On May 22, 2025, MSVU hosted the 14th annual Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice (AMI) Girls Conference. welcoming more than 300 girls and young women from across Nova Scotia to campus for a day of learning, empowerment, and community. With the theme Better Together, the event emphasized the power of collaboration in advancing equity and social justice.
Designed for girls aged 12 to 18, the conference featured a wide array of workshops, including sessions focused on STEM, social justice, sustainability, and leadership. The energy in the room was electric, filled with connection and a palpable sense of shared purpose. This year’s event marked the conference’s largest turnout to date.
Organized by the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice, the Girls Conference aims to celebrate women’s achievements, take action for gender equity, and foster a more just world for girls and women everywhere.
Tegan Zimmerman, one of the event’s organizers, shared insights on this year’s theme:
“The conference promotes a feeling of empowerment that is built through lived experience, collaboration, and a respect for others. Better Together encouraged the girls to think deeply about courage and the legacy they want to leave behind. We reminded them that social justice and gender equity are only achievable when we work in solidarity.”
The day began with a powerful welcome from MSVU’s Special Advisor on Indigenous Affairs, Theresa Meuse, and Flo Blackett, who opened the event with the Indigenous song Strong Woman, accompanied by drum. The song set the tone for the day’s focus on community, Indigenization, and systems change, woven throughout the workshops and keynote presentations.
The keynote address was delivered by Larissa Crawford, founder of Future Ancestors Services Inc., an organization that advances justice and equity through decolonized approaches. Larissa shared her personal story of resilience:
“I had my first daughter at 21. Everyone, except my mom, told me I had to quit school. But I knew that if I put in the energy, I could make it work. Growing up in poverty—often without water or electricity—I watched my mom persevere. That’s where I found my strength. I saw resilient women in my family, and I knew I could carry that forward.”
Larissa’s work has received national recognition, including accolades such as York University’s One to Watch Alumni Award, Women of Influence’s Top 25, and Corporate Knight’s Top 30 Under 30 in Sustainability.
Another highlight of the day was the Trailblazer Panel, moderated by Abbie McDonough, granddaughter of Alexa McDonough. Her presence was a meaningful reminder of the conference’s roots and legacy.
To close the event, Theresa Meuse led a joyful ring dance, hundreds of participants hand-in-hand, moving in rhythm to the drum, celebrating the day’s lessons and shared spirit.
This transformative event was made possible thanks to the dedication of the AMI Steering Committee and core team members Alicia, Sam, Adebola, and Shalomi. Special thanks also go to our sponsors: Nova Scotia Power, CLARI (Change Lab Action Research Initiative), SSHRC, Matthews McDonough Financial Planning Inc., Wellnify.ai, and On It Solutions. We are especially grateful to the Office of the Status of Women and the Honourable Minister Leah Martin for sponsoring keynote speaker Larissa Crawford.
We also thank Dr. Mary Rita Holland, Nancy’s Chair in Women’s Studies; Carrie Dawson, Dean of Arts and Science; Susan Trenholm, Dean of Professional & Graduate Studies; and the many others across MSVU including Communications and Marketing, the Alumni Association, and the Mount Bookstore for their support.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to our incredible speakers: Theresa Meuse, Dr. Joël Dickinson, Hon. Leah Martin, Larissa Crawford, Cathy LeBlanc, Emily Vincent, Crystal Witter, Abbie McDonough, Diana Parks, and Daniya Younes; our outstanding workshop facilitators; teachers, chaperones, parents; and all of the committed volunteers and MSVU staff who made the day such a resounding success.
Together, we are truly Better Together.