York University’s Schulich ExecEd, York Regional Police (YRP) and the York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS) partnered on a four-part program to help survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) rebuild their lives.
Hosted by Schulich ExecEd, the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Series is a collaboration that brings together the strengths of three community partners to support survivors of intimate partner violence.
The first iteration of the series occurred this summer, and involved YRCCS offering local support and survivor advocacy; Schulich ExecEd providing professional development and leadership education; and YRP contributing insights from law enforcement and public safety.
By integrating emotional, educational and practical resources, the four-part program helps participants regain confidence, develop leadership skills and achieve personal and professional growth.
“Survivors of IPV have often lived in a climate of fear, shame, coercive control and devaluation,” says Jaspreet Gill, executive director of YRCCS. “Many are robbed of hope. The goal of this program is to help them reclaim what was taken – to restore hope for a better future.”
“This program has been thoughtfully designed to help survivors regain their voice and confidence, sharpen their existing skills and learn new ones as they navigate the journey of healing,” adds YRP Chief Jim MacSween. “For many, this includes rejoining the workforce after some time away.”
Schulich ExecEd’s role in the series is to provide leadership training and professional development in a safe, inclusive environment, so survivors can develop new skills to pursue employment opportunities. The program includes four interactive workshop modules – led by ExecEd faculty and titled Self and Leadership Type, The Power of Positivity, Women Empowerment and Career Future Proofing – that allow for group learning and peer support.
ExecEd's contribution draws on its longstanding commitment to women’s leadership and workforce development. “We lead many initiatives focused on supporting women, enhancing their well-being and enabling them to thrive in the workforce,” says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd.
Those initiatives include the Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership Program, which has helped 75 immigrant and refugee women earn certifications, receive coaching and complete paid internships; a mini-MBA for Indigenous women, which has offered business and policy training with community-focused projects; and others.
Mayer sees this latest endeavour as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. “Schulich ExecEd is committed to empowering individuals through professional development education,” he says.
Nine participants have completed the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Series successfully and were awarded certificates at a special ceremony in August. The program will reconvene in 2026 with a new cohort of women participants.
Those interested in further information about the program are invited to contact Schulich ExecEd's Stefania Gargaro via email.
With files from Michelle Kwok