All Women of Landmark (AWOL) is hosting Vicki Olatundun, executive director of Steinbach Family Resource Centre (SFRC), as their keynote speaker for an event called “Mothering: It Takes a Village” on May 31 at the Kinsmen Community Centre in Landmark, MB.
Olatundun is a former criminal law attorney and a well sought after thought-provoking motivational speaker, a university guest lecturer and college instructor. She will present an empowering message for all women on – or supporting others on – their mothering journeys.
Under Olatundun’s directorship, Steinbach Family Resource Centre won the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce Non Profit Excellence Award in 2016.
National Magazine Canadian Living calls Olatundun a “Change Maker” (2015) and she was a YMCA/YWCA Women of Distinction Award nominee (2014).
Olatundun’s first book, Unleash Your Crazy to Win: How Overcoming Infertility Led to Business Success, hit the best sellers list in Winnipeg last June at McNally Robinson.
The AWOL program runs in Landmark. It focuses on monthly evening events on women’s issues, mental health, wellness, and how to foster a community of support for women in rural Manitoba.
“AWOL is extremely excited to host Vicki,” says Sara Dacombe, event facilitator. “Our program is a small community group run by a committee of about five women. This is our first year running and we have presented seven events this year. It can be hard finding women’s resources when you live in a small town, but hearing about Vicki’s support for rural communities and having Vicki come to speak is phenomenal.”
“Healthy communities exhibit strong family relationships,” says Olatundun. “Our mission aligns with AWOL’s, to enhance health and wellness as well as learning and growth opportunities for women, yes, and for children and families in our community. We believe that community does not just happen, it is intentional. SFRC is an intentional community family resource centre aimed at all families that reside in the South Eastman area, and we are happy to come alongside AWOL in helping to build their community efforts in this, their first year.”
Olatundun is a self-described “community-minded social justice warrior.”
“I advocate for families and for all people regardless of their socio-economic status. I enjoy challenging the status quo, opening closed doors and helping people. I choose to make a difference,” says Olatundun.
AWOL is a community women’s group that creates opportunities for women to experience community by presenting events on friendship-building and women’s issues. The group is aimed at women of all ages and all backgrounds, and emphasizes its intent to create an inclusive environment. The focus of content is values-based and presented non-religiously.
“We are currently sponsored by Heartland Community Church in Landmark,” says Dacombe. “We are starting small, but we are researching our possibilities for the future, and I would say that AWOL is interested in growing their support base to include government health and wellness grants to continue to find better ways to serve the community in the future.”
