From left to right: Marie-Noëlle Lanthier, executive director of LFPR, Sergine Rachelle Bouchard, recipiant of the 2026 Famous Five Award, and Mario Zanth, Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. (Jan Amell Photography)
Nearly 80 people gathered at the Lucien-Delorme Community Centre in Wendover on October 8 for the fifth annual Leadership Féminin Prescott and Russell (LFPR) Symposium, held under the theme “Together, LET’S CELEBRATE Change!”
The event highlighted progress made toward gender equality in Prescott and Russell while encouraging participants to reflect on the next steps needed to maintain that momentum.
The symposium featured a presentation by AGIR Outaouais titled “The Power of a Collective Dream, 35 Years Later,” which explored how a shared vision can generate lasting change within communities.
Participants also learned about the work of the Table Concerté.e.s pour l’Égalité (CPÉ) through a presentation and an exhibition showcasing progress in an interactive format.
The afternoon concluded with a participatory workshop led by Myriam Bérubé, a collective impact coach. The session encouraged participants to reflect on the conditions necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of gender equality initiatives in Prescott and Russell.
“The progress made in recent years reflects remarkable regional mobilization, and the future of gender equality in Prescott-Russell depends on our collective ability to continue this commitment,” said Marie-Noëlle Lanthier, executive director of LFPR.
Sergine Rachelle Bouchard receives 2026 Famous Five Award
The symposium also featured the presentation of the 2026 Famous Five Award to Sergine Rachelle Bouchard in recognition of her outstanding contributions to French-language education and her longstanding commitment to school governance.
Originally from Hawkesbury, Bouchard has dedicated her career to education, serving as a teacher, guidance counsellor, vice-principal, director of programs and superintendent of education. She has also held various roles with the Ontario Ministry of Education and the University of Ottawa.
Since 2006, Bouchard has contributed her expertise to her community as a school board trustee with the Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO), where she has also served in a vice-chair leadership role.
Throughout her career, she has advocated for the vitality of rural schools, the promotion of the French language, the advancement of the Francophone community and student success.
Her work reflects a commitment to strategic leadership, listening to community needs and defending the collective interest.
“Through her longstanding commitment to education, the Francophone community and her community as a whole, Sergine Rachelle Bouchard embodies the values of leadership, perseverance and public service that characterize the legacy of the Famous Five,” Lanthier said. “Her journey reminds us that lasting change is built by people who choose, year after year, to put their skills at the service of others.”
By recognizing Bouchard, LFPR aims to highlight the importance of women’s leadership in decision-making bodies and recognize the essential contributions of elected school board trustees to building strong, inclusive and forward-looking communities.
LFPR thanked the participants, allies, speakers, sponsors and community partners who contributed to the success of the symposium.
