WBE Canada Magazine - Issue 11 by WBE Canada

Issue 11 | January 2024 MOVING THE NEEDLE ON SUPPLIER DIVERSITY WOMEN IMPACT: LEADING INNOVATION & GROWTH A Glimpse into WBE Canada's 14th National Conference 2023 EXCELLENCE AWARDS

2023 EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

IN THIS ISSUE January 2024 Magazine Editorial Team

Silvia Pencak - President & CEO Judy Carswell - Chief Editor Alexandra Roy - Marketing Manager

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Contributing Writers

Silvia Pencak, Judy Carswell, Sesley Brown, Jamie Crump, Amanda Rogers, Meaghan Snow

Designers

Grassick Graphic Communications www.GrassickGraphic.com WBE Canada Contact Details Editorial queries and submissions marketing@wbecanada.ca General queries - concierge@wbecanada.ca WBE Certification - certification@wbecanada.ca Corporate Membership community@wbecanada.ca Partnerships - partner@wbecanada.ca WBE Canada, January 2024 ISSN 2564-4491 https://wbecanada.ca ©

The WBE Canada Magazine is a quarterly magazine designed to connect our communities, empower Canadian women entrepreneurs and inspire Canada’s corporate and government organizations in their supplier diversity initiatives. To subscribe to the WBE Canada Magazine, click here.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO MOVING THE NEEDLE ON SUPPLIER DIVERSITY WOMEN IMPACT: LEADING INNOVATION & GROWTH A Glimpse into WBE Canada's 14th National Conference 2023 EXCELLENCE AWARDS AN UPDATE ON OPG'S JOURNEY RICH TALK with Jamie Crump LEADING WITH PURPOSE Shaping the Future Together 2024 EVENTS CALENDAR NEWS & UPDATES

Message from the President & CEO Welcome to 2024! I can’t help but be excited at what WBE Canada has planned for the next 12 months especially as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary. But first, let me look back and summarize 2023. Our community grew to over 600 certified WBEs (Women Business Enterprises) and over 70 Corporate Members - organizations committed to buying from Canadian women-owned businesses. WBE Canada (co)hosted 78 events ranging from virtual support calls through regional events across 7 provinces and the U.S. involving over 2,000 participants, to our National Conference which attracted 399 attendees. I am grateful for the incredible support of our community, sponsors and champions who partnered with us, supported our work and helped us expand our reach and impact this past year. You made a difference!

Thank you for being part of our community, working diligently on removing barriers and creating wins for Canadian women-owned businesses. You are making a difference. And together we can rewrite the story for women and future generations. We must continue working together on transforming the status quo and making an impact for women today and tomorrow. This year we embarked on a journey of sharing 50+ stories from and about our community. We want to know what you are doing, what’s working for you, who’s making an impact for you and your business or organization. We want to celebrate big and small achievements alike. Whether you send us an article, video or an email, we look forward to hearing about your journey and sharing your story with our community.

As our community grows, so does the WBE Canada Team. Since November we have strengthened our talents, re-configured our skill sets and operations and committed to building our future through exciting and ambitious efforts in growing and supporting our community. You can read about our 2024 plan, board and team improvements in this issue of the Magazine. Thank you for your patience during the transition.

I invite you to reach out to our team with your ideas, your inspiration, and your stories. Together we can be the difference makers and there is no limit to what we can do.

I’m excited to introduce this issue of the Magazine. This is our first New Year edition designed to inspire your plans to help you have your best year yet. Check out great tips from Accenture, OPG and Jamie Crump. Meet and get inspired by our 2023 Excellence Awards winners and if you missed our Conference, discover the top highlights of this important event. Meet our team and learn about what’s coming in 2024 and how you can get involved.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

Happy 2024!

Silvia Pencak President & CEO WBE Canada (Women Business Enterprises Canada Council)

Moving The Needle on Supplier Diver

By Sesley Brown, North America Supplier Inclusion & Diversity Senior Manager, Accenture

At Accenture, we strongly believe that incorporating inclusive procurement practices not only benefits our clients and communities but also ensures responsible business conduct.

and diversity has been translated into action through the Global Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP). This program provides intensive 18-month mentoring to diverse suppliers, connecting them with senior Accenture executives and client mentors. To graduate from the DSDP, mentees must attend monthly meetings, participate in training sessions, complete business health assessments, and provide quarterly progress reports.

By promoting supplier inclusion, we aim to help our suppliers thrive in their markets, fostering shared success among all stakeholders. Our Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability Program operates on a global scale, reaching 22 countries in fiscal year 2023, with plans to expand to more countries in fiscal year 2024 and beyond. We collaborate closely with our Accessibility Center of Excellence to establish accessibility roadmaps for our web-based technology. We define diverse suppliers based on categories such as minority, women, small and medium-sized, service-disabled veterans, historically underutilized, people with disabilities, and LGBTI-owned enterprises. We regularly track our diverse spend within the United States and Canada. In fiscal year 2022, our U.S. diverse spend increased from 32% in fiscal year 2021 to 47%, and our Canadian spend rose from 25% to 34% during the same period. Notably, Accenture's diverse spending in North America (U.S. and Canada) reached approximately 1 billion for the first time.

Recently, we introduced the DSDP Sustainability pilot program, which focuses on sustainability principles outlined by the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative helps suppliers transition towards building responsible business models, contributing to climate action and human rights.

Our objective is to foster a culture of sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to achieve collaborative success. Each year, we continuously enhance our Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP). In fiscal year 2021, we successfully introduced a digital tool aimed at providing small- and medium-sized enterprises with easier access to information and opportunities for diverse partnerships. This digital ecosystem, developed by a DSDP graduate in South Africa,

Since 2006, our commitment to supplier inclusion

rsity

streamlines interactions between diverse suppliers and businesses, promoting growth and sustainability through development, commercial opportunities, and adaptation to the digital era. During the pandemic, the tool has enabled us to conduct all DSDP programming virtually. Our program continues to evolve through digitization efforts, utilizing technology tools like the Sustainable Procurement Hub (The Hub) to streamline supplier environmental, social, and governance assessments. We are actively working on increasing the number of suppliers who report their sustainability performance. For instance, we encourage suppliers to disclose emissions reduction targets, actions, and regularly assess their supply chains. To promote awareness of procurement's positive impact on sustainability, Accenture has partnered with the Sustainable Procurement Pledge (SPP). The SPP is a global, nonprofit community empowering procurement professionals with knowledge, tools, and behavior to embed sustainability into their daily activities. We actively support the SPP, participating in leadership and advisory panels. Investments in new technology and processes enable us to gain greater visibility into our suppliers' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The Hub, introduced in fiscal 2021 and now expanding globally, enhances transparency by allowing suppliers to share their human rights policies WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

and sustainability practices. Moreover, it facilitates due diligence for buyer selection, onboarding, and ad hoc ESG assessments. Currently operational in several countries, we plan further deployments and program enhancements in fiscal 2024. To date, The Hub has conducted numerous sustainability assessments, providing valuable insights into our suppliers' ESG performance.

