Her Seat at the Table (HSATT)

Events

Explore upcoming events related to Brandon’s municipal elections. These activities will help you stay informed, connect with candidates, and better understand the voting process

We will update upcoming events soon!

Building Stronger, More Inclusive Leadership in Brandon

Our program is dedicated to supporting and empowering women to run for and succeed in local government. Through training, mentorship, and access to essential tools and resources, we help candidates build confidence, navigate the election process, and lead with purpose. By understanding the roles of the Mayor and Councillors, the responsibilities of Council, and how local government decisions shape our community, participants are equipped to make a meaningful impact and help create a City Council that truly reflects the diversity and strength of Brandon.

Mission

Brandon City Council reflects the strength, diversity, and leadership of its community. By supporting women to run and lead, we will build a more inclusive and representative local government.

Vision

We support and empower women to run for seats on Brandon City Council by providing the training, mentorship, tools, and community needed to lead with confidence and purpose. We aim to break down barriers, amplify women’s voices, and build a stronger, more representative Brandon for all.

Empowering Women to Run for Municipal Council is our Goal

Purpose, Approach & Values

This statement represents not only our purpose and approach, but also the values that guide our work. Her Seat at the Table exists to create space, resources, and community for women who are considering or preparing to run for Brandon City Council. We are not a political organization. We do not endorse, vet, or fund candidates. Our focus is on removing barriers to participation, not influencing electoral outcomes.

We provide women with access to mentorship, training, and tools to build their confidence, develop skills, and connect with others. Our core value is a commitment to an open and inclusive process, grounded in a human-centred approach.

By focusing on community-building and capacity-building, we aim to ensure that more women feel informed, ready, and supported by one another as they step into public leadership.

Empowerment & Courage

We inspire confidence through knowledge, mentorship, and shared experiences, encouraging bold leadership and the pursuit of meaningful change.

Equity & Representation

We are dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in local government and working toward a council that truly reflects the diversity of our community.

Community, Support & Respect

We nurture collaboration, connection, and kindness among women and allies, creating a culture where lifting each other up is expected and negativity has no place.

Integrity

We lead with transparency, authenticity, and respect in every action we take.

Know Before you Run

About Municipal Elections

Why should I Vote in Council Elections

Every four years, Brandon residents have the opportunity to elect the Mayor and Councillors who will guide our city. This team of ten leaders works together to set policies, plan for the community’s future, and oversee essential local services such as water, roads, waste collection, and fire and police protection. Through bylaws and resolutions, Council makes decisions that shape the growth, safety, and well-being of our city.
Voting is your chance to influence who leads Brandon over the next four years. Every ballot contributes to building a stronger, more vibrant, and well-managed community.

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What are Council’s Responsibilities?

Elected officials set the direction and priorities for the city, while administrators carry out their plans. City Council is responsible for the well-being of the community and makes informed decisions on its behalf. Under Manitoba’s Municipal Act and Planning Act, Councils oversee services such as land use, roads, sidewalks, and water infrastructure. They also collaborate with provincial and federal partners to secure funding and resources for complex issues like housing, health, climate change, and homelessness.

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What Does The Mayor Do?

The Mayor serves as the civic leader and principal spokesperson for City Council, representing its decisions and priorities. In addition to performing all the duties of a Councillor, the Mayor has added responsibilities under The Municipal Act, including providing strong and thoughtful leadership to Council, presiding over meetings, communicating important information, and carrying out any duties assigned by Council or legislation.

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What Does A Councillor Do?

Councillors represent the interests of their community by making thoughtful, well-informed decisions and advocating for residents. Under The Municipal Act, they consider the overall well-being of the municipality, help develop and evaluate City policies and programs, attend Council and committee meetings, maintain confidentiality on closed matters, follow the code of conduct, and carry out duties assigned by Council or legislation.

