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Even in the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some brilliant and insightful women. There are so many that I would love to recognize again; too many to mention here. Thank you all for sharing your truth with me; I am most grateful.

Here are a few that have really inspired me recently and made me consider the way of the world.

Verese Vassell-Bowen

This insanely talented singer-songwriter is a shining gem of a human being. She just exudes love and tenderness and fellowship, no matter what she’s doing. I was thrilled to speak with her recently about her performance at the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½Civic Museum for Black Heritage Month. The things she spoke to me about, like the challenges in her life and how she overcomes them, helped me to see a path forward.

Vassell-Bowen even had a scary fall in the snow and hurt her leg before we spoke, but she still made it to her show on crutches and shared her artistry and kind words to a room packed full of friends and fans. She also made time for me. She taught me how important it is to keep singing, no matter what.

Carlie Roberts

This caring founder of the store Consign Your Curves is truly a trailblazer for the curvy community. As a plus-sized lady myself, it was great to walk into a store where I would never feel uncomfortable. And I was welcomed like an old friend, just like every single woman who came into the store when I was there on Roberts’ final day. Her successor, Meghan-Leigh Smith, was amazing too.

Roberts built a community not just in Guelph, but including women from all over who love and support each other. Her business, and yearly sale, brings people together. She taught me that women should count on themselves and make big decisions for their lives.

Kween

This community activist, educator, performer and business owner wears so many hats, it’s crazy. I can’t even sum up everything that Kween does in one sentence. She is so kind and fun and involved in so much of what makes the community great. Whether I go to an event, festival or fierce protest, she will be there. Her commitment to Black excellence and integrity is astounding.

I will never stop writing about Kween because she always has something on the go, and wise words to share. She also sees the beauty in the world and embraces it. She taught me not to stand by, but initiate action and live my life.

Bonnie Durtnall

This powerful historian and knowledge keeper is a º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½treasure herself. I am so happy to have met her and had the opportunity to learn from her. She knows so much about The Ward and its workers, people who came to º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½to build new lives, it’s just amazing. I could spend hours and hours talking to her, and I think I have.

Though Durtnall’s intention in her books and papers is to be more academic and record a social history that doesn’t always make it into historical record, she manages to pinpoint emotional ties too and paints a picture of the past. It’s almost like she has a completely non-linear view. Does she have a time machine somewhere? Maybe. She definitely has a real knack for finding out the truth, and I don’t think you’d be able to get anything by her. She has taught me to look deeper not just into community affairs, but also myself.

Barbara Salsberg Matthews

This artist and educator keeps on dancing, creating art and loving life no matter what. Her recent project for international Parkinson’s charities deserves a great deal of recognition as far as I’m concerned. Matthews created illustrations of what Parkinson’s feels like for people all over the world, although sometimes her own symptoms were so great she had to force herself to push through. She has intense empathy and piercing insight that allows her to take one look at you, or have one conversation, and know exactly what you need. She brings light into every dark place. She taught me that everyone wears a mask sometimes, but we are all worthy of love and joy. Oh, and that everyone should always get up and dance.

I guess something these women all have in common, that I strive to emulate as well, is a real resilience in the face of adversity. Their strength shines through in how they uplift others and learn and grow.

They each take moments to express gratitude and love for the people around them, and this is so appreciated. They have all thanked me, some more publicly and embarrassingly than others (I’m looking at you, Verese), for just trying my best to do my job. They saw me and valued me, and I hope they know that I saw and valued them too.

Do you know any talented and wonderful women in º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½that I should write about? Business owners, non-profit managers, educators, artists or musicians? Please let me know at jstruthers@metroland.com.