In 2023-2024, Film Training Manitoba (FTM) partnered with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) and the Canadian Manufactures and Exporters (CME) to create the EmpowHer Program which was a first of its kind collaboration to support the growth of women workers in trades. The three organizations designed a custom series of training and learning events which also included one-on-one mentorships with industry professionals. Each partner organization ran its own division with a long serving industry professional program manager. FTM’s EmpowHer Program Manager was filmmaker Fawnda Neckoway (founder of Nikâwiy Productions).
EmpowHer successfully graduated 42 women cross-sector, with the Film Sector graduating 10 participants while also supporting seven additional accelerator mentorships. The program spans from November 6 – February 9 for full-time participants then carried forward with ten additional weeks dedicated to mentorship and community engagement.
EmpowHer concluded with a gracious invite from the Honourable Anita R. Neville, Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba, to attend an evening of celebration for our graduates. The event took place at the Government House on April 16, 2024. The Government House is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of Manitoba and that of the Canadian monarch in Winnipeg.
FTM, MCSC, and CME attended as a team, inviting industry partners, employers, and mentors to join FTM to celebrate the graduates with the Government of Manitoba. Minister Nahanni Fontaine was present, sharing a heartfelt speech on women’s empowerment.
Program graduate Amber Catagas represented the film sector as a class valedictorian and give a heartfelt speech about her experience in the EmpowHer Program.
“As the Program Manager, I was beyond proud of her for sharing her experience; she shared that this program helped her find herself again. It’s great to witness them thrive post EmpowHer.” Said Fawnda Neckoway.