Michelle Obama was in Toronto on Tuesday, November 28 to speak about The Economics of Equality: Advancing Women & Girls to Change the World. The organizers of the event, the Economic Club of Canada, wanted to make sure that women who had contributed significantly to the development of women and girls were included as guests to the $15,000 per table event. One of the women they reached out to invite was Honey Jam Producer Ebonnie Rowe who has a 30 year history of doing developmental work with young women through the mentoring programme Each One, Teach One as well as Honey Jam.
Having just concluded her Barbados Honey Jam season and preparing for her Joy! event, when Rowe got the call she dropped everything and booked her flight to Toronto.
“There was no way I was going to miss it. Being able to hear Michelle Obama speak in person was on my bucket list and here was my chance! I was so honoured to be invited! She is a shero of mine and an inspiration to millions around the world. I admire everything about her. Her intelligence, poise, passion and commitment to positive change in the world and the upliftment of youth, particularly her work to empower girls.”
The experience itself more than fulfilled her expectations and was also an excellent networking opportunity, including being able to meet Canada’s First Lady Sophie Gregoire.
Ebonnie was also honoured in Canada with a feature in the just released book “Canada 150 Women, in celebration of the year of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation featuring women from different cultures and backgrounds including politicians, scientists, space-walkers, olympians, artists and more. Authored by Paulina Cameron, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau was presented with copies as were hundreds of young girls across Canada.
