The "F" Factor: Fueling Founders

Join us for The “F” Factor, a dynamic half-day event celebrating the forces that fuel women founders and leaders. Hosted during International Women’s Month, this morning gathering brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and ecosystem leaders for honest conversation, shared learning, and meaningful connection.

Through engaging panel discussions, a keynote presentation or fireside chat, and interactive Q and A sessions, The “F” Factor explores the real experiences behind building and scaling a business. From ambition and failure to funding, flexibility, and fortitude, this event creates space for candid dialogue, lived experience, and practical insight. Attendees will enjoy breakfast catering and dedicated time for networking, with opportunities to connect with fellow founders and ecosystem partners throughout the morning.

Whether you are building your first venture or leading a growing organization, The “F” Factor offers inspiration, perspective, and community to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

This event reflects Invest Ottawa’s ongoing commitment to advancing women, fostering inclusion, and supporting long-term impact across our ecosystem. Learn more.

This event is hosted by Invest Ottawa’s Venture Path, a program designed to support high-growth founders as they build, scale, and lead successful businesses. IO Venture Path provides entrepreneurs with access to expert mentorship, tailored programming, and a strong peer network, helping founders navigate complexity, accelerate growth, and make confident, informed decisions at every stage of their journey. Learn more.

Date: March 9, 2026

Time: 8:30 to 12:00 PM

Location: The RBC Foundry, Bayview Yards
In-person event with live stream available

Tickets: Free admission
Tickets may be available at the door (if not sold out)

8:30 - 9:00 AM Registration and networking

9:00 - 9:15 AM Welcome and opening remarks led by Sonya Shorey

9:15 - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation by Tara Akhavan

10:00 - 10:15 AM Q&A

10:15 - 10:30 AM Networking break

10:30 - 11:15 AM Panel Discussion: Shaping the Future of Talent and Work

11:15 - 11:25 AM Q& A

11:25 - 11:30 AM Closing remarks

11:30 - 12:00 PM Networking

12:00 PM Event concludes

We are thrilled to welcome , powerhouse founder, AI innovator, and globally recognized technology leader, as our keynote speaker.

As CEO of , a Canadian health tech startup at the intersection of AI, SaaS, and vision science, Tara is redefining how technology enhances human experience and eye care. With over 15 years of experience in product strategy, entrepreneurship, and global technology leadership, she has commercialized more than 30 software products and transformed cutting-edge ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions across automotive, telecom, consumer technology, and medtech.

Tara founded and scaled , a perceptual display software company acquired by global automotive technology leader . Following the acquisition, she became VP of Software and Ecosystems at FORVIA, where she led global innovation strategy and strategic acquisitions. Having experienced growth and M and A from both the founder and corporate side, she brings rare insight into scaling, valuation, integration, and building companies that last.

A PhD in Image Processing and Computer Vision, TEDx speaker, award-winning innovator, and inventor on more than 35 global patents, Tara has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100 Professionals. Passionate about the power of AI and software ecosystems, she brings bold perspective, practical insight, and founder-first wisdom to every stage she steps on.

This panel brings together senior women HR leaders from high-growth technology companies to explore the evolving landscape of talent, leadership, and work. Featuring Megan Patterson (Kinaxis), Heidi Hauver (Ranovus), and Stefanie McNeil (Field Effect), the conversation will examine how organizations are navigating hybrid and in-person work models, and how they balance flexibility, culture, and performance as they scale. Moderated by Kirsi Maharaj, Human Resources Consultant, the discussion will offer practical insights into building resilient, people-centred workplaces in a rapidly changing environment.

• Complimentary catering will be provided.

• This event is part of Invest Ottawa’s International Women’s Month programming and is open to women entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring founders from across the community.

• Complimentary parking is available onsite. Additionally, Bayview Yards is located 600m away from Bayview Station, the O-Train stop.

• Should you have any specific mobility requirements or accommodations, please contact Jennifer Prevost at [email protected]. Our team will be pleased to work with you to make all the arrangements required for a great experience.

• Special moments and memories will be recorded during this event and shared with our community via our website and social media.

• By registering for this event, you will receive event-related emails and an invitation to subscribe to our IMW official mailing list.

Join the Community - Women United

This year, Invest Ottawa is proud to partner with Women United for International Women's Month 2026

A vital part of United Way East Ontario, is a community of diverse and dedicated changemakers that has, for over a decade, focused on transforming the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse people across our region. They exist because too many people still face barriers like violence, poverty, and systemic discrimination that limit their potential.

Together with their donors, they invest in local programs and projects that:

• Address gender-based violence
• Empower women in leadership
• Support young mothers and their children
• Build an equitable economy

To learn more about Women United visit https://www.unitedwayeo.ca/get-involved/women-united/

As part of our impact-focused programming, we’re hosting an Office Wear Clothing Drive in support of Dress for Success, an organization empowering women and gender-nonconforming individuals with support, professional attire, and development tools to achieve economic independence and thrive.

Throughout the month and at each of our IWM events, a donation box will be available in the Bayview Yards lobby. We invite you to donate suits, blouses, shoes, watches — anything professional and office-ready! Thank you for helping us empower women. To learn more: https://ottawa.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/

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