Women in Leadership Day 2026: Celebrating Impact Across Canada

On May 27, 2026, the Women in Leadership Foundation proudly celebrated Women in Leadership Day across Canada, bringing together our national community for a powerful day of connection, learning, inspiration, and celebration.

This year’s Women in Leadership Day came to life through events and programming across Victoria, Okanagan, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal. From sold-out in-person events to meaningful virtual conversations, our chapters created spaces for women, allies, leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, mentors, and community members to connect around one shared mission: advancing women’s leadership across Canada. Across all events, we welcomed a total of 205 registrants nationwide.

The success of Women in Leadership Day reflects the strength of our national network. Each event represented countless hours of planning, coordination, outreach, volunteer support, and community engagement. We know the care and dedication it takes to deliver these experiences, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this national celebration possible.

Sold-Out Moments in Toronto, Okanagan, and Edmonton

In Toronto, Women in Leadership Day welcomed 50 attendees for a sold-out event supported by CIBC. The experience included a workshop, panel discussion, and networking, creating space for meaningful conversations and connection.

Attendees shared:

“This was definitely the most relevant and vulnerable panel discussion I’ve ever attended!”

“It wasn’t just great for networking, it really helped us understand women’s experiences better, and that insight will definitely help us grow in our careers.”

“The format of this event was perfect. The workshop first, break, panel, and then networking was a fabulous setup and would be great to see something similar for the next WIL event.”

In the Okanagan, the chapter hosted another sold-out event, welcoming 100 attendees with support from Accelerate Okanagan and The Jilly Box. The evening created an uplifting space for connection, inspiration, and community-building.

One attendee shared:

“I actually had a pretty tiring and stressful day leading up to it, but the event rejuvenated me and brought me so much positive energy. The attendees, panelists, and volunteers were all amazing!”

These sold-out events are a beautiful reminder of the need for spaces where women can connect, learn, feel seen, and leave energized.

Montreal: Leading with Well-Being

WIL Day from Montreal: Leading with Well-Being was this year’s online feature, with approximately 50 people registered for a meaningful discussion on workplace well-being, leadership, and building healthier workplace cultures.

The conversation featured:

• Nadja Grabovari, M.A., Founder of The Circle of Wellness Montreal and Psychologist specializing in holistic mental health and wellness

• Martine Lamoureux, Head of Talent & Culture at Ardene

• Jennifer Freire, CRHA, Senior Director of People Experience at Fortra

The discussion was moderated by Linda Mota, Founder of Topanga HR and Leadership Coach, and WIL Montreal Co-Chair.

Together, the panel explored what it means to lead with care, create healthier workplace environments, and prioritize well-being as a core part of leadership.

A National Network Creating Local Impact

Women in Leadership Day 2026 highlighted the incredible impact being created across our chapter network. From Victoria to Okanagan, Calgary to Edmonton, Toronto to Montreal, each chapter contributed to a national celebration rooted in connection, equity, leadership, and community.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our chapter leaders and organizing teams for their commitment, creativity, and leadership. Your work continues to move the Women in Leadership Foundation forward and strengthens our presence in communities across the country.

To our sponsors, including CIBC, Accelerate Okanagan, and The Jilly Box, thank you for believing in this work and helping create welcoming spaces where leadership, equity, and community can thrive.

To our partners and venues, thank you for helping bring these experiences to life. To our volunteers, thank you for showing up with energy, care, and dedication. Your contributions behind the scenes and on the ground helped ensure each event felt organized, welcoming, and impactful.

To our speakers, panelists, moderators, and special guests, thank you for sharing your stories, insights, expertise, and lived experiences. Your voices inspired important dialogue and encouraged participants to think deeply about leadership, confidence, well-being, community, and the future we are building together.

And to every participant who joined us, whether in person or virtually, thank you for being part of Women in Leadership Day. Your presence, engagement, conversations, and enthusiasm helped bring this national celebration to life.

Women in Leadership Day is a reminder of what becomes possible when we gather with intention. As we reflect on this year’s success, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for what comes next.

Together, we are building stronger communities, creating more inclusive spaces, and advancing women’s leadership across Canada.