
We are all about making a difference and supporting you!
“Governments, Boards of Directors and organizations at every level make better decisions when women are at the table.” This core belief is at the heart of Helen Cole’s work, helping women run for office and take on leadership roles. Gender parity in places of power and influence is good for all of us!
Helen knows firsthand the struggles we face as women, especially when we are trying to gain a seat at the table. Coming from a challenging and underprivileged childhood, Helen found her own voice, leadership skills and influence first in her children’s school, and eventually as an elected municipal councillor in southern Ontario. Her experience as a facilitator during her career and as a coach/facilitator in the Huron Diocese have provided her with the skills needed to support and inspire other women.
Helen’s goal is to create a paradigm shift within each woman, so that she feels ready to take her place as a decision maker and bring her perspective to decisions and policies that impact all our futures.
The Jean Collective is an apolitical, nonpartisan vehicle for change, dedicated to training and mentoring women to enter leadership roles in their community. Helen founded the Jean Collective in honor of Jean Macdougall, an inspiring mentor who fostered Helen’s own journey.
The Jean Collective brings together Helen’s lifetime of skills and experience with her passion for empowering women. At the heart of its mission is women’s unmatched ability to listen, encourage and connect in a common purpose: to help more women enter political leadership and roles of social and community influence.
We can change the world when we support each other and work together. Join us!

What is your idea of perfect happiness? I dream of owning a cottage on a lake!
What is your most marked characteristic? Tenacity.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My sons. Winning an election, not once but 3 times!
What is your greatest fear? Failure!
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Nellie McClung
Which living person do you most admire? Every woman who strives to be better than she was the day before
Who are your heroes in real life? My husband
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty
What is your favorite journey? The path of discovery and learning that I am currently on.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Being Busy
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Amazing!
What is your greatest regret? That I didn’t try harder to achieve when I was younger.
What is your current state of mind? Excited!
Facebook: southwestontariowomeninpolitics
instagram: thejeancollective
Linked: helen-cole-0714/
www.thejeancollective.ca