Event preps women for entering civic politics

Dozens of women were introduced to the ins and outs of running for city council ahead of next year’s municipal election at an event in Brandon Wednesday evening.

A local organization — Her Seat at the Table (HSATT) — hosted the event to inform and encourage women interested in civic politics. The two-hour come-and-go event at The Backyard On Aberdeen had about 65 people in attendance 30 minutes into the evening.

“I’m thrilled already with how many people are here,” organizer Tracy Baker said shortly after the event started. “Now we know there’s people interested in the initiative and possibly interested in running for council. So, I think it’s fantastic.”

Baker, along with about 25 other women, started HSATT earlier this year as a way to encourage more women to run for council.

Currently, there is only one woman on council out of 11 seats, and only one woman has ever served as mayor.

“I think it’s important for women to know they have a place to come and feel comfortable to have a conversation, ask some questions, get some information and maybe in a little more comfortable way,” Baker said about the event.

Multiple stations were set up to allow participants to chat, speak with councillors, city staff and women who have run campaigns before.

Archana Krishnan, who was there as someone interested in potentially running for council, said the event would help shape her future plans. She described it as a resource that could enable her to become an effective councillor if she decides to run.

“Being among this group of people over here is a perfect starting point for people like me to truly understand what it takes, so that when we do get an opportunity to step into that seat, we are doing complete justice to the community and being totally well prepared,” said Krishnan, who has a PhD in molecular biology.

For 24-year-old Montana Jackson, the event was a way of helping her decide if running for council is something she would be interested in.

Jackson, who works as a realtor, said she would “potentially” consider running in an election, depending on how the evening went. She wants to become more active in the community, she said, including with volunteering. The fact that there aren’t a lot of women on council stood out to her, she said.

“I think there should be more women on council,” Jackson said.

Jenn McMillan said while she isn’t interested in running currently, she might be later on in life.

She said she’s very supportive of the group, and wants to see opportunities open up, including for her six-year-old daughter.

“More people in more positions gives her more opportunity down the road,” McMillan said. “I’m kind of here in a supportive role, a curiosity role.”

For something to feel accessible, you have to be able to see someone in that role, she said.

“I think this is the first step in realizing that people might need more support in this type of position, because I still don’t know really what it’s all about, which is another reason I’m here,” she said shortly after the event started.

Liz Roberts, who was there as a resource for interested people to learn how campaigns work, said there’s a lot to consider when running for office.

She worked on multiple campaigns for politicians in provincial politics, and for former Brandon mayor Rick Chrest. She also ran for the Liberals in Brandon East in 1995.

Roberts said there’s a lot more for people running to know about now, including how people have to deal with comments online.

Going to council and board meetings is also an important first step to prepare, she said.

Coun. Jason Splett (Ward 8), who was one of several councillors at the event, said any time more people can be included in the municipal process, it’s a good thing.

“There’s quite a number (of people here), and hopefully it leads to better conversations and people understanding the process of municipal politics,” Splett said.

He said he hopes the event will “spark some interest” for people, which could lead to more voices and opinions, and better candidates running for office.

HSATT is organizing another event for February, which would be more strategic and include a panel discussion, Baker said in an interview last week.

The next municipal election is Oct. 28, 2026.

» alambert@brandonsun.com