Universal Womens Network™

VIP Sip and Shop (Invite Only)
2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Dean Davidson Boutique, Toronto, ON, Canada
Women of Inspiration™ Awards
Sip & Shop with Dean Davidson
Our Official Jeweller Partner
Join us for an unforgettable private evening of celebration, style, and connection. Behind the scenes, we’ll gather with Women of Inspiration™ Awardees and Alumni to celebrate women, our collective impact, and the driving force to inspire change across all industries.
🍷 Sip – Enjoy curated beverages in great company💎 Shop – Explore timeless designs from Dean Davidson, our Official Jeweller Partner🌟 Celebration Panel – Honour women’s achievements and leadership🤝 Connect – Build meaningful relationships in an intimate setting🎬 Exclusive Access – Experience a behind-the-scenes tour
This is a private event. Space is limited. Invited guests are invited to RSVP below.
👉 RSVP below to secure your spot.

Virtual Networking Experience
2025-06-06 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Edmonton) | ON
🌍 Virtual Networking Experience – Stepping into the Spotlight🌍
Calling all female founders, entrepreneurs, business executives, and success-driven leaders—your network is your power! This is your opportunity to build meaningful connections, collaborate, and grow with a dynamic community of influential professionals.
It’s Awards season!!!!
Let’s Talk About Stepping Into the Spotlight
We’re in the business of empowering women—✨ Telling their stories✨ Celebrating their successes✨ Creating space to connect, learn, and lead together
At our next Virtual Networking Experience, we’re diving into a powerful theme: Stepping Into the Spotlight 🌟
This conversation is about:🔥 Owning your accomplishments🔥 Building your personal brand🔥 Creating your legacy
If you’re a woman on a mission to make an impact in the world—this is for you.
🗓️ Save the Date | 🎟️ Register Now (See the link below)
Expand Your Influence. Strengthen Your Network. Lead with Impact.
Join us for engaging virtual networking experiences designed to:
💡 Gain Insights & Inspiration – Learn from industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers.🤝 Build Meaningful Connections – Engage in breakout sessions for authentic, high-value conversations.🚀 Strengthen Your Network – Surround yourself with ambitious, like-minded leaders who support and elevate each other.🌟 Unlock New Opportunities – Grow your business, share your expertise, and collaborate with top professionals.
📅 Ongoing Virtual Events📍 Join from Anywhere
Your next big opportunity starts with who you know. Let’s build success together!
🔗 Reserve Your Spot Today! Event links will be emailed to attendees at 8:00 am MST (one hour prior) on the day of the event.
Virtual Networking events are free for members! Become a Member.

SupportHER Day - Be a Visible SupportHER
2023-05-05 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
We are declaring June 2 International SupportHER Day!
According to the United Nations Progress on the Sustainability Development Goals, it will take 286 years to close the global gender gap. Women’s representation in positions of power and decision-making remains below parity. We need visible representation at all levels where decisions are made.
Now more than ever, it is critical for everyone to play a role to champion women. Our SupportHERs (male allies), play a critical role.
The BCG Gender Diversity Survey reported male involvement in Gender Diversity Programs is strongly correlated with Progress toward gender diversity.

· 96% reported their company made good progress towards gender diversity in the past three years when men are involved.
· 30% who reported men are not involved.

By recognizing the achievements of women, you value their contribution, bring awareness to industries underrepresented by women, and elevate leaders (at all levels) and positions of power to what is possible.
Join Us
Join us for a discussion with CEOs and business leaders across diverse industries representing all genders to inspire change in our networks, communities and workplaces.
Time: 9:00 am MST | 11:00 am EST (60 minutes)
Location – Click here to register to join this Virtual Event
Did you know?

With a diverse board slate (3+ diverse candidates), financial results improve.
CNN’S (Oct. 2019) S&P Global Market Intelligence Review, highlighted that women publicly traded CEOs/CFOs were more profitable and produced better stock performance.
For the first time since the Fortune 500 list began 68 years ago, more than 10% of CEOs leading Fortune 500 Companies were women. While women are representing a record enrolment in top MBA schools (41% in 20212) and represent 50% of the population, the numbers aren’t impressive. Great change is needed to support women at all levels and change the numbers.

The Universal Womens Network™ believes everyone plays a role to advance women. We are challenging everyone to take one action to advance a woman in your network workplace and community. Be a visible SupportHER™ and inspire change to achieve equality. We must celebrate positive change, break barriers and take action to inspire change.
We believe everyone plays a role to SupportHER™!
Who is a SupportHER? A SupportHER™ is a champion (male or female, all genders) who promotes the success and advancement of women in their networks, workplaces and communities.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Take one action (or more) to SupportHER™
Share your story with us on social media about your SupportHERs
Nominate a Woman or SupportHER deserving of recognition
Acknowledge the SupportHERs who have supported you on your journey!

Help spread the word in your network. Tag us on social #SupportHERDay #Inspirechange

Challenge your employees to participate.
Lead by example in your industry to inspire change.
Promote SupportHER culture of allyship.
Support your company goals and initiatives for EDI (equal pay, flexible work environments, removing biases, providing training and opportunities for leadership development).
Create Supplier Diversity Programs for women-owned businesses and visible minorities.
Invest in women-owned businesses, and buy from women.
Write a referral or testimonial, sponsor, and make introductions to key stakeholders.
Be a champion when she is not in the room.
Host diverse panels to include women and men.
Educate yourself on others by having a conversation.

Contact us about sponsorship, programs or ways to engage your workforce.
SupportHER™ ally is a champion (male or female, all gender
Source
1 Jan. 12, 2023 Fortune article https://fortune.com/2023/01/12/fortune-500-companies-ceos-women-10-percent/
2 Nov 12, 2021 Time article https://time.com/6116802/women-business-school-record/

IWD Panel - Inspiring Change
2023-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Edmonton) | ON
Celebrating International Women’s Day
We invite you to join us to panel discussions with leaders from Canada, USA, UK and India from diverse industries sharing their unique perspectives and insights:
International Women’s Day Panels feature changemakers from diverse industries and backgrounds. Join as our panelists represent the authentic voices of female entrepreneurs, founders, industry experts and business leaders sharing their vulnerabilities, experiences and hopes to inspire change for the future.
Date: IWD Event – March 8, 2023
Time: 9:00 am MST | 11:00 am EST * All panels will be live and include networking at the top of each hour. **If you are joining a panel, join at the top of the hour prior to the networking/ breaks. Entry to will not be permitted 5 min past the hour to avoid interrupting the panels.

Panel 1 – 9:00 MST | 11:00 pm EST
Panel 2 – 10:00 pm MST 12:00 pm EST
Panel 3 – 11:00 pm MST | 1:00 pm EST

REGISTER. The link to join the event will be emailed day prior,
Inspiring Change Panel
Our International Women’s Day Panels feature changemakers from diverse industries and backgrounds. Join as our panelists represent women entrepreneurs, founder, industry experts and business leaders sharing their vulnerabilities, experiences and hopes to inspire change for the future.
Panel Topics

Embracing equality – Building a More Equitable Future
Allyship – Inviting Men to The Conversation
Leadership – Burnout, Challenges and Successes

Panel 1 – 9:00 am MST | 11:00 am EST

Welcome + Intro
Panel Discussion – 9:15 am MST | 11:00 am EST

Panel 2 – 10:00 am MST | 12:00 pm EST

Networking Break 10 min
Panel Discussion – 10:15 MST | 12:15 pm EST

Panel 3 – 11:00 am MST | 1:00 pm EST

Networking Break 10 Min
Panel Discussion – 11:15 MST 1:15 pm EST

All panels will be live and include networking at the top of each hour. **If you are joining a panel, join at the top of the hour prior to the networking.
Inspire Change – Panel 1 – 9:00 am MST | 11:00 am EST

Andrea Carter is a Neuroscience-based Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Senior Consultant & Strategist. Andrea holds her Master of Industrial & Organizational Psychology and has created the only validated organizational belongingness instrument that accurately measures and tactically impacts corporate culture, governance and performance. The Belonging-First methodology that she has created over the past 7 years provides sustainable, measurable and cultural impact with direct results to organizational performance and employee engagement.

Carrie Purcell is Vice President, Digital & Games at Relish Studios in Toronto, an interactive studio creating games, apps, websites and animation productions. She hosts the MetaVersed Podcast, co-founded Tech Adaptika, an award-winning Startup building the metaverse for education and she founded InsightResearch.tech, an R&D consultancy helping tech companies at every stage in the innovation cycle.

