Didn't get a ticket to CBC Windsor's free library community event? Drop in space may be available

Creating Space, a free family-friendly event in partnership with CBC Windsor and Windsor Public Library, has officially reached full capacity!

Even though advance tickets have gone, all community members are invited to stop by the Saturday event at Budimir Public Library as drop in space may be available. 

The event is set to bring the community together to celebrate its diversity and connect newcomers and immigrants to those working toward inclusivity.

Creating Space is led by Nav Nanwa, host of Windsor Morning, and Aman Ghawanmeh, creator of CBC Windsor's Halfway To Home series. Katerina Georgieva, host of CBC Windsor News at Six, will be hosting a speakers corner where members of the community can share stories of immigration and belonging.

The week-long audio, web and TV series, which launched on Monday, focuses on immigrant stories of their time in between arriving and belonging in Canada. The Creating Space event aims to keep the important conversation going.

Storytime, resource tables, community art mural – and more!

The event on Saturday, April 29 at Budimir Public Library between 2 - 4 p.m. will kick off with a special story from Teajai Travis, the City of Windsor's storyteller in residence. 

Those in attendance will then have the opportunity to hear from and connect one-on-one with the following organizations, dedicated to providing resources and fostering a sense of belonging and community:

• Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST)
• Windsor-Essex Local Immigration Partnership (WELIP)
• Matthew House Refugee Centre
• Windsor Public Library
• The Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women (W5)
• Black Professional Networking Association

About the speakers

Mike Morency, executive director of Matthew House Refugee Centre, and his team work collaboratively with a wide range of community partners to support refugee claimants. For 25 years, Morency has used collaborative strategies to engage communities and support vulnerable populations.

Rose Anguiano-Hurst, executive director of the Women's Enterprise Training of Windsor (WEST), has served in the role since 1995. During this time, the organization has grown to serve more than 3,000 women annually through skills enhancement and volunteer placements.

Philippine Ishak, senior manager at Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women (W5), currently manages settlement, seniors, women and mental Health programs. Her projects involve advocacy and advancing equity for marginalized and disadvantaged populations, and creating proposals aimed at reducing poverty, improving literacy and the well being of the community.

Michelle Suchiu, vice-president of strategic partnerships at Workforce WindsorEssex, will be representing the Windsor-Essex Local Immigration Partnership, known as WELIP. Suchiu has more than 20 years of newcomer service delivery experience and helps create a community framework where newcomers can thrive. 

Zina Hirmiz, a library service representative with the Windsor Public Library, has developed a number of programs for immigrants at the library, including an English Conversation Circle. Her passion for librarianship stems from her belief that libraries play a critical role in social justice, equity, and inclusion. 

Claudius Thomas is representing the Black Professional Networking Association, which helps provide advocacy, economic development and mentorship. As an entrepreneur, Thomas has a background in financial management and consulting and providing information systems and technology solutions. He is also the leader of the Windsor Chapter of Black Boys Code.

Guests will also be invited to:

• Connect with and meet CBC Windsor staff.
• Participate in a community art mural.
• Take home exclusive CBC Windsor swag items (while supplies last).
• Enjoy light refreshments!