As we strive to create more sustainable and inclusive supply chains, we acknowledge the importance of an ethical procurement strategy that aligns with our core values and Code of Business Ethics (COBE). This strategy is a fundamental aspect of our business practices, influencing Accenture employee training, supplier selection criteria, and the development of our business conduct standards. To promote greater transparency within our supply chains, we require suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Standards of Conduct (SSoC), which complement our COBE, or to make an equivalent commitment. We communicate these standards through various means, such as contractual terms, the Supplier’s Guide to Doing Business with Accenture, and the purchase order process. We continuously emphasize our commitment to these standards when

MOVING THE NEEDLE ON SUPPLIER DIVERSITY continued...

communicating with the suppliers registered in our supplier portal. Moreover, for suppliers who agree to an equivalent commitment, we have invested in enhancing our governance framework, aligning it with the new Sustainable Procurement Hub operating model.

Furthermore, we expect our suppliers to extend these standards to their own suppliers, thereby cascading the impact of our ethical procurement strategy. Our commitment to responsible business compels us to continuously evolve our global SSoC. For instance, in fiscal year 2022, we updated our trade control requirements.

Our SSoC reflects our endorsement of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and we have consistently upheld these principles since joining the UNGC. These standards are available in multiple languages, outlining labor standards, human rights principles, and other legal and ethical requirements that our SSoC expects in all business dealings.

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Additionally, on an annual basis, we review our supply chain strategy through the lens of our COBE and the UNGC Ten Principles, aiming to set industry standards for maintaining an ethical supply chain. This effort is particularly crucial as we continually encourage our suppliers to pay fair wages, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact in the industry.

SESLEY BROWN Sesley Brown is the North America Supplier Inclusion & Diversity Lead at Accenture. She manages the workstream of Accenture’s award winning Global Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP) in seven geographies. Sesley considers the buildup of Accenture’s award-winning mentoring program, DSDP, as her biggest accomplishment, growing small and medium sized diverse businesses through innovation. Sesley possesses over 20+ years of Procurement, Category Management, Supply Chain and Supplier Inclusion & Diversity experience. She is honored with multiple recognition awards, such as Top Women in Power Impacting Diversity by Diversity Plus Magazine, Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC) Advocate of the Year and Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) Buyer of the Year- Staffing Services. She sits on the board of the Greater Women's Business Council (GWBC).

Honoured to support Canadian WBEs

Sesley is a native of Atlanta and holds a Master of Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Savannah State University.

Proud supporters of Canada’s most innovative businesswomen and the ecosystem connecting the buyers and companies driving success with diversity and inclusion.

"WOMEN IMPACT: LEADING INNOVATION & GROWTH”: A Glimpse into WBE Canada's 14th National Conference Step into the dynamic world of womenowned businesses and corporate leaders as we present captivating highlights showcasing the vibrant moments captured at WBE Canada's 14th National Conference held November 8-9th, in Toronto. This exclusive event brought together trailblazers, thought leaders, and innovators who are shaping the landscape of diversity and inclusion for women entrepreneurs in the business realm.

Ingrid Deon Founder, CEO Word-Craft Inc. Last month I was on the WBE Canada stage, talking about my entrepreneurial journey. Being on that stage is a testament to the fact that even when people tell you that your goals and aspirations are “unrealistic,” you can still do anything. 2023 has been a big year at word-craft. We’ve brought on new clients, two full-time employees (both named Erin!), moved into a new office, attended our first trade show and I checked off my goal of getting on a big stage to talk about my journey. I know 2024 is going to be just as big, if not bigger! #FemaleEntrepreneur #WomanOwnedBusiness #BusinessWoman #SocialMediaMarketing #NovaScotia

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

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An incredibly energizing two days of inspiration from amazing speakers, women-owned businesses and corporations committed to diversifying their supply chains at the #WBEconference in Toronto.

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WBE Canada’s president Silvia Pencak, M.A. reminded us of the power of collaboration and persistence, and to keep pushing for a brighter future that will help women reach new heights. I loved the panel of four remarkable female founders, expertly moderated by Sola Oluwole, PMP. Each hailing from diverse personal and business backgrounds, they shared their journeys of navigating volatile business environments, overcoming challenges, and infusing innovation into their organizations. You are amazing Ingrid Deon, Jacey Schnarr, Sue Bennett, Thyagi DeLanerolle! Keynote speaker and #consciouswarrior Kamshuka Belinda Barrocks delivered a powerful closing address, reminding us to envision the brighter future we want to see and to awaken our Inner Warrior. It was an honour to emcee this year’s conference and to speak about one of my favourite topics: the Power of Innovation. Thank you for inviting me to be part of the magic, and lighting a fire in me with the work each of you are doing to advance positive change! #WBEConference #SupplierDiversity #WBECanada2023 #Innovation #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion

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WOMEN IMPACT: LEADING INNOVATION & GROWTH continued... We would also take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of our sponsors, without whom, WBE Canada’s annual conference would not be possible. Thank you to our Corporate Members, our Partners and the WBE Community who together ensure that the conversation around supplier diversity, the opportunities for womenowned businesses and the importance of inclusion and equity continue to resonate and impact Canada’s economic growth.

Through a lens that focuses on empowerment, collaboration, and innovation, this article takes you on a visual journey, capturing the essence of this year’s landmark conference. From compelling keynote speakers to engaging panel discussions, networking sessions and a hugely successful trade show showcasing womenowned enterprises, corporate and government members as well as partner organizations, each snapshot encapsulates the spirit of entrepreneurship and showcases the incredible achievement of women-owned businesses and the impact they are making on the Canadian economy. As you browse through these “conference moments”, witness the exchange of ideas, the forging of connections, and the celebration of diversity that permeated every session. WBE Canada's 14th National Conference served as a platform for meaningful conversations, strategic partnerships, invaluable networking and the unveiling of opportunities that are driving positive change in the business world. We can’t wait to celebrate our 15th Anniversary at this year’s Conference scheduled for November 13-14, 2024 in Toronto. Watch for details coming your way on our events page.

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WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

WBE CERTIFICATION ACCESS to local, national and global supplier diversity programs creating market advantage, opening doors to greater success GROWTH through access to WBE Canada Toolbox, valuable resources, mentorship opportunities and development programs SUPPORT network including partners, champions, events and opportunities designed to create opportunities and important connections

Get Certified Today! wbecanada.ca/certification

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WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

Missed the Conference? Click below to see the most exciting moments!

2023 Excellence Awards As we look back on WBE Canada’s 14th National Conference “Women Impact: Leading Innovation and Growth”, held in November 2023, we remember the excitement and anticipation that surrounded the 2023 Excellence Awards. The Excellence Awards showcase and celebrate achievement, leadership, outstanding performance, dedication, and innovation amongst our certified WBE community and our corporate and government members. This year’s Award recipients proved that women-owned businesses are moving through a post-COVID economy with outstanding success and that corporations and government organizations are recognizing the invaluable partnerships being

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

forged with Canada’s women entrepreneurs and the contributions being made to strengthen Canada’s supply chains through diversity. We are excited to introduce the winners of the 2023 Excellence Awards who have agreed to share their thoughts with us on what it means to be a successful womenowned business in Canada and the impact of supplier diversity in Canada’s corporate and government organizations. What challenges are we still facing, but more importantly, what achievements are being made and where are we headed?