Susan Odle is a technology executive with 25+ years of global experience across sales, channels, professional services and operations. She’s earned the moniker “Fixer” based on multiple profitability turnaround successes. Susan was named one of the top 50 women in SaaS in 2020 and sits on the board of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. Susan is a proud solo mom committed to health and wellness.

Aimée Foreman is the Founder & CEO of Silvermark – an advisory firm for the silver economy. As an accomplished entrepreneur, and award-winning thought leader, she is committed to bringing equity to aging through her writing, speaking, and collaborations by placing older adults at the centre of decision-making.
Inspire Change – Panel 2 – 10:00 am MST | 12:00 pm EST

Siobhan Calderbank is an experienced HR Executive and Founder of Butterfly Ladies Mentoring Program. She’s a keynote speaker, recognized expert in leadership and change management, DEI advocate and award-winning author. She’s a Women of Inspiration, Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and Top Female Visionary of the Year. 2019 Women of Inspiration™ Award Recipient.

Dr. Vanessa Farsadaki is the preeminent thought-leader towards advancing the discipline of Space Medicine. A proud American citizen of Greek descent and a Medical Doctor, Dr. V as she is known colloquially, is on-track to become Greece’s first-ever Astronaut in history. She is a scuba diver, a pilot in training and a skydiver and fluent in 18 languages. 2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award Recipient.
Reetu Gupta- Ambassadress and CO-Chair The Gupta Group
The Gupta Group portfolio of businesses, including Easton’s Group of Hotels, Gupta Group Developments, Rogue Insight Capital, The Gupta Family Foundation, and Gupta Group Mining, represents one of the most diverse, unique portfolios in Canada. The Easton’s Group of Hotels is one of Canada’s largest private hotel development firms currently with 18 hotels across Canada and 7 more under development. 2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award Recipient.

Marija Pavkovic- Tovissi is the Founder and CEO of MaKami College, one of the largest Alberta-based Private Vocational Colleges. She is a serial entrepreneur and sits on the board of directors for multiple companies. Marija has been widely recognized for her success in business. She is an advocate for many and active philanthropist in her community. 2018 Women of Inspiration™ Award Recipient.
PANEL 3 – 11:00 am MST | 1:00 pm EST

Evangeline Chima is the founder and executive director of Black Mentorship Inc. (BMI) – an organization dedicated to fostering the professional growth and personal expansion of Black professionals through education, mentorship, and skills building. BMI was born from her experiences with systemic racism and bias as a Black professional woman in Canada. Evangeline is an inspirator.

Nicole Kyle is a storyteller and gender equity advocate exploring the intersection of money, equality, technology, and creativity. Nicole is a 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice in Gender Equity and hosts I Also Want Money podcast. Nicole is a contributor to Blockchain Friends Forever (BFF), which focuses on crypto and web3 education and financial inclusion.

Padmini Navalgund has 23 years of experience in SW development for Automotive sector, currently she is the only woman of the 10 members cohort who have been selected for Indian Administrative fellow Designate for the State of Punjab in India to work with Principal Secretary. She is the Confederation of Indian Industry -Indian Women Network Council member for flagship program Peer to Peer Coaching. She is married and blessed with two kids. 2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award Recipient.

UNSTOPPABLE TRACY MBA, BEd, BRLS – Tracy Schmitt is a motivational speaker and Expert on Disarming Limiting Beliefs, seen in the Oprah Magazine with 60 million viral video views, TEDx speaker, World Cup Sailor, climbed the Himalaya Mountains, TV HOST, Bestselling Author and Canada Hall of Fame Inductee as an Honoured Humanitarian. 2019 Women of Inspiration™ Award Recipient.

2022 Women of Inspiration Awards
2022-11-05 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Edmonton) | ON
Over the past eight years, we have celebrated over 1000 women who lead, inspire and motivate.
Women of Inspiration™ recognizes the achievements of women who are making an impact locally, nationally, and globally.
This is the decade for women to drive change!
Raise the Bar and celebrate!
This year we will celebrate our inspiring leader. We are committed to recognizing the achievements of women and creating a memorable experience!
2022 Women of Inspiration™ (Virtual) Awards
Saturday, November 5, 2022

5:00 pm MDT | 7:00 pm MDT – VIP Private Pre-Awards Event (Ticket holders and guests) Opening Remarks + Performance
5:30 pm MDT | 7:30 pm EDT – Virtual Awards – LIVE FACEBOOK
7:30 pm MDT | 8:30 pm MDT – VIP After-Party (Ticket holders only)
EVENT HASHTAG #WOI2022Raisethebar
Celebrating the accomplishments of women who lead, inspire, and motivate!
We have so much to celebrate. It’s time to party!
We cannot move the needle without the support of our family, friends, cheerleaders, and network.
Celebrate your accomplishments surrounded by family, friends, and SupportHER’s.
Host Your Awards Party & Celebrate!
MEET OUR PARTNERS

2021 Women of Inspiration Awards
2021-11-13 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Virtual
Over the past seven years, we have celebrated over 1000 women making an impact locally, nationally, and globally.
Our world may have changed how we do how we live, work, play. It cannot stop us from moving the needle and recognizing the achievements of women who are making an impact locally, nationally, and globally.
This is the decade for women to drive change!
Raise the Bar and celebrate!
This year we will celebrate our inspiring leader. We are committed to recognizing the achievements of women and creating a memorable experience!
2021 Women of Inspiration™ Awards
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Awards Ticket Access: Private Celebration | Awards Viewing | After Party!
4:30 pm – MST – AWARDS Room Opens
5:00 pm MST – VIP Private Nominee CelebrationToast (Nominees and link ticket holders only) – Keynote + Opening Remarks
5:30 pm MST – 7:30 pm MST – LIVE STREAM – Watch Party
7:30 pm MST – 8:00 pm MST- VIP After-Party (Nominees and Link Ticket Holders Only)
NOTE: Links for #WOI2021Raisethebar tickets will be emailed to all registered guests on Monday, November 8, 2021.

Celebrating the accomplishments of women who lead, inspire, and motivate!
We have so much to celebrate. It’s time to party!
We cannot move the needle without the support of our family, friends, cheerleaders, and network.
Celebrate your accomplishments surrounded by family, friends, and SupportHER’s.
LIVESTREAM
Facebook – UniversalWomensNetwork
Host Your Awards Party & Celebrate!
Links will be sent on November 8, 2021, to all registered attendees.

Thank You Presenting Awards Partners

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Youth Excellence Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting SupportHER Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Women-Led Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Trailblazer (STEM) Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Diversity and Inclusion Award Partner
2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Dream Builder Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Indigenous Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Nest Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration – Presenting Innovation Award Partner

2021 Women of Inspiration Presenting Partner Heidi Stevenson Unsung Hero Award

Women of Inspiration™ Awards
2020-11-14 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Edmonton) | Virtual
Over the past six years, we have celebrated over 1000 women and awarded 150 awards to inspiring leaders who are making an impact locally, nationally, and globally.
As Founder and CEO, Universal Womens Network™, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of our nominees, guests and follow the guidelines of the Canadian Health Minister for public events and large gatherings. This year we are taking our awards online!
Our world may have changed how we do how we live, work, play. It cannot stop us from moving the needle and recognizing the achievements of women who are making an impact locally, nationally, and globally.
Raise the Bar and celebrate!
This year we will celebrate our inspiring leader. The way we celebrate will look different. We are committed to recognizing the achievements of women and creating a memorable experience!
2020 Women of Inspiration™ Awards
NOVEMBER 14, 2020
5:00 pm MDT- VIP Private Nominee CelebrationToast (Nominees and Link ticket holders only)
5:30 pm MDT – 7:30 pm MDT
LIVE STREAM – FACEBOOK | TWITTER
7:30 pm MDT – 8:300 pm MDT- VIP After-Party (Nominees and Link Ticket Holders Only)
Celebrate women who lead, inspire, and motivate!
This year has allowed us all to PAUSE to reflect on what is most important in our lives. We cannot move the needle without the support of our family, friends, cheerleaders, and network! We decided to book our awards on a Saturday to host a gala party from your home to celebrate surrounded by family, friends, loved ones, and SupportHER’s.
LIVESTREAM
Facebook – UniversalWomensNetwork | Twitter @UWomensNetwork
#WOI2020Raisethebar #SupportHER

Host Your Own Awards Party! #WOI2020RaiseTheBar.
VIP Private Celebration Links will be sent prior to the Awards on November 9, 2020

CONGRATULATIONS 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Nominees

PROUD PARTNERS of UNIVERSAL WOMENSNETWORK

Proud Media Partner – Post Media
November 17, 2020 – 2020
Women of Inspiration Winners Announcement (National Post, Vancouver Sun, Montreal Gazette, Calgary Herald)

Presenting Awards Partners – Mitacts – Trailblazer Award

Presenting Awards Partners – Startup Canada – Rural Leader Award

Presenting Awards Partners – CanWCC – Advocate, and Catalyst for Change Award

In Proud Partnership with Innovation Canada

Thank you SupportHERS

CONTACT US, Become a Sponsor!

