Melinda Gates once said, “A woman with a strong voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” These words speak loudly to our collective struggle as women, highlighting that discovering one’s true voice, particularly in a world that sometimes seeks to silence or limit women, is a journey that requires resilience, courage and perseverance.
The reality is, inequality still persists. Achieving true change requires women with grit, determination, and strength to forge the path and open doors that will remain ajar for those who come after them. For Durrell Communications’ CEO Melissa Durrell, trailblazing has been her way of life.
As an award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist and a former member of the Waterloo City Council, she now leads Durrell Communications, with a clear mission of amplifying changemakers across the region and the country. For over a decade, Melissa and her powerful team have provided top-tier public relations and marketing services designed to create opportunities for success, with a special focus on empowering women to thrive.
Over the years, Durrell Communications has had the honour of representing, guiding and collaborating with impactful women from diverse industries, backgrounds and perspectives. We had the privilege of working with Helen Fishburn, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, as she continues to advance the mental health agenda across the country. Sherry Shannon-Vanstone of Profound Impact has been a long-time collaborator and mentor. Watching her continue to support women in STEM and champion female entrepreneurship through her business ventures is inspiring, and we are grateful to have worked with her on this mission.
We have also worked with incredible women from the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The late Wendi Campbell, former CEO of the Food Bank believed that through collaboration, advocacy, and perseverance, we could find sustainable solutions to address food insecurity in Waterloo region. Kim Wilhelm, current CEO, continues to demonstrate dedication and advocacy for change during this difficult time of food insecurity, working relentlessly towards the goal of ensuring equitable access to food for everyone in our community and beyond. It has been a privilege to work with these women as they not only lead the crucial cause of food security in our community, but also ensure that women’s voices remain central in shaping the future of our region.
Working with these passionate and inspiring women has been an integral part of Durrell Communications’ mission, but everywhere we work is an opportunity for our female-led team to shine. We recognize that when women are given the right tools, resources and support, they can drive meaningful solutions to some of our community’s most pressing challenges. That’s why we continue to create platforms where women’s voices are not only heard but amplified.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm this commitment. By elevating women and their perspectives, we advocate for their leadership and work towards a future where women are not just participants, but key architects of change. We believe that within every woman lies a powerful voice, and at Durrell Communications, we are dedicated to providing the support and guidance needed to help that voice be found and amplified.
Looking to amplify your voice? Get started with Durrell Communications today.