DE & I Advisory Board as well as D&I leadership teams across the business. TELUS is a founding corporate partner to WBE, helping to drive strategy, actively supporting women-owned businesses through various programs and volunteering on the board. TELUS recognizes the importance of supplier diversity and the positive impact it can have on the community where we live, work and serve. We believe that diverse suppliers bring unique perspectives, innovative solutions, and increased competition, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for both businesses and customers.suppliers. TELUS 2023 President’s Award TELUS is a long-time champion of WBE Canada. They were a founding member in 2009 and even then were committed to supplier diversity and supporting Canada’s women-owned businesses. Twice since 2009, representatives from TELUS have chaired the Board and over the years, participated on multiple committees. TELUS is committed to WBEs through training and mentorship programs, they actively participate in events including Supplier Diversity Days across the country and networking events meeting one-on-one with WBEs, and generously act as advisors to the President and WBE Canada Team. And they buy from WBEs, putting into action their dedication and commitment to Canada’s women entrepreneurs. WBE Canada: As one of the founding members of WBE Canada, TELUS has been actively involved in helping establish the mission and vision of WBE Canada since 2009. Through its ongoing participation on the Board, they have provided invaluable advice, especially in the development of its long-term business strategy designed to support both women-owned businesses and corporate and government organizations in the growth of supplier diversity in Canada. What drives the commitment and dedication behind TELUS’ involvement with WBE Canada? TELUS: TELUS has a strong Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program that permeates throughout the corporation. We have established a 14

Partnering with WBE Canada has highlighted the need for an organization that brings womenowned businesses to the forefront, where the business can receive support, networking opportunities and mentoring from other corporations. These women-owned businesses now have the ability to connect with potential customers where it may not have been possible in the past, leading to economic growth for these businesses in order for the families in this community to thrive.

Bell 2023 Top Corporation in Supplier Diversity Bell is Canada’ largest telecommunications company, providing Mobile phone, TV, highspeed and wireless Internet, and residential Home phone services. In 2022, women-owned suppliers accounted for 36% of Bell’s certified diverse

supplier spend. In 2023 they have continued to advocate for, and strive to increase, year-overyear spend with certified diverse suppliers by 3% to 5% and the number of active certified diverse suppliers by 5%. Bell’s commitment to supplier diversity is shown in a variety of ways - from active engagement in the networking opportunities to connect with new WBE suppliers, through supporting WBE mentorship, to championing the work of WBE Canada through volunteer work on committees and the Board. WBE Canada: As a WBE Canada Corporate Member since 2014 you’ve seen a decade of change in how supplier diversity has impacted Bell. You have a commitment to ensuring that your supplier base reflects the diverse communities in which you operate. As one of Canada’s largest communications companies, how do you increase the visibility and engagement of under-represented groups like women-owned businesses and create opportunities in Canada’s diverse communities?

As we begin 2024, our strategy and priorities remain focused on providing a more inclusive, equitable and accessible society where our team members, our customers, suppliers and communities feel valued, respected and supported. For more information on Bell’s supplier diversity program, visit our webpage: bce.ca/suppliers We can’t wait for 2024’s Excellence Awards especially as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary. Watch for details on this year’s nominations and be sure to get your nominations in early!

Kayla Maduk: Increasing the visibility and engagement of diverse-owned businesses is a core pillar of our supplier diversity strategy. Our many initiatives to deliver on the strategy include:  Sponsoring and participating in numerous supplier diversity industry events, roundtables & conferences with a focus on making the right connections between certified diverse suppliers and internal buying decision-makers;  Leveraging various internal communications initiatives to advocate for and bring awareness to supplier diversity, providing helpful resources, and empowering internal buyers to extend the values of diversity and inclusion to our supply chain;  Supporting and encouraging our existing supplier base that self-identify as diverse-owned to explore certification;  Continuing to expand on Bell’s Tier 2 reporting program, bringing the conversation of inclusive supply chains to corporates across North America; and  Measuring progress through KPIs, with quarterly tracking to guide our strategic direction. WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

Breck Construction 2023 Top WBE Supplier Breck Construction is a multi-trade construction company headquartered in Saskatoon, SK. Under the leadership of CEO Bobbylynn Stewart. Breck Construction has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, propelling them from a singletrade provider of scaffolding into a thriving multitrade company across multiple provinces. In the past three years, their revenue has surged 140% resulting in a total revenue increase of over $14.5 million, translating into numerous job opportunities and local, and regional economic impact.

WBE Canada: As a woman, you have no doubt faced many challenges as you navigate through a male-dominated industry. Add to that, your commitment to advancing supplier diversity in the industry promoting women-owned businesses within your supply chain and advocating for diversity and inclusion. Can you share your vision for the future of women in construction the efforts you are undertaking to achieve greater opportunities for women-owned businesses and the impact on local and regional economies such as those in Saskatchewan? Bobbylynn Stewart: Navigating through a predominantly male-driven industry has been quite a journey, full of both challenges and successes that fueled our pursuit for meaningful change. At Breck, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is more than words— it's action. We're expanding our DEI strategy, which will include a focus on our own spending practices. Actively engaging diverse suppliers, including women-owned businesses, aligns our spending with our values. It’s about setting targets, measuring progress, and getting it done. Looking to the future, we are committed to attracting more women into construction through recruitment initiatives, cultural alignment, and mentorship opportunities. This is an industry-wide shift and I believe it could transform our entire sector. Workforce diversity is important but it's also about cultivating future leaders and entrepreneurs. When we encourage and empower more women to step into these roles, it's a win-win. It not only

enables women to thrive economically in a fulfilling career but also paves the way for more women to establish their own construction companies, creating a ripple effect of diverse leadership. The potential impact on local and regional economies is profound. More women-owned construction businesses mean increased competition, innovation, and fresh perspectives, fostering healthy economic growth and job creation. Recent reports also underscore that construction companies with more women in executive positions demonstrate superior financial performance—a clear win for the economy. Supporting more women to pursue non-traditional roles isn't just about equity; it's about unlocking the industry's full potential. The changes we are seeing in the construction sector are promising and I’m excited to witness the evolution.

First Frontier Logistics 2023 Top WBE Exporter First Frontier Logistics is a 3rd party transportation provider servicing corporations that ship via ground across North America primarily servicing Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive part manufacturers. Over 80% of the business First Frontier arranges crosses a border with over 50% of billings to US customers. They also have a large presence in Mexico with plans for expansion as forces such as nearshoring take hold.

WBE Canada: This year WBE Canada introduced the Top Exporter Award as we recognize the growth Canada’s women-owned businesses are experiencing internationally and globally. First Frontier Logistics led by its President, Stacey Wecker, is now conducting more than 80% of its services across the border. What is your advice to other women entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses through exporting internationally and beyond? Stacey Wecker: First, thank you for all the hard work WBE Canada does and for recognizing us in this category. It was such an honour to have received this award. I believe our success of expanding outside Canada came from various factors, but a big thing is not to be scared to try. We initially focused on the automotive industry so our targeted customers were across North America. This pushed us to start reaching out to non-Canadian companies and we were pleasantly surprised at the traction our service had there. We

are constantly looking at customer experience and we feel that with or without the WBE certificate, your product or service is key. Once you have that ready, leverage your certificate. Many large US corporations have supplier diversity programs so lean into those programs. While supplier diversity programs are building here in Canada, they are much more prevalent with US corporations. Attend US conferences that focus on supplier diversity and rely on their Supplier Diversity champions to help you. Establish connections and be patient with these larger corporations, timing can be lengthy but keep pursuing them. We’ve spent years attending shows and letting prospects know we aren’t going anywhere, and eventually, we can find a way to have a conversation. Our WBE certification, offering great service, and patience and persistence were the paths we took, it may be different for others of course. My recommendation is, to build a plan that works for you and take that first step.

