In 2019, Zonta International and all districts throughout the world are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the organization, its successes in advocating for and empowering women worldwide. As part of the centennial anniversary celebration, Zonta District 15 (all of Michigan and parts of Ontario, Canada) is recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to empowering women. District 15 will be recognizing Jane White, executive director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force and Michelle Schryer, executive director of Ontario’s Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Center. The award will be presented at the Status of Women Luncheon on Saturday October 19.
Jane Penton White, Executive Director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force.
As the founder, director, evidence-based researcher, and curriculum developer, appointed to the first Human Trafficking Commission by the Attorney General, she is responsible for bringing together people who can make change happen. Formed in 2006, the Task Force has over 135 member agencies (hundreds of people represented), is listed as one of the oldest Task Forces in the United States, operates totally on individual donor support (501c3), represents a wide range of diverse groups under the strong premise of collaboration, conducts through participant evaluations of excellence both national and state-wide conferences and training, a website that had more than one million requests last year, a Facebook page with more than 11,000 members, “nine boots-on-the-ground regional Task Forces,” and a vested contribution of linking victims, survivors, community, and support services
Michelle Schryer, Executive Director of the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre
Michelle Schryer has been the Executive Director of the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre since October 1, 1990. In addition to overseeing the operation of the Centre, Michelle’s position has given her the opportunity to work on a number of fronts to raise awareness and action toward the prevention of violence against women, including gendered workplace violence. In that regard, Ms. Schryer has prepared and delivered numerous submissions to parliamentary committees regarding policies and legislation on justice, human rights, occupational health and safety and other equality issues. She has also participated on province-wide advisory committees regarding gendered workplace harassment and violence and worked collaboratively with multi-sectors to effect positive, meaningful changes toward women’s safety, equality and full participation in the workplace.
Michelle’s experience has led her to believe that effective social change must include a systemic analysis that highlights root causes and leads to direct and positive actions.
For more information about the conference, speakers or award recipients, or to register, go to www.zonta15.org and click on Events.
Through continuous engagement over almost 10 decades, Zonta International has become a respected service organization, as well as a non-governmental organization with general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Zonta’s nearly 1,200 clubs support local and regional initiatives in 63 countries worldwide. Since 1923, Zonta has provided more than $40.9 million to empower women and expand their access to education, health care, economic opportunities and safe living conditions
