Local leaders mark International Women’s Day by sharing what change really looks like in Kingston.
This Sunday marks the 115th International Women’s Day in Canada. In Kingston, several women leaders say the day is not only about celebration, but about action.
From fundraising and public service to coaching and education, they are working to build a stronger community.
Among them is Leanne O’Mara, the 2025 campaign chair for KFL&A United Way. A long-time volunteer and local business owner, O’Mara said International Women’s Day is a time for reflection and recognition.
O’Mara said her mother played a significant role in her life and inspired her commitment to giving back. As campaign chair, she is leading the 85th annual United Way drive, raising funds to support people facing homelessness, food insecurity, addictions and mental health challenges across KFL&A.
Marci McMullen is another woman making an impact. A community advocate and former business owner, she has raised more than $300,000 for local charities and supports organizations including Easter Seals Ontario and 4Paws Service Dogs. She is also the founder of Cultivate Kingston, which supports local businesses and social causes through event planning, fundraising and consulting, and helps create initiatives that bring women together, including ELEVATE Her.
McMullen explained what strong leadership starts with.
She also noted that women were not admitted into Rotary clubs until 1996. Today, she serves as vice-president of her local club, a shift she says shows progress toward greater inclusion.
For speaker and transformation coach Megan Hamilton, International Women’s Day carries deep historical meaning. Hamilton, founder of Impact Witch and speaker advisor for TEDxQueensU, works with clients to build confidence and find their voice.
She said the day is about looking beyond the surface and recognizing the deeper history behind the movement.
Hamilton said many women throughout history were not credited for their work, and that acknowledging those contributions now is an important step forward.
Kingston city councillor and elementary school teacher Wendy Stephen also continues to serve the community through public office and education. Her work at city hall and in the classroom reflects the same theme shared by the other women — creating space for growth, opportunity and equity.
While their paths are different, each woman shares a common goal: building a more inclusive and supportive Kingston for the next generation.
Story by Alyssa Brush