Carolyn Stern 2023 WBE Leader Carolyn Stern is the President and CEO of EI Experience—an executive leadership development and emotional intelligence training firm. She is a certified emotional intelligence and leadership development trainer, professional speaker, author, and university professor. In 2021 Carolyn was featured as a speaker at WBE Canada’s virtual National Conference and in 2022 returned as the Keynote Speaker at the first in-person conference in three years. In 2023 she went on to conduct the first-ever book club exclusively for Certified WBE Members featuring her highly successful book “The Emotionally Strong Leader: An Inside Out Look at Transformational Leadership”. WBE Canada: As women business owners of small and medium-sized businesses, WBEs often overlook the importance of leadership including how to motivate their teams as they strive to become successful. You have inspired so many women entrepreneurs and the success of the first

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

The Emotionally Strong Leader: An Inside Out Look at Transformational Leadership, I offer over 60 EI strategies to help you become more emotionally resilient at work and in life, regardless of where you are starting from. Here are three strategies that may resonate with you if you are struggling to achieve the business results you desire:  Set Boundaries: Boundaries are the limits you create for yourself which help you determine what is reasonable versus unreasonable behaviour. Setting boundaries empowers you to know when you need to say no to a request or when to disagree with others professionally. Remember to let others know what is okay and what is not okay.

WBE Canada BookClub featuring your book “The Emotionally Strong Leader: An Inside Out Look at Transformational Leadership” is a testament to the thirst for understanding how to lead effectively. What are the fundamentals of being a good leader that you would like to share with women business owners? Carolyn: A good leader is an emotionally intelligent and strong leader. Being emotionally strong is not suppressing your feelings or maintaining an unwavering resolve not to feel. It simply means that you work to acknowledge, understand, and accept that you feel things. You identify that your feelings contain wisdom, and you use that information to guide your behaviours when confronted with emotional triggers that can drive hasty reactions and undisciplined behaviour. Leading with Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the magnetic force that captures everyone's attention and propels teams forward. Emotional intelligence is a multifaceted construct, and there is no onesize-fits-all approach to enhance it. In my book,

 Challenge Your Prejudices and Preconceived Notions: We all make assumptions and have biased beliefs that prevent us from appreciating what makes others unique. Challenge your preconceived notions and prejudices by focusing on similarities, not differences. Learning to consider other people’s points of view, especially those whose beliefs you don’t share, allows you to approach the situation with an open mind.  Have Limitless Curiosity about Others. EI is about being curious and not judgmental. Highly empathetic people have a voracious appetite for knowing about others. Ask others questions to help you understand their why— why they think, say, or do the things they think, say, or do. By knowing why people are the way they are, you will have more compassion and empathy for others. To be an emotionally intelligent and strong leader, you do not have to be perfect. But you do need to start to recognize, understand, and learn how your internal emotions are influencing your external results. How do you do that? By being courageous enough to explore and share what lies beneath your surface so that others will feel safe to do the same. I promise once you start putting these EI skills into practice, you’ll see not only a whole new version of yourself in the mirror but also a team that inspires and lifts you and your business forward.

Charmaine Hammond 2023 WBE Leader Charmaine Hammond, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a highly sought-after business keynote and workshop speaker, entrepreneur, author and educator who teaches and advocates the importance of developing trust, healthy relationships and collaboration in the workplace. As a member of WBE Canada’s Supplier Advisory Committee (SAC) Charmaine sits on the Programming Committee and has led several workshops for WBEs helping them prepare for major events like the 2023 National Conference. Over the past year Charmaine has participated as a mentor in the Partnering to Build Capacity: Atlantic Canada WBE Canada Mentorship Program and has provided mentoring to 3 newly certified businesses in 2022 and 2023. WBE Canada: As a hard-working member of the WBE Canada Supplier Advisory Committee and a WBE Mentor with the Partnering to Build Capacity: Atlantic Canada WBE Canada Mentorship Program, you have seen the many benefits that certification can bring to a women-owned business. In your role as a mentor and an advocate of WBE Canada, what would be the three key pieces of advice you would like to share with newly certified WBEs to help them on their journey? Charmaine: There are so many nuggets I would love to share with newly certified WBEs to help them on their journey so I'll summarize them into 3 key points... that all start with C 1) Community - be involved, show up and participate. This includes participating in the WBE Meet Ups and other events like Open Office Call. And definitely show up at events that build relationships with corporates. Being engaged in the community and the organization was a total game changer for me and my business. Be active in the LinkedIn WBE group. This is a great way to build relationships with fellow WBEs. And think outside the box - explore possibilities to collaborate with WBEs. WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

2) Connect and communicate with Corporates. Build relationships with Corporates. This means more than sharing your Capability Statement. Schedule time to communicate, update, and relationship-build with corporates. Make it easy for them to learn about you, your products and services and how they can work with you. 3) Carve out time for WBE Canada’s Toolbox and reading WBE correspondence. This includes updating your Capability Statement and completing the corporate supplier diversity forms and portals. Keep updated on the news and opportunities that are posted in Toolbox. I have "time blocked" weekly on Monday mornings to stay on top of this. It is in my calendar so likely it will get done!

Stephanie Khurana 2023 WBE Leader Stephanie Khurana is President of Netchem Inc., a North American chemical distribution business and has experience serving on a Board of Directors for a not-for-profit organization. Stephanie is currently Chair of WBE Canada’s Supplier Advisory Committee (SAC). Her goal in working with WBE Canada is to engage additional diverse corporate partners to serve WBE Canada’s membership base and to expand awareness of WBE Canada amongst professional women. WBE Canada: In your role as Chair of WBE Canada’s Supplier Advisory Committee, what do you see as the biggest challenge certified womenowned businesses face in today’s economy? And looking at the vast number of benefits certification brings to WBEs, what is your biggest piece of advice for not just those new to WBE Canada, but for all women-owned businesses looking to expand their businesses through supplier diversity? Stephanie: Despite the presence of supplier diversity programs, the biggest challenge is still equitable access to supply chains. Women-owned businesses are strong competition, but we need supplier diversity programs to help us get the meeting. 19

DISCOVER

PATHFINDER PRE-CERTIFICATION Resource Library for Women-Owned Businesses wbecanada.ca/pathfinder

and case for supplier diversity throughout BMO, building strong collaborative relationships across the bank with the result that you have not only met but surpassed your goals. What are the key drivers behind BMO’s success in growing the landscape of Canadian supplier Diversity?

As for my biggest piece of advice for womenowned businesses? Supplier diversity is a door not a ticket. You need to pursue the supplier diversity program contact with just as much follow-up as you would any prospect. Also, if you are part of an organization like WBE Canada, look beyond just supplier diversity programs. Some of the best connections I have made have been with other Women-Owned businesses. Specifically, if you are a part of WBE Canada you should absolutely attend the conference - it's an amazing opportunity to connect and learn!

Carol: It starts with executive sponsorship, collaboration and accountability. BMO sets supplier diversity goals for each of our lines of business and a few key category areas. We meet regularly with each group and their leadership teams to identify opportunities and strategize on how to execute those opportunities. We have also deepened our relationships with diversity councils, like WBE Canada, which we rely on to bring businesses together. With our strong focus on supplier development via BMO Elevate, the diverse business development program, we are able to increase the visibility of many outstanding diverse businesses across the bank. When we can help our stakeholders meet or exceed their goals, it’s a win-win for all. BMO is also very connected with our financial services peers as well as our large suppliers to share best practices, learn from one another, problem solve, and amplify our impact in the Canadian landscape. We can achieve even greater things by working collectively!

