top of page
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
shutterstock_361828142.jpg

DEI LEADERSHIP FORUM

& WOMEN'S CAREER FAIR

Calgary Oct 30th - TELUS Convention Centre 

Anchor 1

PARTNERS

kyndryl_logo_tm_color_rgb (1)_edited_edited.png

Upcoming Events

Video Blog

Career Development Webinar "Women in Male Dominated Industries", presented by WIL Sask Chapter
41:51

Career Development Webinar "Women in Male Dominated Industries", presented by WIL Sask Chapter

The Saskatchewan chapter of Women in Leadership is excited to bring together a panel of women who have thrived in male-dominated industries. Hear about their experiences and how they have navigated the challenges of being one of few women in their workplaces to become leaders and role models for other women. Following our panel presentation, time permitting, we’ll break into intimate networking groups. In this, you’ll get to know a little bit about each other while building and fortifying your network of existing and aspiring women leaders. Speaker Bios: Shelly Lowe, RCMP; Director of RCMP Departmental Security, Retired Inspector Shelly Lowe has recently retired from the RCMP where she worked as an operational Police Officer for 25 years. She most recently was the Director of RCMP Departmental Security for six provinces where she led a team of over 100 employees. She has occupied roles in Corporate and Client Services, Professional Standards and Executive Management over the last 8 years, which has provided her with extensive experience in progressive leadership and workplace relations. Early in her career, Shelly led the way as the first female firearms instructor and public and police safety instructor for the RCMP in the province of Saskatchewan. She has also led large scale security operations for high profile VIP visits within the province, such as His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Secretary of State and former First Lady Hillary Clinton and Former First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as multiple provincial visits of Prime Ministers and Governor Generals. She also led the security operations for the RCMP for Craven Country Music Jamboree in 2013. Shelly has been an advocate and strong supporter of women in leadership within the RCMP and recognizes the need for more female mentors within the RCMP. Amanda Ruller, Running Backs Coach; Central Washington University Amanda has a long career in sport. From competing on the Track and Soccer team at the University of Regina, then on the Canadian Bobsled/ Skeleton team and Team Canada Football, she has now transitioned to a full time football coach. Amanda started coaching running back at the University of McMaster for two seasons. She has experience coaching in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Roughriders as an assistant guest coach for the running backs and just last year did her Bill Walsh Fellowship with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL as an Assistant Running Backs Coach. She now is the Running Backs coach in the NCAA at Central Washington University in her first season. Amanda is a ground breaking in the football industry and her goal is to be a head coach someday. Jenn Denouden, CEO; Avana Jenn Denouden's journey as the CEO of Avana is one of breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and paving the way for change. Having faced adversity in a male-dominated industry, Jenn's determination to fight for equality and empower others is deeply rooted in her experiences. She champions meaningful discussions on pay equity, female leadership, affordable housing, and the limitless possibilities of personal growth. Jenn's transformative leadership has garnered recognition, including being named among the Top 40 Under 40 in Construction and being celebrated as one of Saskatchewan's Future 40 young leaders, thinkers, builders, and change-makers by CBC. Her journey is not just about leading a successful company; it's about rewriting the narrative of what is possible for women in business. Jenn's vision and passion for equality have been the driving forces behind her success. With Avana, Jenn and her diverse team are revolutionizing the real estate industry, creating an inclusive and equitable space where everyone can thrive. Through her inspiring story and unwavering commitment, Jenn Denouden is building homes, breaking down barriers, and shaping a brighter future for all. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Founded in 2001, Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills & creates positive change in the future of women’s leadership. Learn more at womeninleadership.ca.
Leadership Development Program - starts September 2023
00:36
National Women in Leadership Day - Vancouver Chapter "Women Change Leaders!"
01:02:19

National Women in Leadership Day - Vancouver Chapter "Women Change Leaders!"

