At its recent conference in Moncton, the CCIAWJ was honored to welcome author, poet, editor, and educator Kayla Geitzler for a presentation on We the Women, a powerful collection of poetry that highlights the voices of women connected to the New Brunswick Women’s Correctional Centre.

During her presentation, Ms. Geitzler shared the origins of the project and discussed the transformative role that writing and poetry can play in fostering self-expression, healing, and connection.

The collection features deeply personal reflections on identity, resilience, loss, hope, and transformation. While grounded in the experiences of the contributors, the poems speak to universal themes that resonate far beyond the page. Readers are invited to reflect on the challenges faced by marginalized women while also recognizing their strength, humanity, and capacity for growth.

Members were moved by Ms. Geitzler’s discussion of the power of poetry to foster understanding and empathy. We the Women demonstrates how creative expression can build connection, challenge assumptions, and ensure that voices too often unheard are given the opportunity to be listened to and valued.

The CCIAWJ extends its sincere thanks to Kayla Geitzler for sharing her inspiring work and for reminding us of the profound role that literature and the arts can play in promoting inclusion, understanding, and healing.