Toronto - Women of Inspiration Gala - Oct 9
2019-10-09 17:00 - 23:30 (America/Toronto) | 255 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2W6, Canada
Celebrating our 5th Premier Woman of Inspiration Awards Gala in Calgary and Toronto proudly presented by Cardel Homes. Our National Women of Inspiration Awards recognizes the achievements of women who are making an impact in the community and around the globe and the men that SupportHER.
Register for Women of Inspiration – Calgary, AB – Oct 3 – CALGARY 99% SOLD OUT!
DREAM BIG! Connect with business leaders, thought leaders, visionaries, influencers, and the movers and shakers who shape our community and inspire us to be more and do more! Whether you are a friend, colleague, sponsor or SupportHER, take this opportunity to celebrate women and the men who believe together we are stronger.
Meet the unstoppable 2019 Women of Inspiration Nominees and Award recipients who dream big and make change happen!
We are set to DREAM BIG and look forward to welcoming you and your guests to a night of celebration, connection, inspiration, and memories! #WOI2019DreamBig

TORONTO – 2019 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION GALA * Black Tie
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Constitution Hall FG, Level 100 (North Building)
Program:

5:00 pm Registration Open + VIP Nominee Reception
5:30 pm Meet and Greet 2019 Nominees | Music4 Life String Quartette
6:15 pm Dinner | International Violinist – Sophie Armstrong
7:00 pm Program and Awards | 2019 Nominee Celebration | Monica Kretschmer | Richard Nesbitt | Kayia Gamble | Sappho
10:00 pm After Party – Sappho | Book Signing – Roz Savage

2019 – WOMEN OF INSPIRATION GALA

Co – Emcee – Tara Slone – Co-host of Rogers Hometown Hockey | @TaraSlone
Tara Slone is a Juno-nominated musician and an award-winning television host, who can be seen on Sunday nights alongside co-host Ron MacLean on Rogers Hometown Hockey on Sportsnet.
Getting her start in the acting world, Tara found success on stage and onscreen, landing parts in several movies and TV series, including a recurring role in the USA network show La Femme Nikita and a role opposite Ryan Reynolds in the film Foolproof. In the late 1990s, Tara found her musical soulmates in the band Joydrop, achieving international success with the hit singles Beautiful and Sometimes Wanna Die, and a 2002 Juno Award nomination. Tara was also a top ten finalist on the hit CBS singing competition Rockstar: INXS. In 2007, Tara made the jump to the broadcast world, working first in entertainment television, and later as the host of Breakfast Television Calgary. In 2014, Tara was brought on as a reporter for the new Sunday night NHL broadcast called Rogers Hometown Hockey, travelling across the country in search of Canada’s best hockey stories. In 2015, Tara was made full-time cohost and is now heading into her sixth season sitting at the desk with Ron MacLean. Tara lives in Toronto with her husband, Joe, and their daughter, Audrey.

Co-Emcee – Michael Burns – President and CEO, The Princes Margret Foundation | @mburnspmcf
Michael Burns brings his diverse background and skills, along with his passion for giving to the community, to his role as President & CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. He joined the organization at the beginning of 2018. Michael has over 20 years of experience in marketing, financial services, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Most recently, he was the CEO of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, the largest international adaptive sports competition in the world featuring ill and injured soldiers and veterans. Michael led the execution of the Games in Toronto, building the organization from the ground up, which took more than two years. Under his leadership, the Games secured support from all three levels of government and more than 100 corporate and community partners, recruiting more than 1,800 volunteers.
The Invictus Games in Toronto was completely sold-out and generated the highest national and worldwide viewing audience in the history of the event. Michael is the co-founder of the True Patriot Love Foundation, which supports Canada’s military, veterans and their families by funding programs for mental health, physical rehabilitation, career transition and family services. He is also Past Chair of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation Board (formerly the Toronto East General Hospital Board Foundation). He successfully led the team that secured the Garrons’ $50-million donation. He is also on the Board of the Canadian Institute for Military & Veteran Health Research and is a member of the Board of Directors of two world-class entertainment venues in Toronto: Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall. In 2017, Michael received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Dalhousie University. In 2016, Canada’s Governor-General, on behalf of the Queen, awarded him The Meritorious Service Cross for his work with military families. In 2012, he was awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, the military’s highest honour for a civilian. That same year, he was also awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honouring significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. In 2010, he was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.
Founder, Women of Inspiration Awards and Host

Monica Kretschmer – Visionary | Speaker | Philanthropist | Advocate @CDNBizchicks
Monica is the Founder and CEO of Universal Womens Network ™, Canadian Business Chicks, Women of Inspiration Awards, The Nest Foundation™ and SupportHER™ elevating male leaders who champion women in their networks, workplaces, and communities. She is the founder of The Nest Foundation™ empowering women to rebuild their lives for themselves and their children through mentorship, education, and wellness.
A single mom, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, she is a visionary, speaker and serial entrepreneur, passionate about celebrating and advocating for women to prosper personally and professionally. She is committed to Gender Equality and fostering a network where diversity, innovation, recognition, mentorship are valued. Monica’s mission is to inspire women to lead with a purpose and prosper in business and life.
“Every woman has a story. Your story does not define you; it empowers you!” Monica Kretschmer
Inspirational Keynote Speaker

Roz Savage
4x Guinness World Record Holder | Ocean Rower | Eco- Adventurer | Resilience Coach | Environmentalist
Roz Savage holds four Guinness World Records for ocean rowing, including the first woman to row solo across three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian. She has rowed over 15,000 miles, taken around 5 million oar strokes, and spent cumulatively over 500 days of her life at sea in a 23-foot rowboat. She was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2013 for services to environmental awareness and fundraising.
Roz Savage has been appointed a United Nations Climate Hero, an Athlete Ambassador for 350.org, an Ambassador for the Plastic Oceans Foundation, and MacGillivray Freeman’s One World One Ocean project. She has also served on the board of Adventure Scientists and is a trained presenter for the Climate Reality Project. She teamed up with Zac Goldsmith as co-patron of the Greener Upon Thames campaign for a plastic bag free Olympics in 2012. She is a Notable Coalition Member of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and ambassador for the 5 Gyres Institute. Her voyages took place under the auspices of the Blue Frontier Campaign.
Roz is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York, and has been listed amongst the Top Twenty Great British Adventurers by the Daily Telegraph and the Top Ten Ultimate Adventurers by National Geographic. In 2011, she received the Ocean Inspiration Through Adventure award. She has been inducted into the International Green Industry Hall of Fame and was a recipient of a Yale World Fellowship. In 2010, she was named Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic.

Richard Nesbitt – Adjunct Professor, Rotman School of Management
RICHARD NESBITT is an Adjunct Professor of the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He has also recently been a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, United Kingdom.
In June 2017, Richard published a book (with Barbara Annis) titled “Results at the Top” on the issue of men’s responsibility for gender diversity to improve their organizations (Wiley 2017). His new book (with Michael King) titled “Technological Innovation in Financial Services” will be available in early 2020 (UTP 2020).
Richard recently retired as CEO of Global Risk Institute. Previously he was Chief Operating Officer of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce until he retired from that position in September 2014. He joined CIBC in 2008 following his more than 20 years of experience in the securities industry which included CIBC Wood Gundy from 1987 to 1997. From 2004 to 2008 Richard was Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Stock Exchange group.
Richard was awarded the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from Rotman. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics MSC 1986, Rotman MBA 1985, and HBA Ivey 1978.
Featuring Live Performances by Female Artists

Sophie Armstrong – International Violinist | 2017 Women of Inspiration Cultural Ambassador @SophieViolinist
World music meets classical crossover and pop: violinist Sophie Armstrong shares her story through music, inspiring audiences to feel. Born in London, United Kingdom and raised in Sydney, Australia, Sophie has performed all over the globe, gathering inspiration from different cultures. The British- Australian and now, local Canadian violinist’s has taken the past three years away from recording, on maternity leave. Now a mother of three, Sophie returns to her recording career and the stage celebrating her Scottish heritage with her new single Unvanquished. Released on October 8th, Unvanquished is co-written with and produced by Rob Wells.