Join us for a virtual event as we celebrate the inaugural national Women in Leadership Day on May 31. Women Change Leaders! Three women speakers each started their own associations and are sharing their stories of what inspired them, their vision, how they got started, and where they are now! Maureen wi nll be the moderator for the event. Speakers include Kelsie Priest, Lisa Kearney, and Winnie Hsu Women in Leadership Day 2023 Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Proclamation Annually – the last Wednesday in May, WIL Wednesday ** Join Us to Be Part of the Change** Established in 2001, the Women in Leadership Foundation (WIL) is a national, non-profit organization committed to creating a platform to promote diverse & inclusive workplaces. WIL offers deep expertise in creating impactful programs and content to raise awareness and drive tangible result for our community (176,000+, 7 chapters). We help all women across Canada to have the confidence and opportunities to pursue positions of leadership and help employers hire, grow, and support a diverse workforce. As we celebrate our 22nd year, we invite you to join us on May 31, 2023 to show your support for advancing women in leadership, share your story, showcase your leaders, and highlight your commitment to build on your diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership to promote healthy workplaces. We are honoured to work with WIL Champions from across Canada committed to making a positive difference. WIL is about working together to get there. In the next three years, more than 20% of the Canadian workforce is eligible to retire, nearly double the amount in the previous five years (Rubin, 2022). Attracting, recruiting, and retaining underrepresented groups will become vital to fill the workforce gap. Employees are demanding a more supportive, inclusive workplace, “which is what the next generation of employees — and especially younger women—want and expect.” (Women in the Workplace Report, page 15). We hope you will be part of the change. We aim to transform workplaces by accelerating change with employers building or amending policies and procedures to support more women applying for leadership and decision-making positions through the Bridge to Gender Equality Project. The Women in Leadership Foundation acknowledges the financial support provided by Women and Gender Equality Canada for the Bridge to Gender Equality Project. Through the project, we have created a Women in Leadership Policy and Toolkit and are holding information sessions in Spring 2023 to engage employers and stakeholders to transform workplaces, shift mindsets, and empower women. Join us to be part of the change and we will see you at one of our chapter locations: Victoria, Vancouver, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Sincerely, Maya Kanigan, BComm. Founder & President, Women in Leadership Foundation
National Women in Leadership Day 2023
01:42

National Women in Leadership Day 2023

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Proclamation Annually – the last Wednesday in May, WIL Wednesday Join Us to Be Part of the Change Established in 2001, the Women in Leadership Foundation (WIL) is a national, non-profit organization committed to creating a platform to promote diverse & inclusive workplaces. WIL offers deep expertise in creating impactful programs and content to raise awareness and drive tangible result for our community (176,000+, 7 chapters). We help all women across Canada to have the confidence and opportunities to pursue positions of leadership and help employers hire, grow, and support a diverse workforce. As we celebrate our 22nd year, we invite you to join us on May 31, 2023 to show your support for advancing women in leadership, share your story, showcase your leaders, and highlight your commitment to build on your diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership to promote healthy workplaces. We are honoured to work with WIL Champions from across Canada committed to making a positive difference. WIL is about working together to get there. In the next three years, more than 20% of the Canadian workforce is eligible to retire, nearly double the amount in the previous five years (Rubin, 2022). Attracting, recruiting, and retaining underrepresented groups will become vital to fill the workforce gap. Employees are demanding a more supportive, inclusive workplace, “which is what the next generation of employees — and especially younger women—want and expect.” (Women in the Workplace Report, page 15). We hope you will be part of the change. We aim to transform workplaces by accelerating change with employers building or amending policies and procedures to support more women applying for leadership and decision-making positions through the Bridge to Gender Equality Project. The Women in Leadership Foundation acknowledges the financial support provided by Women and Gender Equality Canada for the Bridge to Gender Equality Project. Through the project, we have created a Women in Leadership Policy and Toolkit and are holding information sessions in Spring 2023 to engage employers and stakeholders to transform workplaces, shift mindsets, and empower women. Join us to be part of the change and we will see you at one of our chapter locations: Victoria, Vancouver, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Sincerely, Maya Kanigan, BComm. Founder & President, Women in Leadership Foundation
Career Development Webinar "Leverage the Power of Your LinkedIn Profile"
54:53

