By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The YWCA Hamilton will present their annual Women of Distinction Awards this coming Wednesday. Their prestigious event honours the women and girls who have made an impact on the Hamilton and Halton communities. Here, we get to know Julianne Trotman, one of the eight Halton women honoured with a nomination a bit better.
Trotman currently serves as the chairperson of the board for the Women’s Centre of Halton, a non-profit organization committed to helping and empowering women in crisis and supporting them via programs that include drop-in support sessions, family court advocacy, employment counselling, and peer counselling. She’s been instrumental in driving change in the organization for five years.
Trotman has a strong marketing background with over a decade in the corporate sector, receiving numerous accolades for her trained eye on each project.
Below, Trotman describes her response towards the nomination and more. Answers have been lightly edited for flow.
How did you react once you first received the nomination?
I was very humbled by the nomination. I attended the event last year and was really impressed by all of the nominees and the fantastic work that they were doing and the tremendous impact they are making in their communities. I am still not sure that my contributions measure up.
You spent over a decade as a marketing executive in the corporate sector. What skillsets does that bring when working with a non-profit?
I believe that my experience in the corporate sector allows me to bring a certain rigour and analytical perspective to the non-profit world. I feel that the impact you can create is exponentially greater when you incorporate these areas.
Where did you see yourself twenty years ago, and where do you see yourself twenty years from now?
Twenty years ago, I am not sure I saw myself in the non-profit world. I saw myself running a marketing team at either a marketing agency or in the hospitality industry. Twenty years from now, I see myself travelling the world and having rich life experiences.
What personal challenges have come with being a woman in business with a rigorous career in marketing?
Being both a woman and one of colour has brought certain challenges throughout my career. That has led me to always give 110% and go above and beyond what’s expected and always make sure that I show up ready and prepared to not just get things done but to do so with a passion and drive that is evident in the work I deliver.
On the same note, what special perspective does being a woman in business hold? Why should more companies champion women in leadership positions?
Women are generally more intuitive and in touch with a wider range of their emotions. I believe that these traits make women very astute businesspeople. Their perspective helps to provide more colour to decision-making, it’s not just black or white but shades of grey with different tones. More companies should champion women in leadership roles to bring more diverse perspectives, opinions, and rationale to the C-suite.
What has been one of the meaningful connections made in your time currently serving as the chairperson of the board for the Women’s Centre of Halton?
One of my meaningful connections has been meeting and getting to know many of the wonderful clients that we serve at the Centre. The work we do makes a real difference in our clients’ lives, and seeing how their lives are transformed by the services we provide inspires me to continue stewarding our organization to deliver impactful — and for many, life-changing — services.
The Women of Distinction Awards will take place at the Hamilton Convention Centre on March 5 from 6 p.m. onwards. All proceeds go towards funding programs across the Hamilton and Halton areas.
YWCA Hamilton is still selling tickets online (click here); the event includes a cocktail reception, the awards gala and dinner, and an after-party. For more information, visit YWCA Hamilton’s website.