Carol Attak, BMO 2023 Supplier Diversity Leader Carol Attak, BMO’s Senior Manager Global Supplier Diversity, has been with BMO for nearly 4 years, however, her supplier diversity experience spans 20+ years. Her experience combined with her leadership and collaborative approach has enabled BMO to demonstrate significant commitment and success in their growth initiatives and consistent overachievement of enterprise-wide supplier diversity goals and metrics. She is a tireless advocate for diverse suppliers, helping BMO grow its Tier 1 spend from F2021 to F2023 by 119%, WBE spend by 186% and WBE Canada supplier spend by 305%. WBE Canada: BMO has been driving supplier diversity efforts in Canada for a number of years. As a driving force behind BMO’s SD strategy, you have been working to deepen the overall buy-in

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

golden ticket to not just play in the big leagues but also to champion the cause of women entrepreneurs. It was about joining a community that understands and celebrates the unique challenges and triumphs of women-owned businesses. Since getting certified, it's been like stepping into a whole new world of opportunities. From networking events that feel more like family reunions, and new partnerships, to being recognized with the 2023 WBE Rising Star Award (still pinching myself over that!), it's been an adventure and then some. But more than the accolades and connections, it's the growth – both personal and professional – that truly marks our journey. Each interaction and each project has been a stepping stone to understanding our potential and pushing our boundaries.

MSP Teambuilding 2023 WBE Rising Star MSP Teambuilding has been providing tailored training workshops and creative team-building activities to organizations and their people since 2015. MSP Teambuilding has only been certified since early 2023 and has already been invited to bid on numerous opportunities including notable RFPs for the City of Toronto and various international companies. They are actively involved in the WBE community, striving to support other women-owned businesses, serving as a model of success and a beacon of inspiration. WBE Canada: What prompted MSP Teambuilding to become WBE Canada certified? Your certification has opened up doors since you became certified - can you share your journey and what advice would you give to women-owned businesses who are considering certification?

To the incredible women out there considering WBE Canada certification, here's my two cents: Go for it! Think of it as planting a seed in a garden of opportunities. It's not just about business growth; it's about a community that cheers for your success and has your back when you need it.

Claire Hayek: We were motivated to become WBE Canada certified because we wanted to stand out in a crowded market. We saw it as a

Women-owned businesses, we see you.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) 2023 Most Improved Supplier Diversity Program

You have goals. You’re driven to succeed. But you may also have barriers in your way. At TD, we see the full picture – because our Women in Enterprise Bankers look deeper. We can help you navigate the unique opportunities and challenges of leading or owning a business by offering tailored financial advice, services, and solutions. Because we want to see your business thrive.

Ontario Power Generation joined WBE Canada as a Corporate member in 2021. Since then, they have successfully developed and launched their supplier diversity program and actively participated in WBE Canada events to meet WBE suppliers and hosted a Tradeshow exhibit at the 2022 WBE Canada National Conference. OPG is a great champion of supplier diversity in the energy sector and internally with their employees, creating resources to help match businesses with internal stakeholders to fill any gaps in the OPG supply base.

Hillary and Jennifer, TD Clients Owners, Toronto Kids Physio

WBE Canada: As OPG continues to expand its Supplier Diversity Program you are actively working internally to enhance your diverse procurement through a new vendor onboarding program which includes revisions to contract terms to include ESG commitments. At the same time, you have launched a Supplier Relationship Management Program to assist suppliers in the development and growth

Connect with our Women in Enterprise team today. www.td.com/wie TD.WomenInEnterprise@td.com

Ready to help you move forward

*The TD logo and other trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion or its subsidiaries

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WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

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resilient communities. To ensure success in our vision of electrifying life in one generation, it is imperative we secure a robust supply chain with trusted partners. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) expects our suppliers to demonstrate business integrity that aligns with our values of safety, integrity, excellence, and people and citizenship. To learn more about our supplier requirements, please see here. We look forward to working with more diverse and Indigenous suppliers.

Centre for Women in Business (CWB) 2023 WBE Canada Champion In March of 2022, the CWB team proposed a program – Advancing Supplier Diversity in Atlantic Canada with ACOA. Working together with WBE Canada, the goal was to provide WBE Training and WBE/Corporate Mentors for 3 cohorts of 10 certified WBEs each. Through social media, hosting webinars in 4 Provinces, working with Atlantic Canada agencies and the Federal Government, and direct contact with women-owned businesses, the CWB team began recruitment – more than tripling the number of WBSs in Atlantic Canada – some joining the 3 mentorship cohorts and some wanting to certify and be supported by CWB in other ways. CWB worked directly with certification at WBE Canada up to the last minute of each cohort to have participants certified. Through promotion and recruiting calls the number of WBE-certified women-owned businesses in NS has tripled, NB doubled, Newfoundland increased and PEI, the first certified WBE. WBE Canada: The Atlantic Canada Mentorship Program has been a resounding success with increased WBE certifications and resulting opportunities for women-owned businesses across the Maritimes and Newfoundland. Where do you see the program heading and what advice do you have for other similar mentorship programs starting up in other Canadian regions?

Janice Tee 2023 WBE Canada Champion Janice Tee is Director, Global HR Programs at Magna and has served on the WBE Canada Board of Directors since March 2021. As a Board Member and most recently as Vice-Chair, Janice has worked diligently with the WBE Canada leadership team to establish HR policies, and procedures and develop the support system for its growing team. Janice’s guidance and leadership have made a huge impact on the success of WBE Canada.

CWB: We are truly delighted at the results of this pilot project with ACOA. A large part of the success of the mentorship program is due to the women-owned businesses that were ready to learn and leverage their powers of collaboration. Ensuring you have participants with businesses with the foundation and capacity to grow is key. Providing dedicated support for these WBEs has been critical as well as encouraging collaboration,

To see all Excellence Awards Winners throughout the years visit WBE Canada Wall of Fame 24

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moving them along the continuum of growth. The CWB will continue to advocate on behalf of women business owners to be included in global supply chains. This includes building on our collaboration with public, private and non-profit partners to ensure all diverse suppliers have equal access. Over the last 2 years, the CWB, together with WBE Canada, developed an awardwinning mentorship program. As with the initial program, it takes many clients, partners, and collaborators to make the magic happen. CWB is always open to collaborating on our best practices to build the program nationwide.

WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Data Services Start Your Journey Today! referrals, sharing resources and getting really clear on "asks"! At the Centre for Women in Business (CWB) we support women at all stages of entrepreneurship from start-up to high-growth so having other programs and services for our program participants to plug into has also been helpful in the ongoing support of past participants,

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

AN UPDATE ON OPG'S JOURNEY By Meaghan Snow, Senior Manager of Strategic Programs & Supplier Relationship Management, OPG

As Ontario Power Generation (OPG) expands its supply chain to be more inclusive of the community it serves, Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) plays an integral role in helping OPG build business relationships that add value and innovation to its services. OPG actively participates in WBE Canada events, such as conferences, workshops, and Meet & Pitch sessions. These events have not only helped OPG learn about the breadth of available services that correspond to its purchasing needs but also provided opportunities to benchmark with other corporate members.

OPG encourages suppliers to regularly register with WBE Canada. The company understands the benefits that membership brings to its organization, including networking and advertising opportunities for registered businesses.

This interactive panel helped enlighten the nuclear supplier community about the benefits of council membership and the benefits of creating a diverse supply chain. In our journey to become a global ED&I leader, OPG launched our ED&I strategy last year. As a result of our ongoing efforts, we were named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2023, a significant recognition that fulfills one of the main short-term goals of our ED&I strategy.