Career Development Webinar "Leverage the Power of Your LinkedIn Profile"

Speaker Bio Robyn Quinn, APR, MA, Fellow CPRS Founder and President of Big Bang Communications and retired founding Chair of Island Women in Science and Technology (IWIST), Robyn Quinn is a dynamic communications professional with 20 years experience working in education, research, technology, government, not-for-profit, association and transportation sectors. Originally from Nova Scotia, she developed and delivered award winning public relations and marketing campaigns from coast to coast and is passionate about supporting the growth of women in STEM leadership roles. Volunteer Victoria recognized her commitment to IWIST with a Leadership Award in 2018 presented by Lt Governor Janet Austen. She loves to share her insights on LinkedIn and is often invited to run workshops across the country. A graduate of Royal Roads University (MA Professional Communications) and Saint Mary’s University, Robyn is a long time accredited member of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and named Fellow in 2018. She was CPRS National President 2004/05. While working at Natural Resources Canada, in 2008 Robyn co-chaired National Science and Tech Week for BC & Yukon. Although communications is her primary focus, Robyn is also a certified Change Management Professional, Public Participation Professional and Scrum Product Owner. In 2015 and in 2020 Robyn was nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. Robyn is currently on contract as Manager, Communications and Marketing at St. Margaret’s School, a girl-centred school with a strategic focus on STEM-X. @PR4Science (Twitter and Instagram) www.bigbangcommunications.ca Julia Loglischi, Photographer; Julia Loglisci Photography In 2012, I graduated from Camosun College in Victoria, BC, where I received my Diploma in Communications. Driven towards a career as a broadcast journalist, it wasn’t until after college where I found myself falling in love with the art of photography. Right after school, I was hired to write and shoot for a local tattoo and culture lifestyle magazine, which really kick started my career. I then spent time traveling the world and living in many other big cities, working and gaining experience as a photographer, which eventually was the reason why I came back home to Victoria. After working for the past 10 years as a freelance photographer, I am now the proud owner of two businesses; Julia Loglisci Photography and Pop Up Wedding Victoria. I have been directing my energy towards shooting weddings, boudoir and lifestyle portraits, but I also really enjoy shooting real-estate and neighbourhoods for developers. I am proud to call Victoria, B.C. my home, where there is no shortage of work and inspiration. I love what I do and I'm very fortunate that I get to pursue my passion as a career. Check out my reviews and portfolio. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Founded in 2001, Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills & creates positive change in the future of women’s leadership. Learn more at womeninleadership.ca.
Career Development Webinar - "Speed Career Coaching"
28:36

Career Development Webinar - "Speed Career Coaching"

Please join the WIL Vancouver Chapter and our expert panelists Vida Thomson (Career Coach), Janice Porter (LinkedIn Trainer/Relationship Marketing Specialist) and our very Own Van Chapter Co-Chair Maureen McKinnon (Executive Leadership Coach) to get tips and advice on your career. This Career Development webinar is a high energy, low-risk way to get personal career advice in three 20-minute speed coaching sessions. Get advice on Resumes, cover letters, interview prep, LinkedIn profiles, making LinkedIn connections, how to gain career clarity, building career credibility, increasing visibility and much more. Let’s have fun! Speaker Bios Vida Thomson; Career Consultant, Flourish Career Consultant ~ Vida is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, Career Coach, and Professional Resume Writer. She started her career in Human Resources Management and worked for 10+ years in all facets of HR, including recruitment, training and development, onboarding, compensation, performance management, empolyee relations and conflict resolution. In 2017, Vida started Flourish Career Consulting to focus on career development services for clients, including preparation, career transitions, career planning, outplacements services, and leadership development. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resources Management, a Certificate in Social Media & Online Marketing, and Certificate in Psychometric Assessments. Janice Porter; LinkedIn Trainer/Relationship Marketing Specialist, Janice Porter & Associates ~ Janice is a master networker and a huge connector. She trains business professionals how to leverage the power of LinkedIn to build relationships and generate qualified leads. She also shows them how to nurture those relationships using an online business tool that sends REAL cards and gifts in the mail. She has a weekly podcast called Relationships Rule - on which she interviews like-minded professionals - those who see the value in relationship marketing. Janice values her relationships and is always looking for ways to be of service to others. Maureen McKinnon; Executive Leadership Coach, McKinnon Executive Coaching ~ Maureen’s Mission is to help more women gain leadership roles to balance gender equity in corporate leadership. She helps talented women get promoted and make more money! Her role as Executive Leadership Coach supports managers/executives to maximize their unique leadership capabilities, develop their people management skills, advocate for themselves and get promoted. Maureen has an impressive ability to make women around her feel encouraged, confident and proud of themselves. As a women’s advocate, she has been empowering and championing women leaders volunteering with over twelve different Vancouver women organizations. Maureen holds a Masters of Science in Management and a Masters of Science in Financial Services, is a Certified Business Coach and Certified Executive Coach. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Founded in 2001, Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills & creates positive change in the future of women’s leadership.
Speaker Series Webinar, presented by WIL Alberta Chapter
50:21

