Nov 3rd, 2026

The Women of OCH: Meet Barb Campbell 

“Get involved! The feeling of making the day better for someone is awesome.” 

For more than 10 years, Barb Campbell has been bringing neighbours together at Russell Manor, an Ottawa Community Housing seniors’ community. 

As part of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating women like Barb, who make a difference in their communities. 

Helping neighbours connect 

Barb first volunteered as president of her community’s Tenant Association. Today, she works with her OCH Community Developer, fellow tenants and community partners through the Tenant Circle. 

She helps organize gardening activities, food giveaways, exercise programs, and community meals. 

But for Barb, volunteering is more than organizing activities. It’s about being there for her neighbours. 

“I am very proud of how I am available to the tenants who need someone to help or just to talk to,” she says. 

Inspired by her daughter 

Barb says her daughter is one of the women who inspires her most. 

Her daughter works full-time and stays active but always makes time for her. 

“I don’t know how I could manage without her,” Barb says. 

Remembering the fight for equality 

Barb began working in 1971, when women faced many barriers in the workplace. 

Despite earning promotions, she was paid far less than her male colleagues. She remembers training men who earned four times her salary. 

She also lost her job after taking time off to have her first child. 

For Barb, Women’s History Month is a reminder of the progress women have made and the work still ahead. 

“Please keep up the fight for equality,” she says. 

Her advice to younger women 

Barb encourages younger women to get involved in their communities. 

“What you give now will come back in ways you can’t even expect.” 

Know a woman making a difference in your OCH community? Share her story at editor@och.ca.