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!

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!

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!

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

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

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.

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/

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.

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.
