Women, join us for a friendly discussion about what it means to be a woman who stutters in 2024. How does society perceive and treat us? Does our speech affect how we function at home, work and play? Does it factor into our decision-making? How can it impact our personal relationships? How does it affect our well-being? This workshop provides an opportunity to discuss topics which may not come up in traditional workshops. Be prepared to share successes and fears, laughter and sorrow as we come together to celebrate in this interactive workshop – for women only.
- Women who stutter will be provided an opportunity to interact and explore stuttering experiences that are unique to them in a safe and private setting.
- While a panel representing women at different stages of life will be present, topics of discussion will be free-flowing as introduced by participants, based on their needs and preferences.
- The workshop will provide the opportunity to meet new people, begin new friendships and alliances.
About the presenters
Bhavna Bakshi
Bhavna Bakshi delivers personal development tools for the 70 million people impacted by stuttering worldwide. She supports this community as a keynote speaker and panelist for the Canadian Stuttering Association and My Speech Hub. Fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, Bhavna is also a multi-disciplinary entrepreneur in the real estate, private lending, and mortgage industries who speaks to media outlets like CBC Radio Canada on industry trends.
Carolina Ayala
Carolina Ayala hails from Ajax, Ontario, and became involved with the stuttering community at the young age of 11. Carolina holds a Master's degree in Critical Disability Studies. Her thesis investigated how people who stutter are affected by their listener. For over 22 years, Carolina has worked with individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Her current position as Community Support Worker has provided the most fulfilling role of her career. In her spare time, Carolina loves meeting new people, high impact workouts, exploring her community, and exploring the world. Travelling is her passion!
Mary Wood
Mary first attended a CSA (CAPS) conference in Ottawa in 1993 where she presented a workshop on self-esteem. Since then, Mary has inspired people at conferences in Canada, the United States, Europe and Great Britain. She is the author of "Beyond the Fear of Stuttering, My Journey to Self-acceptance and Freedom."
Rhea Bhalla
Rhea is a second-year student at the University of Manitoba with close to six years of volunteer experience with the CSA. She co-leads the Family and Youth Programming Committee, leads the Prairie Stuttering Support Group and the National Youth Support Group, and serves as the Volunteer Coordinator on the board of directors. Outside of her studies, Rhea enjoys volunteering, reading, and scoping out hidden coffee spots in Winnipeg.