She Leads event will highlight 'the difference makers'

A pair of panels and door prizes will be among highlights at the She Leads: The Difference Makers event coming up in Sault Ste. Marie.

The night promises to be an "evening dedicated to connecting and learning from a new generation of influential women in leadership roles," says a Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce news release.

It all takes place on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Machine Shop (83 Huron St.). Following is the complete news release.

Mark your calendars! On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. we will be holding once again our special event She Leads: The Difference Makers.

She Leads: The Difference Makers event is an inspiring evening dedicated to connecting and learning from a new generation of influential women in leadership roles. This event highlights the remarkable contributions of women who thrive in male-dominated industries and diverse leadership environments, driving positive, lasting change. Attendees will engage with women who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and the power to mobilize others—qualities that enable them to do more with less and make a meaningful impact. Join us to celebrate these leaders who exemplify determination, strategic thinking, and the courage to pursue transformative opportunities.

In collaboration with Strive Young Professionals, She Leads presents an inspiring platform to hear powerful stories, share your own experiences, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. The event features two dynamic panels, networking opportunities during the mix-and-mingle, and showcases women-led and diversity-driven businesses and organizations at our "She Leads" vendor exhibition.

Featuring two panel discussions: 

• Being ATHENA
• Accelerating Action For Women's Equality

Food, dessert table and cash bar provided by The Machine Shop

Women led businesses and ally vendor tables available! 
Buy four tickets, receive a vendor table for the She Leads trade show. First come, first served, limited to 20.

For more information about vendor tables contact [email protected]

Door prizes:

• Being ATHENA Leadership Training (valued at $750)
• Women in Business Breakfast Tickets (Valued at $100)
• Kevanna Fine Photography Gift Certificate for Business Portraits (Valued at $125)

Panel One – Being ATHENA

Hear from four of our graduates of the Being ATHENA: Leadership Training. The Being ATHENA Leadership training program brought together 27 women in search of bringing about profound transformations into the lives through the acquisition of knowledge, self-reflection, and the establishment of strong relationships. These remarkable women have experienced significant growth in their self-understanding and acknowledgment, as well begun the journey to reaching unprecedented levels of achievement and success. They have expressed a newfound confidence in advocating for themselves, and attained a self-confidence that will help them in successful negotiations for salary increases, promotions, and increased responsibilities creating new possibilities in their personal lives. In today's extraordinary times of post pandemic, recession, rising costs, conflicts and a global movement to address racial and economic justice, the ATHENA Leadership Model (ALM) offers the skills and attributes for building the successful leaders we need now and for the future. This session will be moderated by Past President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, Karen Bird a certified trainer of the Being ATHENA program.

Moderator:
Karen Bird, Certified Becoming ATHENA Trainer, CCO, Indigenous Impact Investment Circle (3iC)

Panelists:
Franca Liguori, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)
Beverley Barber, The Water Tower Inn
Tiffaney Godin - Batchewana First Nation
Carmela Coccimiglio - Sault Area Hospital

Panel Two – Accelerating Action for Women's Equality

As we approach International Women’s Day 2025 and the theme #AccelerateAction, when women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?" This panel brings together women leaders who are driving tangible progress toward gender equality. This begins by teaching and coaching young people that successful entrepreneurs and leaders are not classified or limited by gender. These trailblazing women will share their personal experiences of taking decisive action in their leadership roles, breaking barriers, and creating inclusive spaces for future generations of women. The conversation will delve into strategies and initiatives they’ve championed, highlighting how effective leadership can accelerate change across industries. From tackling systemic inequalities to fostering mentorship and advocacy, this discussion will empower attendees to envision and contribute to a future where women's equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.

Moderator:
Erica Hogan - Chief Executive Officer at Hogan's Homestead

Panelists:
Sherri Smith, vice president, academic, innovation, and student services at Sault College
Mary Wabano-McKay, president and chief academic officer at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
Kaitlyn Good - East Algoma OPP
Sheila Purvis - Purvis Marine Ltd.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Bell and RBC for their generous sponsorships, making this incredible event possible.
 
Join us at She Leads at the Machine Shop (83 Huron St.) for an evening of inspiration, empowerment, recognition, and opportunity. To register, visit www.ssmcoc.com.