Sappho – Singer | Songwriter | WOI2019 Nominee @SapphosVoice
Sappho is a sci-pop performer and songwriter, currently based in Toronto, ON. When she’s not in virtual reality, she can be found writing and performing futuristic pop music, making 360 videos, and appearing on panels about where tech can take us! Sci-pop is hoping that gets stuck in your head, and Sappho is tremendously excited to be debuting the new sub-genre here at the Women of Inspiration Awards! The future is female

Kaiya – Singer | Songwriter| Philanthropist | WOI2019 Nominee | @MusicKaiya
For the last two years, Kaiya feels she has been able to dream with her eyes wide open. Kaiya began learning piano and taking voice lessons only three short years ago, but in that time her love for performing has blossomed. In 2018 Kaiya performed at 19 events, including Brett Wilson’s #OMGP in support of mental health, Prairie Rowdy in support of Paul Brandt’s #Not in My City, the Women of Inspiration Awards, and at #BrettBrett Christmas in support of our veterans. She also graced the stage of the Bella Theatre and performed a volunteer concert for the patients and staff on the Palliative Care Ward at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. She has been thrilled to meet and perform alongside fellow artists The Dead South, Leaving Thomas, and Brett Kissel, her country idol.

Music4Life Ensemble’s String Quartet – VIP Reception
Music4 Life is sure to spice up any event. Based out of Ajax, they are available to play community, corporate or private events. Whether you are hosting a large crowd or a small intimate private gathering, they are thrilled to make your event a memorable one. Their musical repertoire includes classical, contemporary and jazz music. Proceeds from the group’s help fund a large, non-profit community string orchestra in Ajax that provides a friendly and welcoming forum for string musicians, of all ages and skill levels, to learn and play together.

WHO IS A WOMAN OF INSPIRATION?
A Woman of Inspiration is an extraordinary woman who leads by example, lives on purpose and inspires others to be more and do more. She is a modern-day hero, game-changer, mover and shaker, and role model who leads by example with courage, confidence, commitment, and integrity, empowers those around her and makes an impact in her community and around the globe. We look forward to celebrating female role models across Canada!

100% Silent Auction proceeds support The Nest Foundation. The Nest Foundation empowers women to rebuild their lives for themselves and their children through education, wellness, and experiences! When women succeed, families succeed!

Calgary - Women of Inspiration Gala - Oct 3 - SOLD OUT - Limited Seats Released!
2019-10-03 17:00 - 23:30 (America/Toronto) | The Westin Marriott, 320, 4th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2S6, Canada
Celebrating our 5th Premier Woman of Inspiration Awards Gala in Calgary and Toronto proudly presented by Cardel Homes. Our National Women of Inspiration Awards recognizes the achievements of women who are making an impact in the community and around the globe and the men that SupportHER.
Click Here for Toronto, ON – October 9, 2019 – Tickets Available for Toronto!
DREAM BIG! Connect with business leaders, thought leaders, visionaries, influencers, and the movers and shakers who shape our community and inspire us to be more and do more! Whether you are a friend, colleague, sponsor or SupportHER, take this opportunity to celebrate women and the men who believe together we are stronger.
Meet the unstoppable 2019 Women of Inspiration Nominees and Award Recipients who dream big and make change happen!
We are set to DREAM BIG and look forward to welcoming you and your guests to a night of celebration, connection, inspiration, and memories! #WOI2019DreamBig
SOLD OUT!
Follow us on Social Media to experience WOI!
We look forward to celebrating with you on OCTOBER 3, 2019

CALGARY – 2019 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION GALA * Black Tie
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019
Location: The Westin Calgary – 320 4th Ave SW – Grand Ballroom
Program:

5:00 pm Registration Open + VIP Nominee Reception
5:30 pm Meet and Greet Nominees
6:15 pm Dinner – Abbie Thurgood
7:00 pm Program | Awards | Keynote
9:30 pm After Party with DJ | Book Signing – Roz Savage

Emcee

Danaye Maier, Morning Show Host | 98.5 Virgin Radion @danayemaier| @aWomanadayyyc
Danaye Maier is a morning radio host on 98.5 Virgin Radio. She’s been a broadcaster for 15 years and has spent time on-air in multiple cities before making Calgary home. In the 8 years that she has lived in Calgary, she married her college sweetheart, Matt, bought her first house and now has two beautiful toddlers, Violet and Maxwell. Music is a huge part of Danaye’s life. She is the lead singer of a band called “The Barn Burners” with some of her colleagues and other friends from around the city. She recently started an initiative called “A WOMAN A DAY YYC” where she profiles a different outstanding Calgary woman every single day on Instagram. Witnessing other women lift each other up through this platform has become Danaye’s new joy and passion. Women from all walks of life nominate each other for the great things they have done, and it is incredibly inspiring.
Inspiration Keynote Speaker

Roz Savage
4x Guinness World Record Holder | Ocean Rower | Eco- Adventurer | Resilience Coach | Environmentalist
Roz Savage holds four Guinness World Records for ocean rowing, including the first woman to row solo across three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian. She has rowed over 15,000 miles, taken around 5 million oar strokes, and spent cumulatively over 500 days of her life at sea in a 23-foot rowboat. She was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2013 for services to environmental awareness and fundraising.
Roz Savage has been appointed a United Nations Climate Hero, an Athlete Ambassador for 350.org, an Ambassador for the Plastic Oceans Foundation, and MacGillivray Freeman’s One World One Ocean project. She has also served on the board of Adventure Scientists and is a trained presenter for the Climate Reality Project. She teamed up with Zac Goldsmith as co-patron of the Greener Upon Thames campaign for a plastic bag free Olympics in 2012. She is a Notable Coalition Member of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and ambassador for the 5 Gyres Institute. Her voyages took place under the auspices of the Blue Frontier Campaign.
Roz is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York, and has been listed amongst the Top Twenty Great British Adventurers by the Daily Telegraph and the Top Ten Ultimate Adventurers by National Geographic. In 2011, she received the Ocean Inspiration Through Adventure award. She has been inducted into the International Green Industry Hall of Fame and was a recipient of a Yale World Fellowship. In 2010, she was named Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic.

Monica Kretschmer – Visionary | Speaker | Philanthropist | Advocate @CDNBizchicks
Monica is the Founder and CEO of Universal Womens Network ™, Canadian Business Chicks, Women of Inspiration Awards, The Nest Foundation™ and SupportHER™ elevating male leaders who champion women in their networks, workplaces, and communities. She is the founder of The Nest Foundation™ empowering women to rebuild their lives for themselves and their children through mentorship, education, and wellness.
A single mom, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, she is a visionary, speaker and serial entrepreneur, passionate about celebrating and advocating for women to prosper personally and professionally. She is committed to Gender Equality and fostering a network where diversity, innovation, recognition, mentorship are valued. Monica’s mission is to inspire women to lead with a purpose and prosper in business and life.
“Every woman has a story. Your story does not define you; it empowers you!” Monica Kretschmer
Live Performances by Canadian Female Artists

Abbie Thurgood – Singer | Songwriter @AbbieThurgood
AbbieThurgood is Canadian singer-songwriter hailing from Calgary AB, weaving between Rock, Blues, and Soul she is a bluntly honest, powerhouse songstress. You can find her in a multitude of different musical settings, from the raw singer-songwriter set to a face blasting, a space-bursting fury that is the psychedelic heavy rock projectGone Cosmic. Abbie is the frontwoman for the newly formed group, in just a year they have released their debut full-length album “Sideways in Time” under the German-based record label, Kozmic Artifactz.

Kaiya – Singer| Songwiter| Philanthropist | WOI2019 Nominee | @KaiyasMusic
For the last two years, Kaiya feels she has been able to dream with her eyes wide open. Kaiya began learning piano and taking voice lessons only three short years ago, but in that time her love for performing has blossomed. In 2018 Kaiya performed at 19 events, including Brett Wilson’s #OMGP in support of mental health, Prairie Rowdy in support of Paul Brandt’s #Not in My City, the Women of Inspiration Awards, and at #BrettBrett Christmas in support of our veterans. She also graced the stage of the Bella Theatre and performed a volunteer concert for the patients and staff on the Palliative Care Ward at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. She has been thrilled to meet and perform alongside fellow artists The Dead South, Leaving Thomas, and Brett Kissel, her country idol.

