Description

- EVENT SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE -

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. On Friday, March 7, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is excited to host our annual International Women's Day celebration.

Indulge in a delicious breakfast buffet at the Vancouver Golf Club while listening to a powerful keynote speaker, engaging in panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on the theme #AccelerateAction.

Agenda

• 9:00am - Networking 
• 9:20am - Welcome & opening remarks
• 9:40am - Sponsor remarks 
• 9:45am - Keynote presentation
• 10:15am - Brunch buffet 
• 11:10am - Sponsor remarks 
• 11:15am - Panel discussion and Q&A
• 11:50am - Closing remarks
• 12:00pm - End of event

Keynote Speaker

Allison J. Bran  |  Speaker, Strategist, Entrepreneur, and Founder of The REX Agency

Allison J. Bran is the founder and CEO of The REX Agency, an internationally award-winning brand strategy firm that helps businesses transform their brands and build influence. A self-taught strategist, she built her agency without credentials, proving that leadership isn’t about permission—it’s about action. Allison is passionate about helping others redefine success on their own terms, balancing ambition with personal values, and proving that business and life can align, with intention.

Keynote Synopsis

Accelerate Action: Taking a Seat at the Table Without Permission 

For too long, we’ve been fighting the system to create change. But what if that very mindset is what’s holding us back? 

In this bold and deeply personal talk, Allison Bran challenges traditional narratives around leadership, influence, and success—arguing that the real obstacle isn’t forcing our way into an old system that doesn’t align with us, but rather creating new spaces that redefine success on our own terms. She shares her firsthand journey of breaking into leadership roles, stepping into powerful rooms, and building an internationally award-winning agency—without credentials, connections, or permission. 

This session will challenge the very ways we think about equality—and how those mindsets may be keeping us from real progress. You’ll walk away with the tools to claim the influence and position you seek in your life, business, and career—without waiting for an invitation or approval. 

This talk is for any woman ready to accelerate action despite the barriers in her way—a message that’s especially timely as the choices women have fought for are increasingly under threat. Whether you're striving for leadership, building a business, or redefining success outside traditional structures, this talk will challenge your perspective, sharpen your strategy, and ignite your confidence. 

And for the women balancing ambition with motherhood—or those choosing a different path—this conversation embraces the full spectrum of what leadership looks like today. Because every woman’s success story is hers to write. 

It’s time to stop waiting, start leading, and take your place at the table—on your own terms. 

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PANEL TOPIC 

Women Helping Women Rise: Courageous Action & Strategies for Impact

Moderator:

Sandra Horton |  Founder | Transformational Leadership Strategist, Activate Success Edge

Sandra J. Horton is a trusted leadership strategist who helps healthcare executives and purpose-driven leaders prevent burnout, navigate high-stress environments, and lead with confidence, clarity, and resilience. With an M.A. in Leadership, she is a PROSCI-certified Change Management Professional and EQ-i 2.0/360 Practitioner, specializing in emotional intelligence, burnout recovery, and transformational leadership.

Panelists:

Jessie Adcock |  FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver Host Committee Lead

Jessie Adcock is a multi-disciplinary leader, with a track record of delivering innovative and transformative results in rapidly changing, complex organizational environments. Working across multiple vertical industries in a variety of leadership positions, Jessie has held senior roles with the Government of Canada, Finning International, the City of Vancouver and HSBC Group and maintains an executive advisory practice.

Trish Mandewo |  Founder & CEO |  Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group | Coquitlam City Councillor

Trish Mandewo is an award-winning entrepreneur, board professional, politician, and author. Serving her second term as City Councillor, she is also the President of the Union of BC Municipalities. As the Founder and CEO of Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group, she champions women and other equity-deserving groups through policy work and advocacy, fostering inclusive leadership and governance. 

Tal challenges.

Becca Yu |  Founder | Citadel Speech and Language Services Inc.

Becca Yu founder and clinical director of Citadel Speech and Language Services and the past president of Speech and Hearing BC. Recognized for her leadership, she was named the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce 2024 Young Professional of the Year and received the PoCo Best Biz 2024 award for Best Home-Based Business.

IWD 2025: #AccelerateAction

Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

So, together, let's Accelerate Action for gender equality.

Social Media Campaign

Are you in? Strike the #AccelerateAction pose to show solidarity. 

Encourage others to help accelerate action within their own sphere of influence by sharing your image and statement across social media throughout the year using #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction.