Q&A with the women of Latitude: Celebrating International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day we wanted to give a voice to the women of Latitude — to elevate their perspective and celebrate their contributions to the workplace. In honour of this sacred day, we asked some of our practitioners to share some wisdom they’ve picked up along the way — about and for women.
What is your favourite thing about working on a team with so many other women? What do you love about working for a women-led clinic?
Dr. Sereena Uppal, Latitude Co-founder & chiropractor: As women, we are natural nurturers and when you find your tribe of like-minded souls, there is nothing more magical than being able to support, motivate and inspire each other.
Lauren Legere, Latitude Co-founder, CCC & RCC: The ability to collaborate in a way that truly nurtures our clients and ourselves as practitioners. There is a sense of community unlike in any other space I have worked in. We want to see all the folks who join us be successful.
Ikjyot Rehal, RCC: Empowering other women! We all work as a team to inspire and motivate each other. We resonate with each other around some of the experiences we have had as women, and we use them to help each other be the best versions of ourselves - personally and professionally.
Lauren Champion, RCC: Knowing that there is a team of fiercely intelligent women who are truly there to support one another and be each other's cheerleader is one of the many things about why I love working at Latitude. We all want each other to succeed.
Elise Greaves, Registered Acupuncturist: I love the feeling of sincerity in our office, everyone is genuine. And I love that there is no mansplaining in our office!!!
Jill Sweetable, RCC: I love that I can show up as myself and be fully accepted by all the practitioners in the office. I have so many women here that I text or call when I need support or a question answered. I am comfortable bringing them concerns or ideas and know they will provide me with the time and resources I am looking for. They also have given me tough love and have pushed me outside of my comfort zone to help me improve and grow my skills as a counsellor.
Gorette Imms, RCC: The understanding and support that comes from recognizing the unique role of women in our culture and using our collective talents to raise each other and our communities up!
Rhiannon Latimer, RCC: Being able to be authentically me and confident in my practice. I feel seen and understood, safe and strong working with women who support each other.
In the effort of breaking down stigmas or taboo subjects, we want to hear about some of the concerns or worries that women bring to us. What are some of the main things your women-identifying clients bring to you in your practice?
Lauren Legere: There are some big themes appearing in 2023. One of the big themes this year has been navigating being a working mom and the shame that sometimes comes with loving the work you do. It isn’t a question of loving your kiddo more than your job, but it seems that a lot of women are really struggling with juggling those responsibilities while also being in their power at work. Another big theme this year has been about relationships and friendships in your 30’s + 40’s. It is hard to make deep connections with others for so many reasons. Figuring out where to connect with other humans and finding time to foster those relationships can be a really scary and challenging experience. I want people to know that you are not alone in your journey.
Ikjyot Rehal: As a counselor, I work with a lot of women who have had some experiences of neglect in their childhood and are currently feeling isolated in their lives. If they are in relationships, it feels lonely and invisible. When they come to me, it is most important to me that they feel safe, validated, and seen in the therapy room. I help them find their own voice (which may have been suppressed over the years), and their needs (which may have been forgotten) and assist them to advocate for themselves. It is an honor to witness them become stronger inside.
If you could give one piece of advice to young women just entering into adulthood, what would it be? Is there anything you would say to an 18-year-old version of yourself, and if so, do you think she would have listened?
Elise Greaves: I have an 18-year-old daughter and she would tell you, I’ve got a million pieces of advice - haha! Mostly, I hope that modeling a balanced approach to all things will just rub off on her ;) One thing I try to remind my three teenagers is to just go for it, no one is paying nearly as much attention to what you are doing, saying, wearing -whatever, as you think they are.
Gorette Imms: I would encourage young women and 18-year-old me to Not be afraid! Take the risk, Say the unpopular opinion, Set the boundary, and Take up space. Well, that's more than one piece of advice - but you get the theme! You are deserving just for being you. I am not sure I would have listened to my own advice, it sounds so simple and intuitive, and yet it seems so complicated...I do strive to be this way now!
What is your favourite activity to do with your girlfriends and how do you make time for it?
Cassandra Travlos: I love being active with my girlfriends. Whether it be skiing up in Whistler or hiking the local mountains, I really love getting some fresh air, exercise and just chatting and catching up. I like getting my exercise in more fun ways on the weekend, and thankfully my people like being active too, so I find it is easy to make time for my girlfriends doing something we all enjoy!
Rhiannon Latimer: Something I love to do with my girlfriends is explore the city's different eateries. We try and do a new place to eat every month or two.
Lauren Champion: As a busy mom of two, finding time for my friends is hard, but important. It may have to take a little extra planning ahead, but an evening out with good food and wine is always an enjoyable time for me. Sometimes seeing my girlfriends might mean picking up some yummy treats and having all the kiddos play together while we catch up on the couch.