Chloe Shingoose – Musician | Singer | Rising Star @ChloeShingoose
Chloe Shingoose is 15 years old and is just finishing up Grade 9 in Stettler, AB. She loves to excel in everything that you put in front of her. She keeps herself very busy musically with Vocal Lessons from Tamara Beatty and weekly Guitar lessons. She has a passion for Country Music but loves all genres and ages. She has competed in many Festivals and Talent Shows but absolutely loves singing for fun at
events like this. Chloe is also an athlete that enjoys every sport. This past year she played Bantam Elite
Hockey out of Red Deer and is currently playing Softball with the Elnora Eagles. Somehow with all of this
going on she still manages to keep her grades up and is always looking for the next adventure with
STARS in her eyes.

Anna Nesterova – DJ Armata @djarmata – After Party Mix
I have always believed music to be a common thread that connects us all. Wherever you may live, whatever language you may speak, music provides the unifying rhythm and beat that we can all dance and move to. As a DJ and a performer, I have been fortunate enough to have travelled around the world, from Uzbekistan, where I was born – to Canada where I live today – as well as taking in the most wondrous cities across Asia, Central America, and Europe. And from each visit, I have absorbed a little of the local musical culture and blended them all together to create my own distinctive sound.
The foundation of my musical repertoire lies in House, Techno and Dubstep – and to each of these genres, I can mix, add and customize as you wish, to create the perfect soundtrack that will take you from dusk ’til dawn.

WOMAN OF INSPIRATION
A Woman of Inspiration is an extraordinary woman who leads by example, lives on purpose and inspires others to be more and do more. She is a modern-day hero, game-changer, mover and shaker, and role model who leads by example with courage, confidence, commitment, and integrity, empowers those around her and makes an impact in her community and around the globe. We look forward to celebrating role models across Canada!

100% Silent Auction support The Nest Foundation. The Nest Foundation empowers women to rebuild their lives for themselves and their children through education, wellness, and experiences! When women succeed, families succeed!

Lead with Purpose Conference
2019-06-13 07:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 5R5, Canada
Lead With Purpose – Leadership Conference | WinSport – June 13, 2019
Special 2 for 1 Pricing: code: nestfriends |
Register before June 10 for a chance to win a Beauty Transformation and wardrobe style valued at $ 250.
The Nest Foundation empowers women to rebuild their lives with courage, confidence commitment, and integrity through education, mentorship, and wellness.
We invite you to elevate your leadership and lead with a purpose!
Lead with Purpose is for individuals and teams with a desire to lead with a purpose and inspire those around them.
. Learn from industry experts, thought leaders and business leaders as they share their inspiring journeys, expertise, wisdom to empower women to succeed.
Lead with Purpose attracts female and male leaders who believe in empowering women in their network, workplaces, and communities. Our conference delegates will experience insightful and inspiring stories, panel discussions with industry experts and be apart of a journey that inspires hope and action.
100% of net proceeds to support The Nest Foundation.
Purpose: To transform the lives of women and children who have overcome adversity.
Vision: Inspire a world of reciprocity where women prosper and families to thrive.
When women succeed, families succeed!
Together We Are Stronger! CONTACT US, Become a Sponsor or Donor!
MEET OUR KEYNOTES | SESSION SPEAKERS | PANELISTS
Debra Poneman – Keynote Speaker – Say Yes to Success – @dponeman
Founder and CEO, Yes to Success | Motivational Speaker, Author
Debra Poneman, founder and CEO of Yes to Success Seminars, Inc., is recognized as a pioneer in the field of personal growth. Since 1981 Debra has been a popular keynote speaker, seminar leader and talk show guest on radio, TV and in print in dozens of major cities and countries around the world.
For over 35 years, Debra Poneman, bestselling author and founder of Yes to Success Seminars, has shared her success system, now used by tens of thousands of people in every corner of the globe, to create lives of not only success and abundance, but deep and profound happiness, self-love and lasting inner fulfillment.
Known as the mentor to the mentors, Debra’s students have used her teachings to become mega-successful entrepreneurs, renowned transformational leaders, NY Times bestselling authors, millionaires, billionaires—even household names. But Debra’s greatest gift is her deep belief in every person’s magnificence and her ability to convey that belief to activate in her audience members and clients profound and lasting inner and outer transformation.
The 5 Universal Keys that Guarantee True and Lasting Success
Everyone has greatness inside of them. That is the Truth. Everyone. The question is, how do you fearlessly live that greatness? Where do you begin? Debra has discovered the 5 KEYS to how each of us can live the life we were born to live – a life of true and lasting inner and outer success. And she is going to share those keys with us so that we can begin to soar in our individual greatness and make a powerful contribution to the future of our world.

Dr. Jody Carrington – Keynote Speaker – Leadership Wellness | @JodyCarrington
Clinical Psychologist, Author, Speaker | 2018 Women of Inspiration – Difference Maker
Dr. Jody Carrington is a Clinical Psychologist who has spent most of her career working with children and families who have experienced trauma. Growing up on a farm in rural Alberta, Canada, and after 13 years (!) of post-secondary education, she took her first job on the Mental Health Inpatient Units of the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. It was during those 10 years that she learned the most about kids, families, relationships, and the vital importance of connection. Today, she is back living in a rural setting, managing a private practice, raising a family, speaking around the country about relationships, connection and her new book, “Kids These Days”.
Jody passionately believes in the power of the relationship with the people we love, lead, and teach. Her favorite thing on the planet to do is to speak with educators – they have the power to change the trajectory of a life every single day. It’s time, she believes, that we need to start focusing less on kids these days, and more on those of you who hold them every day. The core of everything she speaks and writes about comes down to this: we are wired to do hard things. We can do those hard things so much easier when we remember this: we are wired for connection

Karen Stewart – Keynote Speaker – Disrupting with Purpose
Founder and CEO, Bumble Bees Venture Capital Inc. and Fairway Divorce Solutions Ltd | 2018 – Women of Inspiration Award – Advocate and Catalyst for Change | @BumbleBeesCap
Karen is a serial industry disrupter and entrepreneur. She has over 25 years of experience in founding and building businesses that are disruptive and create significant shareholder value. Being nominated for Women of Inspiration touches her on so many levels. To Karen, a woman of inspiration achieves success by inspiring others, therefore impacting both lives and society in a positive way. Her story is one of hope, vision, and simple determination. Karen believes that each and every woman can have everything. By everything, she means whatever your heart desires. “I believe you can be a strong leader, a business success, and at the same time have deep maternal instincts. While in her 50’s, Karen feels like she is just entering the prime of her career and will continue to be inspired by ideas that have an impact in a positive way. Karen has started more than 7 companies and to date have had zero failures. She’s only just beginning.
Monica Kretschmer- Keynote Speaker – Embracing Resilience to Lead with Purpose
Founder and CEO, Canadian Business Chicks, Women of Inspiration Awards, Women of Inspiration Awards, The Nest Foundation | @cdnbizchicks
Embracing Resilience to Lead with Purpose – Everyone has a story. Our founder will share how to you can learn to embrace resilience and lead with purpose.
Monica is the Founder and CEO of Canadian Business Chicks, Women of Inspiration Awards, The Nest Foundation and SupportHER elevating male leaders who champion women in their networks, workplaces, and communities. She is the founder of The Nest Foundation empowering women to rebuild their lives for themselves and their children through mentorship, education, and wellness. Monica is a native Calgarian and entrepreneur at heart with a passion for building authentic connections, empowering women and embraces life with courage, confidence, commitment, and integrity. Monica’s mission is to inspire women to lead with a purpose and prosper in business and life.

Cindy Luffer – Success Story
CEO, iPhix | 2018 Women of Inspiration – Nest Award | @Cindy_iPhix
Cindy Luffer was a believer in STEM before it was an acronym! It wasn’t a field she sought out to break into as a female; it was just what she wanted to be. A big city girl with big city dreams of becoming an engineer was accomplished with honours and respect. From Montreal, she was educated with a bachelor’s in science in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University and holds professional engineering designations in the state of Maine, and provinces of Quebec and Alberta. Cindy has many years of pulp & paper and oil & gas experience before moving to Calgary. When she broke her personal phone, while on maternity leave with her third child, necessity brought opportunity and unique business for its time was born. iPhix Inc. established in 2009 is Calgary’s foremost out-of-warranty consumer handheld device repair centre. iPhix employs 15 people operating out of iPhix Eau Claire Market, iPhix TD Core, iPhix Avenida, iPhix Sage Hill, and the Calgary iPhix Mobile Kiosk Unit. Cindy Luffer is 2018 Women of Inspiration Nest Award recipient. As a single mom of four kids and a growing business, Cindy is leading by example and giving hope to women that they can rebuild their lives for themselves and their children.