Speaker Series Webinar, presented by WIL Alberta Chapter

Advancing women’s future is what inspires change. In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2023 at 4:00pm PST // 5:00pm MST // 7:00pm EST, the Women in Leadership Foundation Alberta Chapter is proud to spotlight an inspirational change-maker and leader, Lori James, Executive Director of the Making Changes Association. Lori’s career journey has taken her from for-profit work, to launching her own coaching business, to non-profit management. Through some humbling mistakes, tough lessons about vulnerability, and some wonderful mentors and colleagues, Lori learned the value of stepping into her true self, finding her voice, and knowing that we all deserve to be heard and belong. At Making Changes, Lori is grateful to help empower other women in a position she never would have considered dreaming about just a few years ago. Lori teaches us that we are all leaders, regardless of what our professional title says. Join our free virtual event to learn how to lead and thrive in all aspects of life with vulnerability and authenticity. Speaker Bio: Lori James - Making Changes Association; Executive Director With over 30 years of experience empowering teams, supporting clients, and generating results, Lori’s career focus has been on the value of relationship building – both internal and external relationships – and their impact on the bottom line. Lori’s career journey has taken her from for-profit work in the business communications and training field, to launching her own personal coaching business, to working in non-profit organizations. Lori has spent the last 15 years in senior roles within non-profit organizations guiding and supporting strategic planning, program development, human resources, funding initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. In October 2022, Lori joined Making Changes Association as their Executive Director. The association has over 40 years of empowering women, those who identify as women, and teen girls – helping them reach their full potential. The alignment of Lori’s passions, and the vision and values of Making Changes, is an exciting chapter in Lori’s life – bringing her experience and life-long focus on people, full circle. As a self admitted workaholic, Lori appreciates the patience of her husband Tim, and daughter Virginia, and the times they can get away for road trips and adventures with their dog Tux. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Founded in 2001, Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills & creates positive change in the future of women’s leadership. Learn more at womeninleadership.ca.
Career Development Webinar "Harnessing the Power of your Personal Brand"
50:58

Career Development Webinar "Harnessing the Power of your Personal Brand"

