Stories Inspire Passion — Kate Armstrong

The 2025 SIPs Talks presenters from left to right: Cheryl Dowden, Andrea Fox, Slava Doval, Lena Horswill, Katrine Conroy, Laura Landsberg and myself.

The Canadian Federation of University Women Nelson and District (CFUW) hosted its fourth fundraising and social event to recognize and celebrate the collective spirit of the women who live in the Kootenays. If you love to hear how people find their passion and live it daily, then you will want to come to SIP Talks: Stories Inspire Passion at the Nelson Prestige Lakeside Resort on Saturday, March 29.

The proceeds from the event go toward the CFUW Nelson and District Scholarship Fund. The club has been awarding scholarships to young women in the community for more than 50 years.

The 2025 impressive line-up of speakers:

Kate Armstrong – award-winning author of her memoir, The Stone Frigate: The Royal Military College’s First Female Cadet Speaks Out, avid sailor/yachtsperson.

Katrine Conroy – one of B.C.’s first female power engineers, represented the West Kootenays as MLA from 2005-2024.

Slava Doval – passionate, lifelong dance artist, choreographer and instructor.

Cheryl Dowden – social justice advocate, executive director of ANKORS, community leader supporting vulnerable populations.

Lena Horswill – retired executive director for Nelson Community Services, active volunteer for various Boards, immigrated to Canada at age 25 to work for Cuso International.

Laura Landsberg – a rare vocalist who can cross all genres, highly respected member of the music community, 20 years vocal instructor at Selkirk College Contemporary Music and Technology Program.

Andrea Fox – certified nature-based therapist, environmental activist, outdoor educator and founder of Elemental Journeys.

The event was scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 4-7 p.m., at the Nelson Prestige Lakeside Resort. Tickets included a beverage and appetizers, and of course, inspirational stories.