Six women, six generations, six stories, and one theme. This is the concept behind Generation Women, a series of events that unites women of all ages for cathartic evenings of storytelling, community, and connection. 

Generation Women was originally founded in NYC by novelist Georgia Clark. On a trip to the city, Jennifer Baxendale and Kirstin Rajala were blown away by what they saw, and were determined to bring the same magic of live storytelling back with them to Toronto.

Since October 2022, the Toronto branch of Generation Women has been running strong, bringing together hundreds of women to share and listen to stories, with themes like My Best Advice, Promises Made, Promises Broken, and Flesh and Bone. A new lineup of speakers is featured at each event, with one woman representing each decade, from ages 20 to 70+. 

The speakers vary not only in age, but in professional backgrounds—some are from the corporate world, some are creatives or entrepreneurs, others are activists or community leaders—creating a beautifully diverse range of perspectives at each event. 

“In a world where women’s stories are often sidelined, this event amplifies the experiences and wisdom of women across different ages,” says Rajala. “By attending, you’re not just enjoying an evening out; you’re standing up for the importance of diverse voices and the power of shared experiences.”

This month, the theme is Wet Hot Summer: Stories of Summer Lovin’. On July 18, a new lineup of storytellers will share stories of passion, sweet summer romances, and heat-of-the-moment mishaps. 

“Expect a night full of laughs, heartfelt moments, and captivating stories,” says Rajala. “You’ll hear about love, desire, and all the ways they show up in our lives, set against the backdrop of summer’s warmth.”

Here is a little bit about the speakers featured at this month’s Generation Women event: 

Team 20s – Zahra Zahed is the founder and CEO of Will2Well, which is an international platform offering four main wellness services.

Team 30s – samantha bitty is Canada’s premier sexual health and consent education drag queen. samantha’s life work centralizes addressing injustice, erasure, and limiting beliefs. 

Team 40s – Sinéad Whelehan is a deeply intuitive, profoundly deaf woman, a longtime educator and advocate, a writer, a healer, and a self-described weirdo.

Team 50s – Sophia ‘SoJay’ Jackson is an accomplished Child and Youth Care worker, member of the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee, and creator of the Soulful Colour affirmation colouring books.

Team 60s – Debbie Alger is Birch Babe’s founder and lead Skincare Formulator. Debbie has been a serial entrepreneur, business owner, health enthusiast and nature lover.

Team 70s – Valary Cook is a Dramatic Arts specialist who taught Drama and English in Toronto for several decades, directing musicals, original scripts and community outreach performances.

We caught up with Rajala to hear more about the energy we can expect at the event, and the impact of live storytelling. 

How would you describe the atmosphere at a Generation Women event?

Both empowering and heartwarming. It feels like being enveloped in a big, warm hug, surrounded by a community that celebrates the richness of diverse experiences and voices across generations. The energy in the room is palpable, filled with mutual respect, admiration, and a shared sense of purpose. 

As each woman steps forward to share her story, the audience is drawn into a collective journey, feeling connected and inspired by the resilience, wisdom, and authenticity that each speaker brings. It’s an experience so uplifting and affirming that you wish you could bottle it up and carry it with you always.

From what you’ve witnessed at your events, what is the power of multigenerational storytelling?

Multigenerational storytelling fosters a sense of belonging, continuity, and connection. Hearing diverse perspectives from different generations promotes empathy and understanding. It allows people to see the world through different lenses, appreciating the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them. 

Particularly, listening to older women can be profoundly enlightening. Their stories often encapsulate unique perspectives on societal changes, gender roles, and personal resilience. These narratives can provide valuable insights into overcoming adversity and the evolution of women’s roles over time, highlighting the strength and wisdom of women throughout history.

Why should someone come to a Generation Women event?

You should come to a Generation Women event because it’s more than just a night of storytelling—it’s a vital act of supporting and celebrating intergenerational and female voices. 

It’s a space where we honour and learn from each other’s journeys, fostering connections that bridge generational gaps. It’s a reminder that every woman’s story matters, and by listening, we strengthen our community and ourselves. So come, because supporting intergenerational storytelling and female voices isn’t just important—it’s essential.

Tickets for Generation Women’s July 18 event are available now.