Description

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

Keynote Speaker

Shachi Kurl | President, Angus Reid Institute

As the President of the Angus Reid Institute, Shachi Kurl has a remarkable grasp on what we’re collectively thinking about society’s most pressing issues. Kurl, having spent the first half of her career as a political reporter, brings nearly two decades of public policy expertise to her role, and has even been sought by policymakers to testify before the House of Commons. Today, she is regularly called upon by the media for her unique insights. Kurl is a recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster Award for Best TV Reporting. She holds a degree in Journalism and Political Science from Carleton University.

Read more: Keynote Speaker Announcement

Panelists

Martha Piper | Co-Author of "NERVE: Lessons in Leadership from Two Women Who Went First"

Martha Piper served as the first woman president of the University of British Columbia and has been a director of the Bank of Montreal, Shoppers Drug Mart, and TransAlta Corporation.  An Officer of the Order of Canada, she was born in Lorain, Ohio and lives with her husband, William Piper, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Indira Samarasekera | Co-Author of "NERVE: Lessons in Leadership from Two Women Who Went First"

Indira Samarasekera served as the first woman president of the University of Alberta and is a director of Magna International, TC Energy, Intact Financial Corporation and Stelco and has served as a director of the Bank of Nova Scotia.  An Officer of the Order of Canada, she was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Read more: Speaker Panel Announcement

Moderator

Paige Petriw | Councillor, City of Port Coquitlam

A lifelong Tri-Cities resident, Paige Petriw is proud to call Port Coquitlam home with her husband Adrian, two young boys River and Sterling, and their golden retriever Marty. She’s an entrepreneur and the owner of a PoCo-based event planning and marketing company, with which she’s earned several awards and national recognition for her work.

Closing Remarks

Fiona Famulak | President & CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce 

Fiona is passionate about business and has over 30 years international experience, gained in Europe, Asia Pacific and Canada, working in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Fiona works collaboratively with the team, Board of Directors, member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, partners and governments to define and deliver economic recovery solutions that help build a business community in British Columbia that is competitive, innovative and inclusive. 

To Submit Your Questions for the Panel Discussion:

1) Go to Slido.com

2) Enter the event code: #TCCIWD

3) Type in your questions

*Please note that due to time constraints, not all submitted questions will be addressed.

IWD 2023: #EmbraceEquity

For International Women's Day and beyond, let's all fully #EmbraceEquity.

Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA.

We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.

Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity.

Forging gender equity isn't limited to women solely fighting the good fight. Allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women.

When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion. We embrace equity to forge harmony and unity, and to help drive success for all. Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there. Through equity, we can reach equality.

Agenda

8:45am - Registration Opens
9:00am - Networking
9:30am - Opening Remarks
9:45am - Panel Discussion and Q&A
10:30am - Brunch
11:15am - Keynote Presentation
11:50am - Closing Remarks
12:00pm - End of Event

Brunch Menu

• Mini Danish and Cinnamon Buns served with Butter & Assorted Preserves
• Roasted Hash Browns Tossed in Herb Butter
• Crisp Bacon
• Breakfast Sausage
• Scrambled Eggs
• French Toast
• Crepe Station - Choice of Apple & Caramel, Mixed Berries or Nutella & Bananas
• Peppered Strip Loin Beef, with Red Wine Sauce, Horseradish & Mustard
• Steamed BC Salmon with Sweet Chili Coconut Cream Sauce
• Rotini Pasta Carbonara with Bacon, Parsley, Ham & Parmesan Cheese
• Seasonal Sliced Fruit Platter
• Assortment of Cheesecakes, Nanaimo Bars & Tortes
• Assorted Fresh Juice
• Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea

If you require a vegetarian or vegan meal, please contact Chloe at events@tricitieschamber.com before Friday, February 24. Thank you! 

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 donations of menstrual products (ie: tampons, pads, menstrual pads, menstrual underwear). Please help us to educate, empower and enable equality for all!

Social Media Campaign

Show the world your huge embrace. Strike the IWD pose to show solidarity.

Share your #EmbraceEquity image, video, resources, presentation or articles across social media using #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity to encourage further people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world.