Mid-Day Squares is a unicorn Canadian chocolate company that started as a small family business and turned into multi-million dollar brand in just a few short years. In this session, Jake Karls (Co-founder & Chief Rainmaker), shares how he and the other founders became self-made millionaires by marketing their journey, harnessing the power of brand building, the significance of storytelling as both a means of communications and sales tool, and making failure a part of their business strategy. Learn how to capture and leverage the MDS model for your own brand. In 2022, we are glamorizing the ability to make money in unconventional ways – it’s the era of self-made millionaires. And when founders lean into the superhero status, they perpetuate the idea that entrepreneurship is prestigious, lucked-into, and only for the fortunate elite. That’s why Jake Karls, Chief Rainmaker and co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, made it his mission to showcase absolutely every inch of unglamorous entrepreneurship. At Mid-Day Squares, failure is the business strategy. Instead of hiding behind perfectionism, they show every six-figure mess-up, every challenge of being family-founders – and broadcast it to their ~80,000 followers. And contrary to popular belief, showcasing failure has been their greatest asset. This presentation will show how we market our journey, how each of the founders plays a roll in the MDS branding, the significance of storytelling as a mode of communication and sales tool, and finally how to capture the MDS model for your own brand. Speaker Bio Jake Karls; Co-founder & Chief Rainmaker, Mid-Day Squares Jake Karls is the co-founder and Chief Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares. As the Rainmaker, Jake focuses on achieving growth through the business of building genuine relationships – with investors, buyers, journalists, and building out the internal team. In Jake’s better-known role as Mid-Day Squares’s resident Social-Personality, he passionately inspires others to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable” and be unapologetically themselves. Though he was recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 class of 2023, his self-proclaimed “greatest accomplishment” was learning how to be confident in himself. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Founded in 2001, Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills & creates positive change in the future of women’s leadership. Learn more at womeninleadership.ca.
Career Development Webinar "Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity"
01:00:07

Career Development Webinar "Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity"

Please join the WIL Montreal Chapter and our inspiring panelists Christina Kadas (Notary) and Beth Christian (Deputy Secretary for Administration), to discuss their successful career journey, leadership and how each of them overcame different challenges that have made them the inspiring and resilient leaders they are today. Speaker Bios * Christina Kadas; Mtre Christina Kadas, Notary Mtre Christina Kadas, Notary is the founder of a law firm located in the West Island of Montreal specializing in incapacity procedures, estate planning, estate settlement, marriage celebrations and real estate. Mtre Kadas obtained her Licentiate in Law (LL.L) with distinction (magna cum laude) from the University of Ottawa in 2011. She then completed a degree in taxation at the University of Sherbrooke and a Notarial Law Degree (D.D.N.) from the University of Montreal in 2013. Mtre Kadas is also the co-founder of The Lena Fund, benefitting the Hematology-Oncology Division of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. She is an advocate for childhood cancer awareness and preparing for the unexpected. * Beth Christian; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Deputy Secretary for Administration Beth Christian serves as the Deputy Secretary for Administration in the Department of General Services (DGS). In this capacity, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer for over 960 employees in Pennsylvania’s primary agency for general services including human resources, budget, risk and insurance management, information technology, print and media services, and real estate transactions for the Commonwealth. Beth’s focus centers on creating an amazing experience for our employees and customers. Beth serves on the Board for the STEM-UP Network Advisory Board - a group encouraging more women to enter into STEM careers; Society for Human Resource Management; National Association of Facility Administrators - currently serving on the Board of Directors; Diversity & Inclusion Professionals of Central PA; a volunteer NICU cuddler and shares her passion for public service as a mentor in the Commonwealth’s Mentor-Mentee program. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Founded in 2001, Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills & creates positive change in the future of women’s leadership. Learn more at www.womeninleadership.ca.

WIL Community Blog

MEET THE COMMUNITY & LEARN MORE

WIL and its programs are only possible due to dedicated volunteers that sit on the local Chapter Executive, Committees and other support roles.  We offer challenging volunteer leadership opportunities accross Canada that helps expand women's networks and leadership development.

Our Goal, Vision & Commitment

Volunteer, Participate, or Network

Image by Kolby Milton

​The Women in Leadership Foundation acknowledges that our head office operations is located within the traditional and unceded territory of the Okanagan Syilx people. We recognize, honour and respect the presence of all Indigenous people, past, present and future.

Join our Network of over 200,000 women
Sign-up for our Newsletter

Subscribe Anchor

Join our email list and get early information to upcoming event access, leadership development content, featured career opportunities and more! It's free and typically sent weekly.

Thank you for subscribing!

bottom of page