Sam Bell – Featured Speaker | Moderator – Transformation Panel
Founder, Momaita’s Journey @mamaitasjourney
Sam is a nurse/midwife and teacher with a career spanning 3 decades and 3 continents, working in public, private and charitable sectors. She is recognized as a huge advocate for women as a writer, transformational coach, international speaker, and is what you could call, a connector of hearts. Her work is largely focused upon helping mothers and daughters struggling with their difficult sometimes, toxic, relationships, resolving issues such as self-esteem, confidence, relationships, happiness, chronic disease, and body image.
Stepping into Divine Feminine: Seeking freedom from the patriarchy and all forms of oppression that exploit and devalue women, peoples and the environment, we begin to see societies working towards radical transformation focusing on relationships between people, and of the relationship between people and
TRANSFORMATION PANELISTS

Jaden Sterling – Panelist
Jaden Sterling, Founder of Sterling Stock Ed Inc. | Angel Investor | Money Mentor | @JadenSterling88
Jaden is an award-winning, international best-selling author of The Alchemy of True Success. Practical tools to use your mind body and spirit to live an extraordinary life. Jaden had an epiphany at age 14 and clearly knew his life purpose. Jaden says, “I knew I would teach people how to master money and not be enslaved by it. My teaching would be based on personal experiences.” Following the epiphany, Jaden embraced his mission to learn about money. He studied economics, worked for Citigroup and Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor and built a 12-million-dollar business by age 36.
Today, Jaden draws from more than 30-years of experience teaching about money globally via his online program: Stocks 4 Freedom System. Sterling says, “It’s never too early or too late to master money, the key is to learn and do what works, then ignore everything else.”
Jaden is an internationally recognized leader regarding money and has been featured on hundreds of Radio TV and in print magazines including Shaw Cable, Be Scene TV, Om Times Magazine, Fox News and The Huffington Post. Jaden resides in British Columbia with his wife and two step-up kids.
Jamie Leno Zimron – Panelist
Founder The Centered Way Inc. | 6th Degree Aikido Black Belt | Marriage Family Therapist (MFT) | LPGA Golf Pro | Mind-Body Expert | Corporate Speaker | International Citizen’s Diplomat.
Jamie Leno Zimron is passionate about every woman and person reaching their potential, peacefully and powerfully, in a world that works for everyone! A dual citizen of Israel, she co-founded the Middle East Aikido Peace Project to help develop peacefully empowered leaders in Israel, Palestine and Northern Africa. She is an award-winning trainer, speaker, and entrepreneur, whose greatest joy is providing holistic practices people can quickly use to transform their relationships, businesses, families, health, golf, and personal pursuits.
Jamie Sensei (Master Instructor) is acclaimed for her dynamic style in guiding people to newfound well-being and success. She has spoken to Canadian executive groups from Vancouver to Moncton and is honored to be part of this exciting conference and work in Calgary.
Chris Kennedy – Panelist
Co-Founder Beauty B!tch Podcast | Author Virgin Beauty Bitch | @VirginBeautyBit
Christopher Kennedy is the author of the book, and co-host of the podcast VIRGIN.BEAUTY.B!TCH, a platform that explores gender, sexuality, and relationships. Christopher is a graduate of Radio and Television Broadcast Arts at SAIT and Public Relations at Langara College. His experiences include music director with CHFM Radio Calgary; Regional Promotions and Marketing Manager with Warner Music Canada, and Regional Publicist and Events Coordinator at Citytv.
Heather Erlen – Panelist
Alberta Representative, Canadian Labour Congress | Co-Founder, Virgin Beauty B!tch Podcast | 2018 Women of Inspiration Award – Power Partner | @HeatherErlen
With her partner, Chris Kennedy, Heather has honed her passion for exploring the collective experience of The Feminine. Since the day these power partners met they vowed to work together to break free of social prescriptions of feminine and masculine – and by doing this catalyze change. They wanted to have conversations and hear from persons of all genders to elevate the importance of Feminine. That is how the Podcast – The Virgin, The Beauty, and The Bitch was incepted and nurtured. They have hosted a wide range of persons on the show. From a psychologist professor talking about pornography to a couple battling through changing gender roles, to a woman who gives makeovers to women in severe poverty. Heather, along with Chris, is dancing and pulling and pushing in these conversations that tackle some of the greatest social justice issues of our time, and their following is growing.

Dr. Laurie Maslak – Session Speaker – Finding Your Voice To Lead | Moderator – SupportHER – Diversity and Inclusiveness Panel
President and Consultant, Maslak & Associates | BOD Chair, The Nest Foundation
Finding Your Voice to Lead: Learning of a new medium that helps to understand how our “inner intentions” are reflected through our actual voice and presence.
Dr. Laurie Maslak is a life-long learner, with a passion for educating leaders of today and tomorrow. Her career journey has included a long career as a nurse, followed by another career in HR, and the past six years travelling around North America building strong safety cultures and workplaces. She holds a Ph.D. in Organization and Management, specialization Leadership and was one of the first Royal Roads University graduates. A wife and mother of five beautiful children and a grandmother to seven adorable future leaders, Laurie serves on the Board of the Nest Foundation. Passions are golf and
SupportHER Diversity and Inclusion Panel

Arjun Channa – Panelist
GM, The Westin, Calgary @TheWestinCalgary
Arjun has over 25 years of hospitality industry experience bringing a wealth of international expertise globetrotting around the world in 11 different countries. He has held various roles in Algeria, UAE, Jordan, Beijing, Kenya, China, and the list goes on! Arjun held his first General Manager role in 2008 at the Le Meridian Port Vila Resort and Casino in Vanuatu. From there he was promoted to GM at the Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa in India. He then took on several Task Force General Manager roles. From 2013 to 2015, he held the position of Hotel Manager at Sheraton Centre Toronto, Starwood’s flagship hotel in the Canadian market than moved West to Calgary, end 2015 to be been appointed as General Manager of The Westin Calgary Hotel. Arjun has a diploma in Hotel Management from the International Hotel and Training Institutes in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He is fluent in French, Italian, Hindi and conversational in German & Mandarin.
With his spirit to ‘give back’, he sits on many boards in the city including the Calgary Hotel Association, SAIT Advisory Board, Global Chamber and part of the SKAL network. For Marriott International, he is part of America’s Leadership Advisory Council & also the Diversity and Inclusion Champion for West Canada.
Arjun’s is a proud husband to his wife of 24 years and father his 4 children, one of them being a 3-year-old Husky. In his free time During his free time, Arjun mentors, enjoy public speaking but more importantly, he loves to spend time with his family, kick-boxing and traveling to discover our world.

Desiree Bombenon – Panelist
President and CEO, SureCall Contact Centers Ltd. @SureCallInc
Desiree has over 30 years of business operational experience with a proven track record of leading businesses to success and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in both 2016 & 2017 by WXN. Desiree loves to utilize people and their skills to create success for other businesses while allowing those businesses to focus on their core competencies. That’s what SureCall does! I’m vision-driven with regards to our corporation. Our corporation has a motto of doing good with every call, and is purpose-driven towards creating good in the world,” said the Harvard alumni, who through the Advanced Leadership Initiative, works on critical humanitarian issues around the world. It is Desiree’s mission to educate females in underserved communities. She has created a project, “Hero Girls” that provides a mentorship entrepreneurial program for females in Nepal, including scholarships, classes, mentorships, and Microcredit loans for female entrepreneurs.

Peter Kinkaide – Panelist
CEO, Raintree Capital @RaintreeEMD
Peter Kinkaide, the CEO of Raintree Capital, the parent company of Raintree Financial Solutions, Raintree Wealth Management, and Raintree Corporate Finance. Our businesses are focused on helping investors access diverse investments in the public and private markets. Our goal is to change the way Canadian’s think about investing their money by educating and providing them with independent, innovative investment solutions. My career started in corporate finance and investment banking. I joined Raintree in 2012 and took on the CEO role in 2016.
Peter is the founder of Women & Wealth Inc., a not-for-profit organization that hosts events on International Women’s Day to empower, inspire and support women across Canada who are, or are on their way to becoming, confident and passionate leaders of our businesses, organizations, governments, schools, and communities. Together, we seek to help close the gender gap and promote gender equality within our society.

