Tools, workshops, and real world strategies to help women in agriculture communicate with clarity, confidence, and connection!
In these difficult economic times in agriculture, you may be needing to have a few hard conversations. When a conversation feels tough, it’s often because something meaningful is on the line — a relationship, a job, respect, expectations, or even your own boundaries. No wonder your nervous system sounds the alarm.
At the Advancing Women in Agriculture and Food Conference (AWC), women are given a space to unpack these real life situations in a supportive, practical way. This is where participants learn how to separate facts, feelings, and the story, allowing them to respond with clarity instead of reacting out of stress or emotion.
AWC West takes place March 8 to 10 in Calgary, Alberta, and continues its mission of helping women strengthen their practical skills while building authentic, lasting connections.
“Conferences are built around content, and AWC is no different,” says AWC founder Iris Meck. “But AWC is also powered by connection – that is its major strength. AWC is women empowering one another.”
At AWC, attendees can share openly, feel heard, and walk away with those aha moments that shift perspectives. Sessions help expand knowledge, while conversations during workshops, meals, and coffee breaks spark personal growth and build networks that last long after the conference ends.
“I can’t say enough about the Advancing Women’s Conference,” says Heidi Craig, RVT & Practice Manager Talent Acquisition Partner, VetCare Canada. “I’ve had the privilege of attending year after year and learning so much. The conversations during breaks and meals are always a highlight for me, the connections made are priceless and often lead to ongoing relationships.”
AWC attendees can explore the full lineup of speakers, workshops, and plenary sessions on the AWC website, including sessions designed specifically to help participants navigate hard conversations.
Sample Workshops That Help Tackle Tough Conversations:
- Rural Watch: Because No Farmer Stands Alone - With Lauren Van Ewyk, CEO, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance Inc. This workshop equips participants with realistic skills to navigate difficult conversations, especially around mental health. Attendees will learn how to respond supportively and recognize when someone may be in crisis.
- Better Career, Better Human - Led by Darlene Wilson, Senior Manager Corporate Brand and Communications, AFSC. Participants will learn how to leverage curiosity, communication, and courage to grow their careers while also becoming more grounded, intentional leaders—especially in challenging conversations. Bonus resources are included to apply immediately.
- The Breakup You Didn’t Choose: Losing a Role, Not Yourself - With Siobhan Chinnery, Resilience Advocate & Transformation Expert, Bee Grateful Management. This session explores the overlooked emotional toll of career transitions. Participants will examine identity, belonging, and purpose, and learn how to rebuild confidence beyond a job title.
- Career Growth? Turn Your Experience into Opportunity - With Erin Stuart, Search Consultant, Grasslands Recruitment Specialists. This workshop provides a roadmap for professional transitions—how to refine your résumé, strengthen your online profile, and sharpen interview skills, especially if restructuring or job loss has prompted a new search.
Meck concludes, “What makes AWC different is its national reach. AWC brings women together from across Canada and across the entire agriculture and food industry. That diversity of experience, geography, and perspective is what makes AWC so powerful - and why it works.”