The room was filled with a sense of community and shared purpose as PRUDE Inc. hosted its International Women’s Day celebration in Saint John on Saturday, March 8, 2026. This event brought together women from all over the region for an afternoon of conversation and connection.
The theme of the event was “Give to Gain”. This means that when women support each other, their communities become stronger. The event featured a panel discussion with women who have volunteered in various ways. They shared their stories of service, leadership and perseverance.
These women offered advice and encouragement to other women who are facing challenges in their communities and careers. Their message was simple: using your voice can create lasting change. You can use your voice by volunteering, advocating for something or mentoring someone.
Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon gave a keynote speech. She talked about how volunteering shaped her life and her path into leadership. Reardon started volunteering when she moved to Saint John in the 1980s. She volunteered at her children’s school. Helped build a stronger parent community.
Reardon said that she realized the impact of her voice on her children. She said that words of encouragement from someone can be very meaningful to a child. Her experiences volunteering in schools and community boards led her to run for city council in 2012. This eventually led her to become the mayor.
Reardon encouraged the attendees to remember that they can make a difference in their neighbourhood. She said that people often want to volunteer away, but the need is usually close to home. Reardon also said that the rewards of volunteering go beyond serving others:
When you see the changes you are making, it is very rewarding and fulfilling. At the end of the day, you know that you tried to make a difference.
Throughout the event, the participants connected with each other over stories of leadership and mentorship.
The panellists’ experiences showed how volunteering can build confidence and empower women to influence their communities. The discussion reinforced the idea that every voice matters and that collective action can amplify impact.
Events like PRUDE Inc.s International Women’s Day celebration help to strengthen community bonds in Saint John. They create space for dialogue, inspiration and recognition. They highlight the contributions of women who are shaping the regions future.
These events remind attendees that progress often begins with acts of support, mentorship and service. The message of the event was clear: when women rise together, entire communities rise with them. The International Women’s Day celebration was an example of this. PRUDE Inc. brought women together to support each other and celebrate their achievements.
The event showed that when women support each other, they can create lasting change. The women who attended the event were inspired to make a difference in their communities. They were reminded that they have the power to create change and that their voices matter. The International Women’s Day celebration was a celebration of women and their contributions to their communities.
It was a reminder that women can make a difference when they work together and support each other. The event was a success, and it will have a lasting impact on the women who attended. PRUDE Inc. did a job of hosting the event and bringing women together to celebrate International Women’s Day.