Sandy Pound – Panelist
Regional Vice President, Integrated Markets, Royal Bank | @RBC
Sandy Pound is Regional Vice President – Integrated Markets with RBC responsible for the business across 23 Retail branches in Calgary. She has been in the Financial Services industry for 30+ years and has held a variety of roles leading teams at regional and national levels across Canada in Retail Markets, Wealth Management, and Private Banking.
Sandy is an active volunteer in Calgary with a passion to support mental health issues and Canada’s youth. She is currently serving as vice chair on the board of Distress Centre Calgary, executive sponsor of RBC’s Employee Resource Group PRIDE and a mentor to several youths starting out in their careers through RBC’s Thrive and Career launch programs.
She is married with two adult children and two grandchildren and in her spare time loves to be outdoors hiking and also travel around the world.
BEAUTY TRANSFORMATION
Delegates will learn from our beauty experts who will share their “secret beauty sauce” live on stage during lunch! Delegates will have the opportunity to enter for a draw for a Beauty Transformation which includes: hair, make-up, and style from our team of experts!
Adrienne Furrie – Stylist @adriennefurrie
Adrienne Furrie, professional makeup artist and image expert with 20 years experience and a serious weakness for all things sparkly and beautiful. Cut through the confusion of what to wear and how to use makeup properly with simple, practical strategies that’ll have you looking and feeling confident, attractive and ready to rock your business and life.

Rola Muhieddine – Founder, Maison Blu – House of Glam and Maison Blu Academy (M.B.A.) | @maisonblu
Rola Muhieddine is the Founder of the sought-after Beauty brand Maison Blu – House of Glam, and Maison Blu Academy (M.B.A).
She’s a Master Makeup Artist, an Educator, and wears the title of Leader to her growing team of industry professionals under her umbrella of beauty divisions. Rola has nearly 20 years of makeup artistry experience and a lifetime of growing up in the beauty industry. Her family has owned and operated several salons around the city and across the globe from the time she was born. It comes as no surprise that Rola would grow to love and pursue a similar path. Today, she describes the word “business” as a simple formula – whether you are selling an oil tank or a lipstick, you succeed only when you listen to the demands of your client and offer great service in return; the rest sells itself!
Maison Blu is “home” to Beauty Services, products, and Education. Her team of beauty professionals offers an array of services in-house true to Rola’s vision and core values. Her Globally recognized signature artistry has given her a strong social media platform and is the foundation for the brand’s image and her Beauty Education Academy.
Her 10-year goal: taking Blu to new heights she says! There’s no doubt this industry leader and mom of 3, with her track record of slow and steady growth will be anything less.
Yvonne E.L. Silver – Session Speaker – MentorHER Group Mentorship
Founder, Flourish with Yvonne E.L. Silver | Best Selling Author | Executive Coach | Volunteer, The Nest Foundation | Boss Chicks Authentic Mentorship Program, Chair | 2018 Women of Inspiration Award – Mentorship | @Yvonne_ELSilver
Yvonne E.L. Silver is a Growth Catalyst: passionate about teaching women leaders and entrepreneurs to Flourish in business – by mastering their confidence and using powerful language, for more sales and to grow their team – for a sustainable business that is fun. Professionally, she is a Speaker, Coach, Chartered HR Consultant and Mentorship Chair, as well as a bestselling author, radio show host, Mother and Wife. With over 25 years of experience in eight high-growth start-ups, holding senior corporate roles of Founder, VP, and HR Director – she is creating Feminine Workplace Cultures which support women’s growth and advocate pay equity.
Mentorship: Your leadership growth imperative – leveraging Mentorship personally and professionally. How this underutilized approach can accelerate your growth and why this is critical. Experience the magic of a Mini-Mentorship session.
SPECIAL 2 for 1 Pricing: Enter Code: nestfriends (General and Student Tickets)
All tickets purchased prior to 6:00 pm on June 10 will be entered for the Live Beauty Transformation and $ 250 wardrobe from Sublime.
AGENDA
8:00 am Breakfast & Registration
8:30 am Opening Remarks
8:40 am Morning Meditation
9:00 am Keynote – Resilience | Monica Kretschmer
9:30 am Success Story Interview | Cindy Luffer
9:45 am Keynote – Making a Difference | Dr. Jody Carrington
10:15 am Break with Purpose
10:30 am Keynote | Karen Stewart
11:00 am Session Speaker| Sam Bell
11:15 pm Transformation Panel ( Jamie Leno Zimeron | Heather Erlen | Chris Kennedy | Jaden Sterling)
12:00 pm Lunch & Beauty Transformation (Main Stage 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm) | Virgin Beauty B!tch Interviews
1:00 pm Success Story Interview | Desiree Bombenon
1: 15 pm Session Speaker | Dr. Laurie Maslak
1:30 pm Diversity & Inclusiveness Panel (Arjun Channa | Desiree Bombenon | Peter Kinkaide | Sandy Pound)
2:45 pm Break with Purpose
3:00 pm Group Mentor Session | Yvonne E.L. Silver
3:30 pm Beauty Transformation Reveal (Adrienne Furrie | Rola Muheidinne)
4:00 pm Keynote | Debra Poneman
4:45 pm Closing Remarks
5:00 pm End
What to wear? Business casual. Wear what is comfortable for a full day of learning!

Women of Inspiration Awards Gala 2018
2018-09-20 17:30 - 22:00 (America/Toronto) | Telus Convention Centre, 120 9 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0P3, Canada
Join us for our premier celebration and empowerment event. Woman of Inspiration Awards Gala is open to the public, featuring an inspirational keynote speakers, and celebrates women who are making an impact in the community and around the globe.
Take this opportunity to connect and be inspired by women who lead by example. Whether you are a friend, colleague, sponsor or SupportHER, take this opportunity to celebrate you and be inspired to do more and be more. Join us to celebrate Women of Inspiration the evening of Thursday, September 20, 2018, at the TELUS Conventions Centre.
Only 800 tickets available. General Tickets and VIP SUpportHER Corporate tables available. Keynote speaker for this year’s event is Barb Stegemann, CEO of 7 Virtues. Barb is a Canadian social entrepreneur, global disruptor, Best Selling – Author, International Speaker. Tickets on sale now
Event Tickets Details General Event Ticket- $175 | Member/Nominee – $ 150
Doors open at 5:30 pm | VIP Nominee Reception + VIP Photos | Dinner 6:15 pm | Program – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Mix & Mingle – Media Wall – 10:00 pm
Black Tie Attire | Cash Bar

Includes Dinner, Dessert, Coffee and Tea | Awards | Entertainment
Member/ Nominee *VIP SupportHER Corporate Table Sponsor (10 guests) – $ 2000 (deadline Wednesday, August 22, 2018, to be listed in the program.)
*VIP SupportHER Corporate Table Sponsor (10 guests) – $2500 (deadline Wednesday, August 22, 2018, to be listed in the program.)

*VIP SupportHER Corporate Tables – Your will receive an invitation to the VIP Reception, and your company name will be listed in the program ( deadline August 22).

Empowering women to rebuild their lives for themselves and their children. When women succeed, families succeed.

150 Women of Inspiration Awards
2017-09-30 10:30 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Telus Convention Centre, 120 9 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0P3, Canada
Celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary with 150 Women of Inspiration Awards.

Join us on Saturday, September 30, 2017, for an Awards Brunch as we celebrate Canada’s Anniversary with 150 Women of Inspiration and present awards to Women of Inspiration in 11 categories.
About Women of Inspiration
Founder, and CEO of Canadian Business Chicks, Monica Kretschmer created Women of Inspiration as a legacy event to honor a woman who inspired her to greatness. Women of Inspiration celebrates women from all walks of life who lead, inspire and motivate.
We will celebrate 150 Women of Inspiration from across Canada and Award 11 Women of Inspiration with a special White Hat Ceremony, Inspirational keynote speaker Amanda Lindhout, and live performances by Shobha, Sophie Serafino, Christine Hart and Chloe Shingoose. Don’t miss Canada’s only inspirational, empowerment and awards event. Men encouraged!
Keynote Speaker: Amanda Lindhout @AmandaLindhout
Amanda is an Activist, Speaker, Journalist and New York Times bestselling Author, Award Winning Humanitarian, and founder of the Global Enrichment Foundation. Her award-winning memoir, A House in the Sky, is the story of Amanda’s years as an aspiring television war reporter in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the 460 days she spent as a hostage in Somalia.
Amanda Lindhout traveled to Somalia as a freelance journalist to research a story on the millions of people affected by two decades of war, drought, and famine. Kidnapped by teenage criminals outside of the capital city, Mogadishu, Amanda spent 460 days enduring unimaginable hardships as a hostage in one of the world’s poorest countries. Today she’s asked by audiences around the world to share her story of forgiveness and resilience. Amanda has been featured in publications including Vogue’s September Issue, O Magazine, ELLE, The New York Time Magazine and The Globe and Mail and appeared on Dateline NBC, The Today Show, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, Sanjay Gupta MD, NBC Nightly News, BBC, MSNBC, CBC’s The National, Radio Canada International, and a variety of other TV and radio programs both domestic and international.
Amanda’s memoir, A House In The Sky, is a New York Times bestseller and is slated for development as a major motion picture with Annapurna Pictures. Oscar nominated actress Rooney Mara is set to produce and star in the
Performances by:
Shobha @Shobhamusic Performing Women of Inspiration Debut Song: “On Purpose”
Shobha is an award winning singer, songwriter and recording artist based in Canada, and is one-half of the writing/production team The Fourth Floor with producer/songwriter Rob Wells.
Since debuting on the music scene in 2008 with her first album “Work in Progress”, Shobha’s music has been garnering attention from around the world.
After signing a worldwide publishing deal with Sony/ATV, Shobha has been busy writing for today’s top artists including Ria Mae, The Heist, Bobby Bazini, Tep No, Crystal Kay, Victoria Duffield, Kiki Rowe, Tyler Shaw, Theo Tams, Kolton Stewart, W Darling, Wild, Ana Golja and many others. Shobha has contributed to the soundtrack of Degrassi Next Class on Netflix with 5 new songs including the main theme as both artist and songwriter.

