As the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) enters into our 40th year, we want to celebrate your experiences and accomplishments.

We are looking for members to submit photos from OHEA Annual General Meetings (AGM), conferences, events, branch association events and with other members. We want to share our P.H.Ec. pride. These photos will be used on social media, for blog posts or posters throughout the year. 

Want to submit a photo? Email Tamara Saslove or Rachelle Provost. 

​Food Literacy matters because “everyday food practices matter”. These were the words of Dr. Gwen Chapman, an opening speaker at the 2018 Nutrition Resource Centre Forum: Unpacking Food Literacy. The forum was held on November 15 at the Chestnut Convention Centre in Toronto. 

Fanjing (Lydia) Lu gives a reflection of the OHEA leadership workshop on November 17, 2018 held at Brescia University College in London, Ontario.

By: Dr. June Matthews, PhD, RD, P.H.Ec., OHEA President

Many professional associations are desperately looking for members to serve on their Boards. The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) is no exception. Every year, it is a challenge to fill Executive and Board positions.

​To address this situation, Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec., and Dr. June Matthews, RD, P.H.Ec., submitted a grant application to the Canadian Home Economics Foundation (CHEF) to host a workshop on board governance. The $1000 Doris Badir Leadership Award they received was used to support a Leadership Workshop at Brescia University College on November 17, 2018. 

Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec. and Fellow in Board Governance from the Canadian Board Diversity Council, provided dozens of practical suggestions for best practices when choosing a Board. She explained the discipline and structure of Board governance, and helped participants develop a Board-friendly resume and interview ‘pitch’. She supported her valuable advice through fascinating real-life case studies.  

Cailin Whincop, P.H.Ec., Stewardship Coordinator for Girls Inc. of Durham, highlighted how Home Economics is embedded in the mission of many non-profit organizations. She described the advantages and challenges of working in this sector, reminding participants that they will gain more skills by working through challenges! She also guided participants through a personal ‘thinking style’ test.

​Ken Whitehurst, Executive Director of the Consumers Council of Canada, discussed how Home Economists helped create the consumer movement in Canada. He described the many ways in which the Council has been successful in advocating for consumers. Despite little funding, these volunteers work tirelessly on behalf of consumers. Unfortunately, the public takes for granted that this consumer protection “just happens”. Some current areas of concern include high-interest lending, e-commerce practices, and energy efficiency in the home.

Stacy Oleksy, P.H.Ec., Director of Education and Community Awareness at the Credit Counselling Society, delivered a powerful talk on leadership. Her light-hearted and practical tips for success were well-received by the audience. The interactive nature of her presentation allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of how to overcome challenging situations in their personal and professional lives.

Dharshi Lacey, Director of Diversity & Governance at Pillar Non-profit Network, outlined the many ways in which this innovative organization provides support to hundreds of non-profits, social enterprises, and social innovators in the community.

​Lacey directed participants to Pillar's website for information on events, volunteer positions, and job opportunities. Dharshi also provided a valuable tip on a local program that matches students to a non-profit board, where they can serve as a non-voting member and learn more about non-profit governance.

Many people are not aware of the benefits and responsibilities associated with Board governance, the ways in which they can influence professional associations/ non-profit organizations, or even the process of being appointed to a Board. OHEA’s Leadership Workshop addressed this gap!
​
OHEA acknowledges, with gratitude, the Canadian Home Economics Foundation and Brescia University College for their support.

OHEA is pleased to announce Cailin Whincop and June Matthews as the final two speakers for our leadership workshop. Titled "Career Leadership While Influencing the Community," is your chance to take your career in a new direction!

Read below to find out more about these speakers. 

OHEA is pleased to announce Stacey Oleksy and Cathy Enright as two of six speakers for our leadership workshop. Titled "Career Leadership While Influencing the Community," this event is your chance to take your career in a completely new direction!

Read below to find out more about these speakers.  

OHEA is pleased to announce Ken Whitehurst as one of six speakers for our leadership workshop. Titled "Career Leadership While Influencing the Community," this event is your chance to take your career in a completely new direction!

OHEA is pleased to announce Dharshi Lacey as one of six speakers for our leadership workshop. Titled "Career Leadership While Influencing the Community," this event is your chance to take your career in a completely new direction!

​Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) is hosting a leadership workshop on Saturday, November 17, 2018, and you will not want to this miss event. Titled “Career Leadership while Influencing the Community,” this is your chance to take your career in a completely new direction!
​
Here’s why you should attend: