Category Archives: Brantford news

Brantford news, Issues and Advocacy, Meetings, What's new

Jennifer Seberras speaks at CFUW Brantford’s 2026 May Banquet

We are excited to announce that Jennifer Seberras, P. Log, will be the guest speaker at this year’s May banquet, Jennifer began her career by founding, building and eventually selling a multi-million dollar transportation and logistics company in an industry dominated by men. She learned on the job what it really takes to build a business from the inside out. From her experience, she recognized a recurring gap: many women were capable, driven and ambitious, but lacked practical support and real-world guidance to navigate the perils of entrepreneurship. Jennifer has founded Leadership Hub to address that gap.
Jennifer now works with women across all stages of business, from start-ups to established high-growth companies run by women. She helps them develop clarity, confidence and sustainable strategies, skills she wished she had when growing her own business. In addition to this coaching work, Jennifer hosts Women Who Dared, a growing series of curated luncheons and events which bring together women entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals, whose conversations support and mentor other women who are developing companies. Through Leadership Hub and Women Who Dared, Jennifer creates spaces where women can connect, learn and support one another as they grow. Jennifer comes highly recommended, and we look forward to her talk to CFUW Brantford.
Brantford news, Club Projects, Events

Trivia Night!

First Place (Team 22) Brian Finnigan, Theresa McClenaghan, Breanne Finnigan, John Finnigan
Second Place (Team 16) Norah O’Leary, Catherine Sawyer, Chuck Merritt, Betty Morris
Third Place (Team 19)
Meghan Cameron, Jan Tyrrell, Randy Johnson, Michele Dodds

Last year, the weather was terrible, the Dunsdon Legion made the decision to close and we obviously were relieved to postpone Trivia Night until March.  We took a poll of those registered and the resounding vote was that we continue to hold the event in March.  This year, 27 teams competed to be the winner of our 17th Trivia Night.  This year, we had no ties!! Results were as follows:  First Place – Team 22, Second Place – Team 16   and Third Place – Team 19.   

Naomi Krol (new to the position) and helpers, ran another amazing sale of new/very gently used books, and took in $293.00! There were 29 Door Prizes, all generously donated by members. Our usual Heads or Tails game took in $198.10 and Logan Klassen went home with a $100 gift certificate to The Keg, compliments of McCleister Funeral Homes.  We also received $175.00 in donations!!

 

At the end of the evening, everyone was invited to enjoy pizza donated by Dominos Pizza.  Dominos has supported us since the beginning, and we appreciate their generosity.  Please consider purchasing a pizza from them sometime in the next couple of months, to show your thanks.  As usual, Sandra Eisenbach of the Dunsdon Legion was very friendly and accommodating!  Thanks to all of the volunteers:  Wendy Bethune, Diane Bradley, Rhynda Bulson, Teddy Buzek, Lynne Duncombe, Karen Innes, Kazuko Kikuchi, Naomi Kral, Anne Martin, Marla Merritt, Kaye Russka, Mieke Schroeder, Barb Scott, Gloria Smith, Maria Timmons.

Thank you to all who donated gifts, money, and time for our 2026 Trivia Night.  A more detailed report will be included in the AGM Booklet. 

Our profit for the event, after expenses was just under $2,600.00!  

The Trivia Night Committee – Brenda, Colette, Dian and Lynn

 

Brantford news, Club Projects, Events, Issues and Advocacy, Meetings

Afternoon Tea: Scholarship Fundraiser, Sunday October 25, 2026

purchase tickets via e-transfer to: cf**************@***il.com


Chantal Saldanha is a Professional Engineer and serves as the Software and Cybersecurity Manager at GD Land Systems – Canada. She leads a dynamic team responsible for delivering software that enables the capabilities of Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) and developing cybersecurity features to protect and defend these vehicles.

Chantal grew up in the town of Simcoe in Norfolk County and attended elementary school there. She graduated from Assumption College High School in Brantford, excelling in STEM fields. She went on to earn an honours degree in Engineering, with a focus on Biomedical Engineering, from the University of Guelph.

In 2000, Chantal began her career at Honda of Canada Manufacturing as a plant ergonomist. In 2001, she transitioned to a Human Factors Engineering role at GD Land Systems – Canada. Over the years, she gained experience in Survivability Systems and Project Engineering. She briefly left engineering to implement a Software Management program for the Canadian family of vehicles before returning as the leader of the Software and Cybersecurity team.

In 2021, Chantal co-founded the GD Land Systems Women’s Employee Resource Group with two colleagues, creating a platform for mentorship, networking, and skill-building to support the career growth of women within the organization.

Brantford news, Meetings

Brian Wood, Our Speaker at the April 23 General Meeting


Brian Wood knows telephones! After more than 36 years as curator of the Bell Homestead Historic Site, there is not much that
he doesn’t know about the Alexander Graham Bell invention and its importance to the world. He has shepherded restoration of
the Bell Homestead to its original 1981 state, and has raised the profile of the site so that it is one of Canada’s important
museums, and a source of pride for residents of Brantford and Brant County. Brian will show and tell all about the
development of telephones from the very early versions to today’s advanced cell phones. Please join us for this fascinating presentation