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Melinda and Jessica are joined by new host Julie Fraser and guest Anneke Smit to poke around the entrails of the municipal election in Windsor and Essex County.   We look at the data for what happened and consider what data we need to help us change the landscape for future elections.   Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

WOW Politics was out there during this municipal election getting the information you need to vote for women!  We did 22 interviews, reviewed 24 survey responses and covered the Women at the Table event.  Julie Fraser, Jessica Sartori and Melinda Munro talk about what they learned from our deep dive into the races:  from authentic and intimate conversations with people across the political spectrum, to the shock of finding out that some of the candidates running can't think of a single woman who inspired them, to experiencing all the love that filled the room when all the women candidates were in one place, this episode has it all. If you want to follow along, you can find the survey results here Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Darcie Renaud believes in the maxim; "never say die". We hope that Ward 1 believes in another one; "third time lucky".  Julie interviewed this long time supporter of WOW Politics and regular panelist.  With a longstanding personal and professional passion for politics and policy, Darcie has lived her determination to serve Ward 1 over three runs for office and ongoing municipal involvement between campaigns. Listen in to get to know Darcie and find out what you can expect from an engaged and evidence-informed leader who wants to see more women in office and fewer community members disengaged and distrusting of their municipal representatives.  Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Beth Ann Prince wants to “get things done” in Ward 7. After 18 years at the Windsor Star and another 17 driving community investment at WFCU, Beth Ann is planning to bring her corporate and board experience to City Council. In this episode, she talks about what it takes to navigate the political arena with unshakable confidence, and her ideas for keeping local government accountable. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Tara Grayer decided it was time to run for Mayor when she realized no one was speaking up for the most marginalized people in Windsor's downtown.  She wants to bring a grassroots approach to City Hall where everyone's voice is valued. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Kate Paddon has hit the ground running in this municipal election. She's vying again for a seat in the Town of Lasalle after previously gaining experience during a recent byelection. She's even more determined and has been loving engaging with residents at the door. Listen to hear more about Kate's campaign, her credentials and what brings her joy! Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Cynthia Van Vrouwerff is not a newcomer to running for municipal election.  Melinda joined her in the Station Restaurant in the heart of Ward 2 to hear about why she is hoping this will be her third time lucky.   Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Molly Allaire is not slowing down! The Amherstburg town councillor is running for reelection and excited to keep building on her successes so far. Tying in public service and community work as a busy mom of three she models how positive community engagement benefits us all. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Olivia Holt is a familiar face in Windsor. She's a bartender / manager, a transit activist, and an avid Windsor booster. She sat down with Jessica and Melinda to talk about the importance of citizen journalism and her enthusiasm for the Ask Me Anything forum on Reddit. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

From a 20-year corporate media career to jumping straight into the Mayor's seat on Pelee Island, Cathy Miller has led through complex challenges. She joins Jessica Sartori to talk about her 2022 election, advocating for Pelee residents, and leading a massive $18-million broadband project. We also dive into her decision to step away from public service, systemic misogyny, the toll of a toxic social media culture, and the shared frustration of having well-researched policies dismissed by someone’s "gut feelings". Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

How does a self-described shy young woman become one of the most respected municipal leaders in Essex County? In this episode, Julie Fraser sits down with Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of Leamington and the first female Warden of Essex County, to discuss her remarkable journey from small business owner and community volunteer to one of the region's most influential political figures. Together they explore the challenges and lessons she's learned through nearly two decades in public service. If you're interested in local government, leadership, or the future of Essex County, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Join us to hear from the women running for election in Windsor. We are pleased to present this live recording from the Gino and Liz Marcus Community Centre hosted by Charlotte LeFrank and sponsored by WE Empowers, Windsor Feminist Theatre and Women of Windsor Politics and Leadership. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

What starts with a concern in your neighbourhood can sometimes grow into a desire to serve your entire community. In this episode, Julie Fraser sits down with Marisa Nabbout, candidate for Ward 5 in Tecumseh. An educator, community volunteer, and local advocate, Marisa shares how speaking up on neighbourhood issues and engaging with council inspired her decision to run for public office. Together, they discuss community leadership, growth and development, and the importance of ensuring residents' voices are heard as Tecumseh continues to evolve. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

In this episode, Julie Fraser sits down with Cheryl Hardcastle, former MP for Windsor—Tecumseh, former Deputy Mayor of Tecumseh, and current Ward 4 council candidate. Drawing on decades of experience in journalism, municipal government, and federal politics, Cheryl shares her perspective on community leadership, accessibility, and what inspired her return to municipal politics. This far ranging conversation throws the spotlight on public service, as well as local issues in Tecumseh. Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/

Julie Fraser interviews Wendi Nicholson, Ward 6 council candidate, community volunteer, and former Windsor-Essex Pride Fest president. Drawing on years of volunteer leadership and community involvement, Wendi discusses her decision to enter municipal politics and her plan for being a responsive leader to listens to community needs and supports action from the ground up! Please like and follow our podcast.  We also have a substack where we post useful show assets.  Subscribe to us at https://womenofwindsorpolitics.substack.com/