Sophie Serafino @SophieSerafino
Sophie Serafino is a violinist, performer described by the Calgary Herald as a ‘show-stopper, The Edmonton Journal as a ‘tour-de-force, and the Sydney Morning Herald as ‘one of the few who deserve the title of diva’. Sophie has performed her own compositions for more than 600 concerts in over 30 cities worldwide, has worked with recording artists including Goldfrapp, The Hoodoo Gurus and Josh Groban, and has performed for Olivia Newton-John and dignitaries including the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Bahraini Royal Family, and Crown Prince & Princess of Denmark. Born in England, raised in Australia, Sophie completed her Bachelor of Music Performance Violin Major at Sydney Conservatorium.
Christine Hart @MyHartsings
Christine has been an entrepreneur her entire life. Having built and sold two companies, she understands the steps it takes to go from “I have an idea!” to becoming a legitimate business and then planning for steady growth. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a passion for simplifying complex ideas, she has been a communications consultant and advisor for over 10 start-ups in a wide variety of industries. She was also a Relationship Expert for over 16 years, working with singles and couples. Christine has been featured in over 200 media outlets, including CTV, The Globe & Mail, The Financial Post, Elle Magazine and The Huffington Post. Christine loves to sing and has been performing jazz in North America and Mexico for over 6 years.
Chloe Shingoose @ChloeShingoose
Chloe is 13 years old and in Grade 7. She loves to excel in everything that you put in front of her. She keeps herself very busy musically with Vocal Lessons, Choir, Piano and Guitar. She has competed in Local Music Festivals which then allowed her to compete at the Alberta Provincial Music Festival for the past several years. She has a passion for Country Music but loves all genres and ages. She enjoys singing the anthem at Hockey Games, Rodeos, Football Games and numerous other events. The icing on the cake is her chance friendship with W. Brett Wilson that has given her the opportunity to perform at his Fundraisers with the most recent being the SoulMen60 event where she sang the Anthem and hit the stage with another great friend Brett Kissel to perform Trisha Yearwood’s – She’s In Love With a Boy. This was by far one of the most amazing things that she has done to this day. Hitting that stage just felt “right” and has given her a smile that one cannot hide. Their friendship, kindness and wisdom are something that will never be forgotten. Chloe is also an athlete that enjoys every sport. Her Hockey team just won Provincials in March and now she is on to Provincial Softball. Somehow with all of this going on she still manages to keep her grades up and is always looking for the next adventure with STARS in her eyes.
Emcee: Michelle Morgan @MichelleMorgan_
Michelle is the fourth of six children from a Chilean-Canadian family. She was born in Calgary and grew up moving between Toronto and Vancouver. She starred in the television series Heartland (2007) for CBC, based on the books by Lauren Brooke. Michelle has volunteered with women’s shelters across Canada. She was the Campaign ambassador for the #IamCourage Campaign for the Brenda Strafford Women’s Shelter in Calgary in 2013, and for the #MyHomefront campaign for the non-profit organization Homefront in 2015.
Emcee: Linda Olsen @Linda_Olsen
Born and raised in Calgary, award-winning journalist, Linda Olsen graduated from SAIT Polytechnic in 1988 with Honours in Broadcast Journalism and started her career that same year at Global Saskatoon. In her 20 years at Global, Olsen has seen some of the biggest events to hit the city including the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods. Olsen and co-anchor Gord Gillies covered the flood for 10 hours on-air, keeping viewers up-to-date on the significant event. An advocate for the community, Olsen is a honourary board member of Believe in the Gold, a local charity aimed at raising awareness and supporting research for children with cancer in Calgary. She’s also on the St. Mary’s University communication committee.

Tickets-$ 150 – $ 2,000 Tickets on Sale until September 22or until Sold Out!

This year we celebrate 150 Women of Inspiration to recognize Canada’s 150th Anniversary. It will be memorable business empowerment, celebrating women who make a difference in our community. Join us to build authentic connections, networking with like-minded women and men passionate about advancing women in business. Celebrate with Women of Inspiration nominees, White Hat Awards presented to Award winners in eleven categories, be inspired by keynote Amanda Lindhout story of forgiveness and connect men and women who believe together we are stronger. Be sure to enter our raffle draws with 100% donations to build The Nest Foundation supporting programs to empower women and end domestic violence.

Every woman has a story! 2017 Women of Inspiration Keynote Speakers, Celebrity Guests, Raffle Draw, Program and Women of Inspiration Finalists. This is a premier empowerment and inspirational event for women not to miss!
VIP Single Tickets: VIP Post Event Book Signing with Amanda Lindhout; A copy of A House in The Sky Book; Awards, Brunch, Keynote.
SPONSOR A TABLE (VIP) – Includes your company name on the table and listed a s a Table Sponsor in our Program (tables must be purchased by Monday, September 11 to be listed in the program). VIP Post Event Book Signing with Amanda Lindhout; A copy of A House in The Sky Book; Awards, Brunch, Keynote, Live Performances and VIP Post Event Book Signing at the Connection Lounge.
General Ticket – Women of Inspiration Includes: Awards, Brunch, Keynote, Live Performances
Marketplace Vendor Table – Showcase your business in our marketplace to elevate your business. Includes (1) Skirted Table and listed in our Marketplace. SOLD OUT
150 Women of Inspiration Program
10:30 am – Registration Opens + Silent Auction, Marketplace, Brunch
12:00 pm Opening Remarks – Special Guests, 150 Women of Inspiration, Women of Inspiration Awards, White Hat Ceremony, Keynote – Amanda Lindhout
2:00 pm – Silent Auction
3:00 pm – Marketplace, VIP Private Reception and Book Signing – Amanda Lindhout
What to wear to Women of Inspiration? Wear what makes you feel beautiful! 2016 Women of Inspiration VIDEO
Need a place to stay in Calgary? Our Hotel Partners at Marriott have a special rate for guests of Women of Inspiration. $ 180 CND – Single or Double. Marriott Hotel (across the street from the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre). To book: (403) 266-7331 Reference code: : M-8XUP7BR
Inner Circle Private Dinner – Post Celebration – Saturday, September 30. *** Tickets only available to WOI Ticket Holders – $ 100 each (RSVP prior to midnight September 26)
Saturday, Sept 30, 8:00 pm – Sassi – 2004 4th Street SW
Continue the celebration and join us for a Private Post Celebration Dinner at Sassi with our VIP’s and Celebrities. Your ticket includes: three course meal, glass wine, dessert and the company of VIPS’s. Space is limited, register below by September 22 to join or until sold out.
Event Tickets Details

General Event Ticket- $150 // (Member/Nominee $ 125)
VIP Event Ticket – $175 (included Amanda’s book + Post VIP Book Signing) // Member/Nominee VIP $ 150)
Member/ Nominee *Sponsor a Table – VIP (10 guests) – $1750 (deadline Monday, September 11 to be listed in program
*Sponsor a Table – VIP Table (10 guests) – $2000 (deadline Monday, September 11 to be listed in program).
Member Marketplace – $250 – Sold Out
Marketplace (deadline August 31 to register)- $350 – Sold Out
Inner Circle Private Dinner – Sassi – $ 100 pp
Corporate VIP Sponsor a Table – Your company name listed in the program and on the table! Everyone receives a copy of Amanda’s Book – “A House In The Sky” (deadline for tables listed in program Monday, September 11, 2017)

.Thank you to exclusive Media Partners Global News Calgary, CHQR News Talk 770, Country 105, and CORUS for covering 150 Women of Inspiration.
