Our Story Universal Womens Network™

The Seven- Year Journey

In 2007, Monica’s world turned upside down overnight. In an instant, she became a single mom, homeless with a baby; which in turn, became complex seven-year litigation, as Monica refers to as the "Seven Year Journey". It was one of Monica’s most vulnerable moments, but it was also the beginning of a life-changing journey that led her to launch Universal Womens Network™, Women of Inspiration - UWN Awards™, The Nest Foundation™, MentorHER™, and SupportHER™.

It was through this adversity that she stepped into her power and strength as a woman. Her inspirational journey of adversity, gender-based violence, cyberbullying, harassment, and 13 years in the courts at all levels as a result of divorce. Monica's raw and real story of resilience brings hope, for others to dream big! Monica is raising the bar for others to dream big!

Company History

In 2014, with a light at the end of a seven-year tunnel, Monica knew she was meant for something bigger. She was ready to focus on the big picture and find her purpose. With a passion for building authentic connections, empowering women, philanthropy and her entrepreneurial mindset, Canadian Business Chicks was hatched. In May 2014, Monica launched Canadian Business Chicks, a national women’s membership community. A place where professional women could build relevant and authentic connections and share their passion for business. A place, like The Nest, with no judgment where women could connect, empower, learn and celebrate with each other.

Monica’s vision included creating a legacy event, Women of Inspiration, to recognize a woman who inspired her to greatness.

Since the inaugural Women of Inspiration in 2015, she has tripled her attendance and opened recognized over 500 nominees across Canada. Her vision to recognize the everyday heroes has grown from a single award to multiple Diverse Categories and a National Awards Program recognizing the achievements of women. Monica’s vision is to celebrate female role models and the men who SupportHER™ regionally, nationally and globally.

In 2017, Monica founded The Nest Foundation™ to empower women to rebuild their lives for themselves and their children through mentorship, education, wellness, and experiences. It was through her own experiences as a single mom picking up the pieces to rebuild her life after unimaginable adversity that she was compelled to help other women who looked “fine” when in reality the stress of litigation, court costs, only compounded the ability to rebuild financially. She believes when women succeed, families succeed.

In 2018 at the height of the #MeToo movement, Monica launched SupportHER™. As a mom of a young boy was compelled to surround her son with positive male role models. Fuel by the desire to find positive role models for her son to follow, she made the bold decision to elevate the male champion and SupportHER™ in their networks, workplaces, and communities. SupportHER™ is a vehicle to invite men to the conversation and be seen as Gender Equality and Diversity Leaders. Monica continues to grow the SupportHER™ Membership and works with organizations and consults with individuals committed to Gender Equality to advance women personally and Professionally.

Monica is a proud single mom to an active and brilliant young man, she loves to create, speak to share her messages of Resilience, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Leading with Purpose, and inspiring others to Dream Big! She continues to be truly inspired by the thousands of women she meets! Monica believes every woman has a story and together we can move mountains and make an impact in our local communities and around the globe.