OPG's supplier community is developing its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) strategies, aligned with OPG's goals, as we strive to grow together. The company actively promotes certification councils, such as WBE Canada, to its suppliers. At the recent two-day Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) event hosted at Darlington Nuclear, which saw over 800 attendees, OPG hosted a panel of leaders from WBE Canada, Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council for Veteran and/or disabled-owned businesses (IWSCC), Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), and the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC).

Supply Chain is a vital component in helping us achieve our goals, and we continuously increase our spend targets with Indigenous and equity-seeking businesses. Last year, we set our Equity Seeking target at $14 million, surpassing it by achieving $18.5 million. This year, we have set a target of $24 million, and next year, we will aim for $35 million. Over the next 10 years, we aspire to achieve $1 billion in spending with Indigenous suppliers. Aligning our supply chain procurement with OPG's ED&I Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan is a critical building block in developing a sustainable, diverse supply chain with a direct impact on promoting economic empowerment for marginalized businesses.

The leaders discussed the benefits of membership while meeting with OPG employees. Also discussed were the risks associated with organizations accepting a self-identification process, the value of equity-seeking councils, steps to creating a diverse supply chain, success stories, and future trends.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

AN UPDATE ON OPG'S JOURNEY To assist our suppliers in developing and growing with us, we launched a Supplier Relationship Management Program this year. A quarter of the scorecard for this program is specifically dedicated to their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. This score includes an assessment of the supplier's ED&I engagement, and participating suppliers disclose their affiliation with equity-seeking councils and evaluate their spend with equity-seeking suppliers. To achieve our goals, we must work collaboratively with our suppliers. Hence, we are requesting our suppliers to report on their tier 2 spend using a new platform to streamline monthly reporting and help track our progress. To further increase the accessibility of equity-seeking businesses, we are creating resources to help our employees find the right suppliers. We launched an amalgamated internal directory of our equity-seeking council businesses which provides OPG’s more than 9,500 employees with an easy way to find suppliers that match their scope of work. The directory also contains a visual map by location to help employees identify and locate equity-seeking organizations by area and service. As our ED&I efforts intensify, we are thrilled that our team is expanding. Previously, the Strategic Program Supply Chain team had only one member. However, as we prepare for the next stages of program development, we will hire four dedicated team members, along with one Management & Professional trainee and a co-op college/ university student. We intend to launch a new vendor onboarding program to provide the necessary support needed to succeed. Additionally, we plan to revise our contract

Y continued... terms to include ESG commitments that will align with our organizational goals. Over the summer, OPG announced that we will be working with the Ontario government to plan and license three additional Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), bringing the total number of SMRs planned for the Darlington Nuclear site to four. These four units would generate a total of 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, or enough to power about 1.2 million homes, helping to meet the increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province's strong economic growth. This is a significant development for Ontario’s nuclear industry and our robust nuclear supply chain. In the long run, deploying a fleet of SMRs will strengthen the province’s nuclear supply chain, and position Ontario companies to be global leaders in nuclear power and SMR technology. Our partnership with WBE Canada is proving valuable in helping us connect with women-owned businesses as we expand our Supply Chain to support major projects like our Darlington SMR initiative. We appreciate the support that WBE Canada provides and look forward to the exciting work that lies ahead.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

Meaghan Snow Meaghan Snow has worked at Ontario Power Generation for the last 13 years, where she has worked in Supply Chain functions in procurement, inventory management, process design and support. She is presently the Senior Manager of Strategic Programs and Supplier Relationship Management, leading both the Supplier Diversity and Indigenous Economic Empowerment programs along with other strategic imperatives in ESG, SRM, and continuous improvement programs. Meaghan has her Micromasters in Supply Chain from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a Graduate certificate in Women in Leadership from Cornell University, a Bachelors in Business Administration from Edinburgh Napier University and an Advanced Diploma in Operations Management from Durham College.

withJamieCrump Welcome to my inaugural column in the WBE Canada Magazine. As we kick off the New Year, I thought I’d share a few tips for corporates and WBEs to get supplier diversity off and running in 2024. Corporate Tip: If your company runs on a calendar year then you have a fresh, new budget. Pay for as much of your annual fees in Q1 as you can. As the years roll on, we all fall victim to cost-cutting measures. Pay for memberships, services, and expenses now that you know you need for the year, so they are paid for when your CFO comes calling. Talk to your controller/finance manager about how to space the expense out (or report the gap) for annual fees that are due at the beginning of the year. WBE Tip: If your discipline around the use of a CRM system is not top-notch, put some practices into place to improve on that. A CRM is for more than a contact or lead list. This is where you keep all knowledge about contacts of all types. One thing I do is keep a recording app on the home page of my phone. It allows me to quickly capture everything from an upcoming milestone event to something I promised in a conversation. This is especially useful at an event where you are meeting a lot of people. Then listen to that app and capture everything in your CRM and calendar. You will remember key

things about prospects when you see them next and never miss a promised deadline. Corporate Tip: Add one nonspend metric this year. How many RFx did your company send out last year? How many were through Procurement? How many diverse-owned businesses were invited? How many responded? How many made it to the shortlist? How many contracts were awarded? How many got renewals? How many got a scope expansion over the life of the contract? These are all data points that can show where additional work may be needed. You wouldn’t roll out a major strategy without milestone metrics, this business strategy is no different. You don’t have to do them all right now, but you need to begin somewhere. If you already have some of these, add another and ensure you are doing something constructive with the data you are already gathering.

WBE Tip: Review the events you participated in last year and determine what value you received from each. Break them down to how many people/ companies you met for the first time, how many you have met before but reconnected with, how many you had followup correspondence and/or calls with, meetings, and bid requests. Know where your success rate begins to decline the fastest in your sales process. Then go work on that piece. Come into the New Year with a bang – and ride that groove through the quarter. Remember if you have questions about how to proceed, WBE Canada is here to help. Til next time –

Jamie Crump, President of The Richwell Group Check out my book Backstage Pass: Pulling the Curtain Back on the Business of Supplier Diversity

Priorities to focus on in 2024

Amanda Rogers Founder and CEO, iPlume Writing Inc. 30

 Supporting our WBE clients with applying for RFPs and growing their businesses  Providing all-inclusive RFP and grant writing packages to clients  Rolling out an exclusive RFP training program for NS WBEs  Strengthening our support for non-profits through our Change Program  Meeting new WBEs  Revitalizing our website  Enhancing our marketing strategy  Securing even more funding for our clients!

IS YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN

DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE? Is Your Organization... READY

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to include Canadian Women Business Enterprises in its supply chain, but you are not sure where to start?

in developing your own supplier diversity program inviting Canadian womenowned businesses in the upcoming 12 months?

to benefit from resources and support to streamline and shorten the implementation process in Canada?

wbecanada.ca/membership CANADIAN SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CREATES 9

BUSINESS VALUE - Access to innovative solutions, increased customer satisfaction and higher revenues

SOCIAL VALUE -Providing business opportunities for Canadian diverse businesses in which you operate

ECONOMIC VALUE – Creating inclusive and diverse job opportunities impacting not only supply chains but generating economic growth in communities at all levels

Women Business Enterprises Canada Council is a certifying council for Canadian women-owned businesses and an advocate for supplier diversity.

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DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE Download The Quick Certification Guide to Becoming a Supplier for Large Organizations as a Canadian Women-Owned Business We are here to help! Contact us at certification@wbecanada.ca with any questions about this guide or getting your women-owned business certified as a WBE (Women Business Enterprise).