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Running For Local Office

The goal of this grassroots initiative is to connect potential candidates with the information and resources that give them the confidence to run in the next municipal election. As we move closer to October 2026, more information will become avaiable, but for now please visit this link for information provided by the Province of Manitoba related to the 2022 municipal elections across the province.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/mr/mfas/election_faq.html#gi1

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Resources

Explore our resources to build knowledge, confidence, and connections for a successful journey in municipal leadership.

A Toolkit for Manitoba Municipalities: Addressing Anti-Government Hate & Harassment
Candidates Guidebook
Equal Voice
Municipal Elections in Canada

Events

Explore upcoming events related to Brandon’s municipal elections. These activities will help you stay informed, connect with candidates, and better understand the voting process

We will update upcoming events soon!
Get in Touch

Contact Us if You have Questions or Suggestions

Contacts Info

Email Us

hsatt2026@gmail.com

Visit Us

158-11th Street Brandon, Manitoba

Fill the Form Below

The YWCA Westman would like to recognize that the lands in which we reside were first inhabited by the people of Turtle Island. We, as life-givers, honour the past by committing to learn about the traditions and teachings of our Indigenous family, colleagues, and those we serve. We recognize the harms that colonization and systemic racism has had on Indigenous peoples, and we commit to reconciliation, to do better in our actions, to defend and protect, and provide a welcoming space for women, girls, two-spirit and gender diverse people in our community.

YWCA Westman © 2026 All Rights Reserved

Request More Information

Interested in learning more about our resources or upcoming programs? Fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you soon.

Dr. Ashley Margeson

Dr. Ashley is a nationally recognized expert who equips teams, leaders, and organizations with the science-backed strategies they need to manage stress, optimize performance, and sustain energy—because success shouldn’t come at the cost of burnout.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Ashley Margeson specializes in evidence-based strategies and delivers engaging, actionable talks that empower leaders and organizations to integrate sustainable self-care into their busy lives. She debunks the myths of work-life balance to improve productivity, and foster long-term well-being.

Host of the acclaimed podcast The Superwoman Code, Dr. Margeson shares cutting-edge insights on health, hormones, and high performance, with over 100,000 downloads in 2024 alone. Her expertise has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Business Insider, Forbes, Parents Magazine, and Shondaland, and she is a frequent guest on Global and
CTV Morning Live.

Dr. Ashley Margeson understands the challenges faced by today’s professionals and provides research-driven strategies to help them succeed without sacrificing well-being. Whether addressing corporate teams, industry leaders, or entrepreneurs, she equips audiences with the tools to build resilience, avoid burnout, and optimize performance for long-term success.

Dr. Omolayo Famuyide

Dr. Omolayo Famuyide, MD, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP, is the Founder and Medical Director of the Layo Centre, a comprehensive women’s health clinic based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Recently distinguished as a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (FCFP)—an honour recognizing exceptional contributions to family medicine through clinical excellence, leadership, and advocacy—Dr. Famuyide brings a rare and multidisciplinary perspective to her practice as a former practicing pharmacist turned family physician and women’s health specialist.

Her dedication to advancing women’s health led her to complete a prestigious fellowship at the University of Toronto, a world-leading institution in the field. As a Certified Menopause Practitioner through The Menopause Society, she is widely recognized for her clinical expertise in reproductive health, advanced contraception, and menopause management.

A trusted voice in her field, Dr. Famuyide is regularly invited to speak at local and national conferences on sexual health and menopause. She is also a frequent media contributor, with featured appearances on Global News, CTV News, CityNews, and in the Winnipeg Free Press and Chatelaine Magazine.

Dr. Famuyide’s leadership extends well beyond her clinical practice. She currently serves as Member-at-Large on the Family Practice Executive Council of Doctors Manitoba, as a Board Member of the Canadian Menopause Society, and as a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Menopause Foundation of Canada. A committed educator and passionate advocate for women’s health, she was honoured in 2024 as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Famuyide is a devoted mother and self-proclaimed foodie who dedicates her free time to fitness and travel.