Some great recognition for three provincial women including Strathroy-Caradoc’s own Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden. On International Women’s Day, Municipal World began its nomination process for the 2022 edition of the Women of Influence in Municipal Government Award. The award celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the field, whether on the administrative or political side of life. For the first time in the award’s history, Municipal World announced the three 2022 honourees all together. The 2022 recipients are Wendy Landry, Mayor of the Municipality of Shuniah, Genelle Davidson, Director of Financial Services at the City of Kelowna, and Mayor Vanderheyden. Vanderheyden was quoted on her social media page saying “Humbled and honoured to receive this recognition from Municipal World.”
Mayor Vanderheyden is the first woman to serve the community as Mayor. She also served as Middlesex County Warden in 2006, 2010, 2011, and for an unprecedented fourth time in 2014. She has been part of Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) board of directors since 2015 and is currently its past president.
Vanderheyden is a founding member of the Women’s Caucus of Middlesex County. The caucus has connected with hundreds of women over the past two years. In 2021, the caucus created the Middlesex Leading Ladies Awards to support and uplift women from across the county. The caucus also recently undertook an election school. The school helped encourage and support underrepresented women who want to run for office.
Written by: C. Soares