LEADING WITH PURPOSE: Shaping the Future Together By Silvia Pencak, President & CEO, WBE Canada Jennifer Popowycz, Director, Certification & Community, WBE Canada Charli Law Jury, Director, Finance & Operations, WBE Canada

WBE Canada set sail focusing on 4 priorities:

A lot has changed at WBE Canada over the past year. But a lot also remains the same. As we embark on a new year, we decided it was the perfect time to pull back the curtain on the work that has been happening behind the scenes and that will have a great and positive impact on our community in the upcoming years.

1. Accelerating Supplier Diversity through advocacy and support for our communities 2. WBE Database Development 3. Continuous Development of WBE Suppliers to propel business growth and improved capacity to support corporate needs

Everything began in 2022 when WBE Canada invested in the development of our long-term strategic plan. Our team, community, Board and its committees spent countless hours reviewing the challenges and opportunities ahead of us and prioritizing the goals. In August 2022 the new 2023-2027 Strategic Plan was born and immediately put into action.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

4. Organizational Excellence As we completed the first year of our ambitious plan, WBE Canada remained steadfast, focusing on the same vision, mission, priorities and values that make us who we are. Yet, we recognized that we were different, larger, more seasoned and mature.

LEADING WITH PURPOSE: Shaping the Future Together continued... Why WBE Canada?

The rapid growth of our community has resulted in new opportunities and challenges. As a team we are adopting new technologies and new approaches, continually learning and retraining, and streamlining our processes to allow us to do more things better and faster.

Many in the community know my story of why I joined WBE Canada so I’ll summarize it very briefly. As a former Certified WBE, I fell in love with WBE Canada's culture and welcoming community. As an immigrant with significant barriers entering the marketplace, I personally experienced the benefits of WBE certification and the access it provides for business owners like myself. I decided to join the team to help take the organization to its next level. And the rest is history.

Meet our leadership team and discover what’s coming up this year.

SILVIA PENCAK

WBE Canada is an extremely busy workplace but also very gratifying. I am dedicated to continuing to work hard because of the ripple effect the organization is creating across the country.

President & CEO

Silvia Pencak is the President and CEO of Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada), a Canadian non-profit organization that is opening doors for Canadian women-owned businesses to corporate and government supply chains. Silvia has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and business environment, leading transformational projects and teams. She is a member of the Advisory Committee to the PSPC Minister and advisor to other leaders across Canada, tirelessly advocating more opportunities and better support for Canadian women-owned businesses in Canada and globally. She is a co-author of The State of WBE Certification in Canada and The State of Supplier Diversity Programs in Canada research studies.

Seeing transformation in some of the top corporations is inspiring and watching them mentor women-owned businesses and helping them grow beyond their wildest dreams is incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with so many amazing people. What are you most excited about for 2024? I look forward to meeting our community virtually and in person. I’m always inspired by meeting our WBEs and Corporate Members, learning about their victories and challenges, and going back to the office to strategize the solutions and next steps. The best thing about WBE Canada is that none of the solutions are created in a vacuum - we listen to our community and co-create solutions together. Collaborations and partnerships are what make us better. As President, I’m also excited about the new leadership team at WBE Canada and the newly elected board. We’re turning the page and starting a new chapter and I have a feeling it will be a good one :)

LEADING WITH PURPOSE: Shaping the Future Together continued... Your favourite way to unwind? As a lifelong learner, I like a good book or podcast, good music and good sleep. There’s a saying I heard a while ago and it pretty much describes me - “I was born with a reading list I will never finish.” What is your wish for the WBE Canada community for 2024? One of the key priorities at WBE Canada is to be an enabler of supplier diversity efforts in Canada and beyond. My wish is that we succeed in getting more women-owned businesses to more supply chains and as a community, we grow better and stronger. And if this is a tough year as many predict, we will stand together and support each other throughout every challenge. Happy 2024!

What is the biggest “secret” the world should know about? Definitely the Toolbox. Toolbox is an online library providing a great source of information for womenowned businesses looking to scale up their companies and do business with some of the top brands and governments interested in buying from womenowned companies. Toolbox also provides resources for corporations and governments committed to diversity and inclusion in their supply chains. We will continue adding new programs and resources in 2024, I hope that our community will find it useful and beneficial. Who or what inspires you? I absolutely LOVE to hear success stories. It doesn’t matter how big or small, learning about a WBE scoring a deal, a corporation finding an incredible WBE supplier or a small business hiring a single mom, there’s so much that helps me get up in the morning and keep going no matter how much work is behind me or ahead of me. Knowing that our efforts contributed to their success is definitely a positive I cherish.

JENNIFER POPOWYCZ

Director, Certification & Community

Jennifer is a testament to dedication and compassion in her field. Having worked at WBE Canada for 10 years, Jennifer has become a cornerstone of the organization, known for her patience, organization, and team-focused approach. Her role involves overseeing the Certification and Community department, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and objectives, and nurturing team growth and development. Jennifer excels in event and program oversight, department tracking and reporting, and providing exemplary customer support. Her ability to collaborate seamlessly with other departments has been instrumental in driving WBE Canada’s mission forward. Jennifer's academic background in Psychology from York University adds a unique depth to her understanding of community dynamics, further enhancing her effectiveness in her role.

Why WBE Canada? Simply put …it is the collaboration that occurs between our WBEs and our team in crafting events that provide valuable information within our community. Each day presents a new challenge which we can transition into a win.

I find it rewarding working with our WBEs whether it is during the application process, assisting them in developing their capability statement, or breaking the ice during various events.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

LEADING WITH PURPOSE: Shaping the Future Together continued... What are you most excited about for 2024?

Your favourite way to unwind?

For 2024, I'm really looking forward to enhancing our community engagement at WBE Canada. We're planning to roll out more programming and event initiatives that will deepen connections within our community. It's about creating more opportunities for collaboration, support, and growth for every WBE and Corporate Member. I can't wait for everyone to experience the positive impact of these efforts.

After a fulfilling day at work, my favourite way to unwind is by spending time with my family and our Golden Retrievers - Chester and Archie. Whether it's a quiet evening at home or a good walk along the trails, these moments help me recharge and remind me of the importance of the supportive communities we build, both personally and professionally. What is your wish for the WBE Canada community for 2024?

What is the biggest “secret” the world should know about?

For 2024, my wish for the WBE Canada community is to see it grow stronger and more connected than ever before. I envision a year where our certification and community efforts lead to increased opportunities, deeper collaborations, and a greater impact on all our members.

The 'secret' that should be more widely known is the incredible resource we have within the WBE Canada Toolbox. Toolbox is a game-changer for fostering connections and discovering opportunities within our community. I encourage everyone to explore the WBE Canada Toolbox to fully leverage the power of networking and collaboration that it offers. Who or what inspires you? What inspires me the most is the resilience and creativity of the women entrepreneurs we work with at WBE Canada. Their passion for their businesses, their energy to mentor others and their creative commitment to excellence motivates me every day to provide the best support and create a thriving community for them.

