Description

International Women's Day Brunch  

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. On Friday, March 8, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is excited to host our annual International Women's Day celebration.

Indulge in a delicious brunch buffet at the stunning Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club while listening to a powerful keynote speaker, engaging in panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on the theme of #InspireInclusion. The international theme #InspireInclusion aims to drive change and create a more equal society.

Stay tuned for our amazing speakers lineup and more event details!

IWD 2024: #InspireInclusion

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion. 

Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid.

Keynote Speaker 

Ravi Toor | Leadership Coach

Keynote Presentation Title: Revolutionize Yourself

Ravi Toor stands at the forefront of innovation in Conscious Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility. With a foundational background in Psychology and Corporate Operations, Ravi has carved a unique niche as a champion of transformative change. Her journey, enriched by diverse experiences in the non-profit, private sectors, and entrepreneurship, paved the way for her pioneering role in redefining leadership and social impact.

In 2017, Ravi identified and seized a critical opportunity in the market, becoming a leading voice in Conscious Leadership. Her belief is firm: true, sustainable change is driven by passionate individuals and purpose-driven enterprises. This conviction has guided her collaborations with Fortune 500 and 5000 companies and executives, where she plays a pivotal role in leadership development and impactful social initiatives.

As a TEDx speaker, Ravi's insights and compelling narratives have captivated audiences worldwide. Her influence extends through client collaborations and podcasts, where she advocates for a more conscious and responsible approach to business and leadership. Ravi's vision and expertise make her a respected and sought-after thought leader in the pursuit of global transformation.

Panel Moderator

Courtney Steeksma | Senior Manager, The Scotiabank Women Initiative 

Courtney is the Regional Lead of the Scotiabank Women Initiative for BC & Yukon. With over 10 years of experience in the finance industry holding various roles in Retail, Agriculture and Commercial banking. Courtney is passionate about working with women to pursue their best professional and financial futures. She is committed to being engaged with her community through volunteer work & fundraising. Courtney sits as a Board Director for the Association of Women in Finance, supports The Vancouver Hospital Foundation as a Gala Committee Member and was awarded Business in Vancouver’s Forty under 40.

Panelists

Cybele Negris | CEO, Webnames.ca

Cybele the co-founder & CEO of Webnames.ca, Canada’s original .CA Registrar and Webnamescorporate.com, steering its evolution into a security driven, brand-protection focused industry leader.  She’s an ICD.D accredited director on an extensive portfolio of corporate, crown and government boards: AGF Management (TSX:AGF.B), BCAA, and as Vice-Chair of the Royal Canadian Mint, Science World, and BC’s Small Business Roundtable.  A Hall of Fame Inductee and four-time winner of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and nine-time winner of PROFIT W100.  Other recognitions include WXN Canadian Equity Diversity & Inclusion Award-Corporate Directors category, BMO Celebrating Women on Boards Award, 3X honouree of BIV500-BC’s top business leaders-Tech Innovators category, Canada’s Marketing, Advertising, PR and Communications Hall of Fame Inductee, 3X winner BC Business Most Influential Women in Business, Business In Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business and Top 40 Under 40.

Janine Davies | VP Corporate Communications and Marketing, Raymond James

As the Vice President of Corporate Communications & Marketing, Janine oversees the strategic marketing initiatives for Raymond James Ltd Canada’s largest independent brokerage firm. A community-builder at heart, Janine leverages her background in Corporate Social Responsibility to create brand-defining campaigns that reflect the client-first values and culture of the firm.  Janine is a former financial advisor and self-described ‘recovering banker’ with 25 years of experience in banking and finance. She holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from Royal Roads University, and is committed to continuous growth and improvement. She is deeply involved in her community and a firm believer in the importance of stepping up as a leader in the public realm. In In addition, Janine was the 2014 Tri-Cities Chamber Board Chair.

Special Performance by M'Girl

M’Girl’s percussive based hand drum songs blends harmonies into a contemporary gospel style, reflecting both their cultural practice and their personal story of home.  M’Girls’ percussive-based hand drum songs, blend their harmonies into a contemporary style reflecting their expertise of voice and their personal story of home. 

Led by Renae Morriseau, their music reflects their cultural worldviews held respectfully by each M’Girl living in the urban world of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tlseil-Waututh peoples: M'Girl is Renae Morriseau (left), (Cree/Saulteaux), Sherryl Sewepegaham (middle), (Cree)  and Kelsey Wavey (right)(Cree) 

Period Promise Donations 

Many students, employees & people experiencing vulnerabilities cannot afford menstrual products. We've partnered up with the Soroptimist International of the Tri Cities to collect at the event, donations of menstrual products or cash donations will be accepted. (ie: tampons, pads, menstrual pads, menstrual underwear). Please help us to educate, empower and enable equality for all!

Social Media Campaign

Are you in? Will you inspire inclusion? Strike the #InspireInclusion pose -- making a heart shape with your two hands -- to show solidarity. When we truly value difference, inclusion comes from the heart. Inspire others to help forge an inclusive world by sharing your #InspireInclusion image across social media using #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion.