Women Inspire-2024 (Celebrating Women in Business & Leadership)

INTRODUCTION

Casa Foundation for International Development presents the Women Inspire Forum 2024, commemorating International Women’s Day which is celebrated in March every year. The event focuses on gender equality and investing in women to shape the future for all. The theme of this year ' s Women Inspire 2024 forum is "Beyond Inclusion: Empowering Women Digitally."

The event aims to provide a platform for meaningful conversations, connections, and inspiration, showcasing the vital role women play in the digital realm. The primary focus is on bolstering women-owned businesses, fostering empowerment, and connecting women to essential resources.

The Women Inspire Forum serves as a knowledge-sharing hub, featuring a diverse agenda, including a business roundtable, case studies spotlighting leading women pioneers, keynote statements from senior government officials, and speakers representing various sectors. The event aims to foster discussions on successes, best practices, lessons learned, and robust conversation on cultivating new partnerships, relationships, and markets.

ABOUT WOMEN INSPIRE5TH EDITION HIGHLIGHTS

This year the 5th edition of the Women Inspire Forum, held on March 6th, 2024, brought together notable figures from government, trade, business, academia, and the global community. The live in-person event at the World Trade Centre, East Waterfront Ballroom, fostered connections between speakers and the audience. The forum catered to CEOs of corporations, established and emerging organizations, women founders, entrepreneurs, business professionals, interns, and senior academia. Discussions focused on spearheading change in women ' s empowerment, fostering mentorship, partnerships, and sponsorships, advancing women into leadership positions, and increasing access to business opportunities and resources.

HIGHLIGHTS 2024

HON. CHARMAINE A. WILLAMS

ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF WOMEN'S SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO

Minister Williams emphasized the significance of building partnerships and collaboration among women She praised organizations like the Casa Foundation and events like the Women Inspire for encouraging women to see the best in themselves and fostering collaboration rather than competition. She believes that when women work together, great things happen, leading to improved opportunities and a stronger economy for all. She also raised the issue of diversity in leadership and the need for more women at decision-making tables to bring about positive change

HON. RECHIE VALDEZ

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

Hon Richie emphasized the importance of women entrepreneurs uplifting one another and the power of collaboration and support among women entrepreneurs. At the Women Inspire Forum 2024 she said: Together, we can break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and create a world where women ' s entrepreneurial spirit thrives.

DR. OLUTOYIN OYELADE HIGHLIGHTS 2024

PRESIDENT, CASA FOUNDATION

In the opening remarks for Women Inspire 2024 our delectable president Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade welcomed all attendees to the event emphasizing the importance of Women's History Month and how it promotes gender equality through technology - with notable guests recognized for their efforts. The speech concludes by highlighting the significance of alliances and relationships, she concluded by saying... ” It is good to pursue purpose, it also good to celebrate, to enjoy our wins, to cultivate our relationships, create new ones, and build alliances.”

Finally, she thanked the audience for their commitment to empowering women digitally

PANEL DISCUSSION

ROUNDTABLE SESSION 1:

Presenting Case Studies of Women Entrepreneurs in Canada

-Stories of Rising Entrepreneurs

The panel discussions featured successful women entrepreneurs who shared their personal journeys and experiences. They discussed the challenges faced by startup companies, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists highlighted the importance of proper preparations, plugging into supportive ecosystems, serving the community, and building strategic partnerships. They emphasized the need for determination, resilience, and resourcefulness to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.

PANEL DISCUSSION 2:

Connecting Women Through Digital Inclusion

The panel focused on digital inclusion and its role in empowering women. The panelists, including experts in diversity and inclusion, discuss the digital divide, barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, and ways to bridge this gap. They stressed the importance of financial literacy, financial management, understanding credit, and leveraging technology to enhance business growth. The panelists highlighted the need for targeted programs, educational initiatives, and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion to ensure equal access to capital and resources.

PANEL DISCUSSION 3:

Empowering Women through Finance and Investment

The panel explored financial empowerment for women entrepreneurs and individuals. Panelists shared insights on improving access to capital, managing personal finances, and breaking down barriers. They re-emphasized the importance of financial literacy, mentorship, and strategic relationships in navigating the financial landscape. The panelists also discussed the need for systemic changes at the organizational level to promote diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to capital.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

PROF. WENDY CUKIER

Founder and Academic director of Diversity Institute, Academic Director, WEKH, Research Lead, Future Skills, TMU

PROF. MELISSA JIMENO

Professor and Program Coordinator, Global Business Management, Centennial College

JULIET KEGO UME-ONYIDO

Co-Founder, Whole Woman Network

ASLI KAHRAMAN

Founder Operations Mavenue & Co-founder, Smart Gen Co

ROSALIND LOCKYER

Founder and CEO, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

JANIS NIXON

Vice President of Program and Partnerships, Futurpreneur

JULIE DIMITRI

National Manager, Women in Enterprise, TD Business Banking

MARCELA MANDEVILLE

CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs & Board Chair, Canada

DONNA WALWYN

Managing Director at The Fairway Group

ANNA DAYAN

VP & Region Head, TD Wealth Private Wealth Management

ALIYA RAMJI

Partner, McCarthy Tetrault LLP, Co-founder of MT Ventures

DR. GOLNAZ GOLNARAGHI

Founder of Divity Group Inc. and Accelerate Her Future

IFE OYELADE

Senior Project Manager TD Bank Toronto

NETWORKING

GALLERY

GALLERY

BUFFET LUNCH

EVENT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE PARTNERS

ENTREPRENEURS POINT

INVCAP CORPORATION

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

DIVERSITY INSTITUTE |TMU

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP KNOWLEDGE HUB | WEKH

TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

EVENT SPONSORS

TORONTO-DOMINION BANK

FARM CREDIT CANADA

FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

AGENCY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO

OUR TEAM

WOMEN INSPIRE 2024

For more inquiries about being a sponsor or partner reach out to info@casafoundation.ca

CONCLUSION

The Women Inspire Forum 2024 event served as a testament to the power and resilience of women in business. By addressing barriers, fostering collaboration, and promoting financial empowerment, we can create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. As we celebrate International Women's Day and commemorate women's history, we remain inspired by the stories and insights shared to continue working towards a future where every woman has the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital landscape and contribute to a stronger economy.

WOMEN INSPIRE 2025