CHARLI LAW JURY

Director, Finance & Operations

Charli, who joined WBE Canada last spring, is renowned for her multifaceted expertise and dynamic leadership. With a rich background in finance, cost accounting, and operations, Charli brings over ten years of experience from her tenure at CpK Interior Products Inc. and Agility CMS. Her proficiency extends to HR components, reflecting her holistic understanding of organizational dynamics. Charli's approach is characterized by strategic thinking, crossdepartmental collaboration, and a deep commitment to operational excellence. At WBE Canada, she plays a pivotal role in streamlining processes, ensuring financial health, and fostering an environment where operational efficiency and human-centric values coexist harmoniously. Charli's dedication and empathetic leadership style make her an invaluable asset to the team and the broader WBE Canada community.

Why WBE Canada? I chose WBE Canada because of its remarkable commitment to driving real change in the business world, particularly for women entrepreneurs.

Here, I found a platform where my expertise in finance and operations could contribute meaningfully to an inspiring mission. What are you most excited about for 2024? For 2024, I'm thrilled about continuing the research project “Fast-Track to Supply Chains” in partnership with ISED. These types of research projects align perfectly with our objective of bringing important insights and data to industries, government and our community. This particular project addresses the barriers that women-owned businesses face when attempting to access supply chains. I'm eager for everyone to see how this research will positively transform our approach and drive impactful decisions. What is the biggest “secret” the world should know about? Our secret is the incredible dedication and hard work of our entire team at WBE Canada. Each member, across all departments, goes above and beyond, contributing to our robust programming and the development of invaluable tools and benefits. Their commitment is the driving force behind our success, and it's something everyone should know about and appreciate.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

Who or what inspires you? I'm deeply inspired by the power of effective operations and finance in shaping the success of an organization. Seeing how strategic financial planning and operational efficiency can drive WBE Canada's mission forward will be an exciting process to realize. Your favourite way to unwind? To unwind, I find the greatest joy and relaxation in going camping with my family for the weekend where we enjoy the simplicity of the outdoors and enjoying what nature has to offer while playing games and making s’mores on the campfire. These moments with loved ones provide me with the perfect balance and rejuvenation, allowing me to return to my work with a refreshed and focused mindset. What is your wish for the WBE Canada community for 2024? For 2024, my wish for the WBE Canada team is to continue to achieve their goals. When the team thrives the community at large can only benefit from our joint accomplishments. I hope our collective efforts will continue to engage the community and allow us to collectively have a stronger voice.

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January 17 - WBE Meetup: How To Kickstart Your New Year January 24 - TD: Business Insurance Literacy January 31 - Open Office - Corporate Member January 31 - Open Office Call - Certified WBE

February February 7 - Supplier Diversity Accelerator Workshop February 8 - ChatGPT in Business: Navigating Risks and Rewards to Achieve AI For Good

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February 28 - Open Office Call - WBE February 29 - StrikeUp Conference

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February 21 - WBE Meetup: Honing Your Pitches for Corporates

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February 15 - WBE Meet & Pitch #1

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March 13 - WBE Meet & Pitch #2 March 14 - Lunch & Learn Webinar March 26 - Professional Services - Toronto in person March 27 - Open Office Call - WBE March 27 - Open Office - Corporate Member

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April 3 - Lunch & Learn Webinar April 11 - WBE Meet & Pitch #3 April 16 - Supplier Diversity Day: Montreal, QC in person April 17 - WBE Meetup: How To Navigate In-Person Events April 24 - Open Office Call - WBE

StrikeUP and WBE Canada Partner to Promote Supplier Diversity among Women-Owned Businesses WBE Canada is excited to be partnering with StrikeUP for their 2024 Conference “Driving Change” being held virtually on February 29th. Join WBE Canada President & CEO Silvia Pencak along with WBE panelists for a conference workshop “Supplier Diversity Edge: Selling to Large Corporations and Government” designed to shed light on the advantages that supplier diversity can bring to women-owned businesses. For more information: https://wbecanada.ca/updates/strikeup-announces-new-partnership-with-wbecanada-to-promote-supplier-diversity-among-women-owned-businesses/

2024: A Year of Empowerment, Connection, and Success! WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

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May 1 - WBE Meet & Pitch #4 May 8-9 - Supplier Diversity Toolkit Workshop May 14 - Supplier Diversity Day: Halifax, NS in person May 16 - Supplier Diversity Day: Moncton in person May 29 - Open Office Call - WBE May 29 - Open Office - Corporate Member in person S

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Accelerating our journey of diversity, equity and inclusion Creating opportunities for businesses owned by women, minorities and other underrepresented groups

Manulife, Stylized M Design, and Manulife & Stylized M Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

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November 13 - Supplier Diversity Accelerator Workshop November 13-14 - WBE Canada National Conference & Excellence Awards - 15th Anniversary in person

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December December 4 - Open Office Call - WBE

December 18 - WBE Meetup: Holiday Cheer

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Visit WBE Canada Events Calendar for more events and information. NOTE: Please note that dates and locations for in-person events are subject to change and will be confirmed as soon as venues are secured.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

NEWS & UPDATES: PROGRAMS

Supplier Diversity Accelerator At WBE Canada, we believe in supplier diversity and engaging women-owned businesses in supply chains. We are continually astounded by the depth and breadth of the products and services our WBEs can provide. By supporting you we know that we can help even more WBEs grow and expand in Canada, US and globally. And we are putting our investment right where it will make a difference - in programs and services for our community on both sides of the table including our Corporate Members. To maximize the benefits and support your team through Supplier Diversity Accelerator, WBE Canada has partnered with one of the top consultants in the supplier diversity space - Jamie Crump, a long time supporter of WBE Canada since 2009. To learn more about the program visit our website: https://wbecanada.ca/supplier-diversity-accelerator/

Pathfinder is an invaluable resource for women entrepreneurs who are gearing up for WBE certification, offering tools and training to scale their businesses for significant opportunities.

• Access business tools, training workshops, and growth resources

Not ready for WBE Certification? Get started and prepare with our Pathfinder program.

• Expand your network to support your business.

• Scale up your business to make it ready for larger business opportunities

https://wbecanada.ca/pathfinder/ WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

NEWS & UPDATES: IMPORTANT TOOLS AND RESOURC LinkedIn Certified WBE Group This is a PRIVATE HIDDEN group for certified women founders! The purpose of this group is to encourage collaboration and partnership among certified WBEs, sharing best practices and promoting opportunities beneficial to WBE Canada-certified businesses. Consider this group a safe space to ask questions, form partnerships, find suppliers and learn about deals, opportunities and events. WBE Canada Team uses this group to communicate "short notice" opportunities, and resources intended for our Certified WBE Community. To get access to private LinkedIn group, log in to your Toolbox account and visit Certified WBE Area

WBE Canada Toolbox Toolbox is an online library providing a great source of information for women-owned businesses looking to scale up their companies and do business with some of the top brands and governments interested in buying from women-owned companies. Toolbox also provides resources for corporations and governments committed to diversity and inclusion in their supply chains. Thank you for showing your pride for WBE Canada! Share your badge on your website, email signature and social media!

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MAGAZINE BRAND POSITIONING Gain credibility as a thought leader

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Other women-owned businesses and key decision-makers across various industries

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For more information contact: marketing@wbecanada.ca | 416-646-6233

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The Quick Guide to Becoming a Supplier for Large Organizations You will learn: • How accessing opportunities with larger organizations can benefit your business • What it takes to become a trusted supplier to corporations and the government • The types of women-owned businesses that large companies are looking to work with • What supplier diversity is and how it opens up opportunities to women-owned businesses • How to assess whether you're ready to work with larger organizations • What it means to be a Certified Women-Owned Business and how WBE Canada can support you DOWNLOAD!

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 11 | January 2024

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