Women Who Build: Leadership in Action
About this Event
WOMEN WHO BUILD: LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Building Connections. Sharing Experience. Creating Opportunities.
Women Who Build: Leadership in Action is more than a conference—it is a full day dedicated to meaningful conversations, new connections and practical opportunities.
On Friday, September 25, Business Woman PRO Canada will bring together women entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, political representatives and community leaders from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds.
Networking will be an important part of the day. Guests will have dedicated time to meet our speakers, connect with participating organizations and vendors, exchange ideas and introduce their businesses and services. Several networking breaks will provide opportunities to build relationships, discover potential collaborations and meet future clients, partners or mentors.
Guests will begin the day with morning coffee and croissants. Lunch will also be provided.
THREE PANEL DISCUSSIONS
WOMEN IN POLITICS
What inspires women to enter politics and public service? What challenges do they face, and why is women’s representation essential at every level of government?
This conversation will explore leadership, political participation, public service, advocacy, campaigning and the importance of women’s voices in decision-making.
Featured participants include:
The Honourable Rechie Valdez — Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, and Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville.
Bonnie Crombie — Former Mayor of Mississauga and an experienced public leader with extensive municipal, provincial and federal political experience.
Marion Nader — CEO of Nexus Strategy Group Inc., former NDP strategist and senior executive with more than 20 years of experience in politics, government, campaigns, communications and strategy.
The panel will also welcome municipal leaders and women currently running for Mississauga City Council. Additional names will be announced soon.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
What does it take to build and grow a successful business? Our speakers will share the realities behind their achievements, including the challenges they have faced, the decisions that shaped their journeys and the lessons they learned along the way.
Featured speakers include:
Dr. Rina Raichada, DMD — Principal Dentist and CEO of Dentistry On 10, entrepreneur, author, speaker and mentor. Dr. Rina will share her experience of moving from practitioner to CEO and building a business that can grow beyond its founder.
Sue Loveless — Small Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant with IDEA Mississauga. Sue will share information about grants, business resources and opportunities that can help entrepreneurs start, develop and grow their businesses. Many entrepreneurs apply for grants without fully understanding the process or the details that can influence an application. This conversation will offer valuable insight and direction.
Donna Smith — Founder, owner and Creative Director of Miik, a Canadian, women-led clothing company recognized for its locally and ethically made, sustainable and inclusive fashion.
WOMEN IN COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
How can women create meaningful change in their organizations, workplaces and communities? This panel will explore leadership with purpose, the future of work, skills development, culture, inclusion and social impact.
Featured speakers include:
Dr. Elyse Watkins — Associate Director of Corporate Strategy at the Future Skills Centre. Dr. Watkins is an internationally published author, researcher and strategic leader whose work focuses on skills development, education, equity, innovation and the changing future of work.
Marichka — Ukrainian-Canadian singer, composer and ethnomusicologist whose internationally recognized work preserves cultural memory and uses music to tell powerful stories. She is the creator of Daughters of Donbas and will speak about cultural leadership, identity and the power of art to strengthen communities
Additional speakers will be announced soon.
MORE THAN PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Every panel will include an audience question-and-answer session, allowing guests to speak directly with the participants, ask practical questions and learn from their experiences.
Throughout the day, attendees will also have opportunities to:
• Meet entrepreneurs, executives, political representatives and community leaders;
• Present their businesses, organizations and professional experience;
• Discover grants, programs, resources and development opportunities;
• Connect with participating vendors and learn about their products and services;
• Find potential clients, partners, collaborators and mentors;
• Exchange ideas and build relationships across different industries and communities.
OUR PARTNERS AND VENDORS
We sincerely thank Alterna Savings for supporting Women Who Build: Leadership in Action. Alterna representatives will be present at the event, giving guests an opportunity to meet their team and learn more about the financial products, services and resources available to individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses.
The event will also feature a diverse vendor showcase. Participating businesses and organizations will introduce their products and services and connect directly with attendees throughout the day.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This event is for:
• Entrepreneurs and small-business owners;
• Executives and corporate professionals;
• Political and public-service representatives;
• Community and nonprofit leaders;
• Newcomers building careers and businesses in Canada;
• Students and emerging leaders;
• Organizations committed to women’s advancement;
• Anyone looking for knowledge, connections, collaboration and new opportunities.
Join us for a meaningful day of leadership, learning and connection. Come prepared to listen, ask questions, share your story and meet people who may become your future clients, partners, collaborators or friends.
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, September 25, 2026
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Port Credit Memorial Arena
40 Stavebank Road North
Mississauga, Ontario
Morning coffee and croissants, lunch, panel discussions, audience Q&A sessions, networking opportunities and access to the vendor showcase are included.
Reserve your ticket and become part of a community of women—and allies—who are building stronger businesses, organizations and communities.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 76.38 to CAD 108.47
