Our Manifesto!

Our Story

Universal Womens Network™

The Universal Womens Network™ Inc. is an inclusive network of purpose-driven female CEOs, business leaders, changemakers, trailblazers, visionaries and SupportHERs. from diverse industries who lead, inspire and motivate.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion by raising the bar to advance women at all levels where decisions are being made through our Women of Inspiration™ Awards, media, events, programs and certification.

We welcome men to the conversation as our allies who SupportHER™ and strategically partner with companies committed to the advancement of women.

We elevate female entrepreneurs to be visible in the marketplace as women-owned and women-led through with Universal Women-Owned™/Led Certification.

We empower leaders by unlocking the ripple effect to inspire change for a more inclusive world.

Contact us to discuss opportunities to support your goals for ED&I and empower female leaders within your company through our media (podcast, magazine, book), rewards and recognition, events, certification and customized and integrated media campaigns.

The Four Pillars

Connect

We believe every woman brings something unique to the table.

Learn

We believe everyone plays a role to SupportHER™.

Empower

We elevate women to be more and do more.

Celebrate

We recognize the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate.

Shared Values

Courage

Confidence

Commitment

Integrity

It takes courage to show vulnerability. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

It takes confidence to ask for help. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

It takes commitment to use your voice and to stand out in the crowd. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

It takes integrity to pave the road less travelled. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

Monica Kretschmer's Story

Founder, CEO

"Resilience is not what happened to you, it is what you do with what happened to you. "

Monica is the Founder and CEO of the Universal Womens Network™ Inc., Women of Inspiration™ and SupportHER™.

She is a visionary, influencer, and disruptor with a passion to shift the definition of entrepreneurship that can be understood through her flawless dedication for women to step into the spotlight and own their voice! Her personal story of the resilience of the “Seven Year Journey” in the court system with 4800 hours of litigation, 22 days of trial was the impetus for her to create the Women of Inspiration™ Awards to recognize the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate. Since 2015, the Women of Inspiration™ Awards has celebrated 1,000 women, with 3 million impressions and 10,000 views reaching five continents. The Women of Inspiration Awards program has expanded and attracted nominations from around the world with a digital reach of 12 million.

Monica believes every woman has a story. Your story does not define you; it empowers you. She has built a recognizable brand and inclusive network for CEOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals from diverse industries to connect, learn, empower and celebrate.

The Universal Womens Network™ is committed to advancing gender equity, diversity and inclusion by raising the bar to advance women in business. She is the creator of SupportHER™ (elevating male allies as champions for women in their networks, workplaces, and communities), the host of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, and publisher of the UWomen Magazine™. Monica is a Forbes Contributor and 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice for Gender Equity.

During the pandemic, Monica published the first edition of the Women of Inspiration – Women Driving Change book featuring 100 inspiring women from diverse industries which coincide with the launch of graphics trucks with the faces of contributors across North America. The second edition of Women of Inspiration Changemakers is in the works.

Monica is a native Calgarian and a proud mom to her son and enjoys traveling, speaking and enjoying nature!

Women of Inspiration don't wait for opportunities they create them.

Ambassadors Advisors

Empowering Women The Nest Foundation

The Nest Foundation™ empowers women in transition to rebuild their lives. The Nest Foundation™ partners with organizations to commit to gender and economic empowerment for women and youth.

When women succeed, families succeed!

We are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to contribute to making a change in our world and are passionate about building a circle of reciprocity that empowers others.

We believe that every woman has value and worth and together our collective contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of our fellow sisters.

We are proud to collaborate with other value-based organizations that believe in empowering women and paying it forward in the community. Interested in collaborating? Contact Us.

Testimonials

Good words from good people

The Women of Inspiration™ Award Gala was an incredible celebration of female empowerment and achievement. I was very inspired by the remarkable stories and accomplishments we heard from the various women and "SupportHERs" tonight. I also just had a really great time at our Roche table where we had an amazing blend of some of our most senior leaders as well as some very early in their career colleagues, all very different women, but all equally inspiring. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma Supporting other women is so crucial. I think we as female leaders bring many unique and powerful qualities to the table - empathy, courageous authenticity, the power to inspire.. and when we lift each other up & show support, we create a network of support and opportunity. Together, we can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of female leaders. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

It was an honour to be recognized amongst so many women role models who leverage their influence and positions to inspire change. Thank you, Universal Womens Network™ for leading the way and providing the format and opportunity to celebrate, while also continuing to advance women’s agenda across North America. For me it was extra special to be surrounded by my family and see three generations of women together who truly inspire each other. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to share that moment with them. #AspireHigher Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

At Gilead Sciences, we set – and achieve – bold ambitions to create a healthier world for all people. From our pioneering virology medicines to our growing impact in oncology, we're delivering innovations once thought impossible in medicine. As we develop innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases, we recognize it takes more than medicine to improve wellbeing for people around the world. We know we are a stronger company and that innovation flourishes when we are informed by a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and points of view. Our Women at Gilead employee resource group focuses on enhancing gender equity for women in opportunities and experiences at all levels. We are incredibly proud to be a sponsor for the Women of Inspiration™ awards which recognizes the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate others. We are delighted to have some of our own leaders recognized through these awards - Sharon Grehan, PhD for her authentic leader award and Shelly Smith, MBA as a finalist among strong female leaders across North America. Sharon Grehan – Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Sharon Grehan – Executive Director of Business Strategy & Operations /Global Lead for Women at Gilead Sciences | Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Simply humbling to be in the midst of such accomplished and inspiring women across industries within North America! Celebrating the successes of women and the SupportHER™ men will universally drive the change we need to create an equitable future. Congratulations to all the award recipients – your continued accomplishments will serve as a beacon of hope for so many others. Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader

Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader

It’s exciting and inspiring to meet that many amazing human beings in one setting. The women were awesome! From scientists to medical specialists, singers, dancers, artists, finance specialists and more. Every one of them was incredible in their own right. I came away feeling empowered. Anna Hilberry – Portfolio Manager, National Bank Financial, Hilberry Wealth Management Group – Women of Inspiration™ SupportHER Award

Anna Hilberry – Portfolio Manager, National Bank Financial, Hilberry Wealth Management Group – Women of Inspiration™ SupportHER Award