get started: