Dawn Chubai is a seasoned media professional and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in broadcast television and electronic retailing. Formerly of Breakfast Television and The Shopping Channel (TSC), Dawn has cultivated a unique expertise in communication and on-camera sales, having personally sold over $30 million in products to consumers.

As the Director of King Willow Management Inc., Dawn leads a suite of services that empower businesses to thrive in today’s digital media world. From media training to Live and Social Commerce strategy and Host training, Dawn equips Entrepreneurs, Brands and their Ambassadors with the confidence and skills needed to connect authentically and sell themselves and their products.

Dawn is passionate about helping small businesses leverage the power of live selling and social shopping to drive growth. She continues to inspire and educate through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and done-with-you programs designed for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey.

With over 30 years of experience in the financial sector, Haleh (Holly) Alexander joined the Private Banking 1859 team in 2018 after several years working for another Canadian private bank. Her role here is to support the experts and specialists of her team in the realization, growth, and transfer of clients’ assets in Vancouver as well as to assist them in the implementation of complex banking solutions and the creation of personalized credit strategies. Holding FEA (Family Enterprise Advisor) certification, Haleh provides regional clients and their families with her human approach that combines professionalism and accessibility. Fluent in Farsi, Haleh Alexander is also very involved in her community.

An award winning strategist and entrepreneur, for 20+ years Kirsten has helped governments and communities around the world innovate, increase community engagement, improve access to services, address sustainability and respond more effectively to emergencies. In 2012, Kirsten co-founded ePACT Network, an innovative emergency management platform used by thousands of municipal recreation providers, camps, sports teams, and youth programs across North America, to manage health and emergency information. In 2023, Kirsten became CEO of The Forum, a national charity whose purpose is to deliver impactful community, education and mentorship programs that are designed to elevate women entrepreneurs in their unique journeys.

Catherine Dangerfield is the Assistant Region Head for Private Wealth Management at TD, responsible for the co-leadership of TD's investment management and specialized services across British Columbia and the Yukon.  Catherine’s career in financial services spans over 20 years, many of those at TD where she has held increasingly senior roles in Canadian Personal Bank, HR, Direct Investing and Wealth Management in five regions across Canada.  Catherine has also spent time working in the credit union sector in BC, leading an automotive finance and leasing business, equipment leasing and business banking for a large credit union.

Catherine is a passionate community builder, whose focuses include the Arts, Women in Leadership and supporting the Canadian Armed Forces.  She serves in the reserve Canadian Armed Forces as an Honourary Lieutenant Colonel with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and she is a strong advocate for the Arts. Catherine is an executive Board Member with the Polygon Gallery, a Member of the TD Art Council and a member of the Canadian Advisory Council for Neuchatel Junior College. 

Aisha Yang is the Co-Founder and CEO of Herbaland Naturals Inc., leading it to become Canada’s largest nutritional gummy manufacturer, exporting to over 45 countries. Under her leadership, Herbaland became the world’s first B Corp certified nutritional gummy manufacturer, recognized for its dedication to sustainability and inclusivity. With over 15 years of senior management experience, Aisha has earned accolades such as Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year 2023. She holds an Executive MBA from Queen's University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Aisha is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs while contributing to innovation and leadership in the global business community.

Alena Thouin is Chief Operating Officer for the Ontario Financing Authority (OFA) where she provides executive leadership to a number of cross functional teams including Risk, HR, Information Technology, and Operations. She has previously held several leadership positions in public and private sector, and is passionate about inclusive leadership, strategic visioning and building high performing teams.

Alena is an award-winning lawyer with a strong background in corporate governance and regulatory, financial services. Alena sits on a number of voluntary Boards, is active on various legal industry and practice groups, and is passionate about supporting initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and women in leadership positions.

Selena is Vice President of Private Wealth – Associates and Operations at Nicola Wealth and is a “heart-centered hype girl.”  She says, “I always choose energy,” and that is her guiding principle both personally and professionally.  With over 20 years in financial services, she holds a CFP®, CPA, and CMA designation.

Committed to driving initiatives that foster talent, develop leadership, and support business growth in the Private Wealth Division, she is a community champion, co-chair of the Nicola Inclusion Committee, and host of our Women’s LEAD podcast. Outside of work, she volunteers with organizations that advance equity for youth, women, and marginalized communities. Her proudest role is being a mother of two.

Catherine’s career at Leith Wheeler spans over 20 years, most of which was spent on the fixed income desk, where she was responsible for strategy, trading, and analysis of fixed income portfolios for both institutional and private clients. In the latter part of her career, Catherine’s role has expanded to include portfolio management and client servicing for institutional clients.

Catherine holds a joint Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Simon Fraser University (2000) and has been a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charterholder since 2003. She is also a member and past president of CFA Society Vancouver (2008).

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Catherine is a co-founder of the Vancouver chapter of Women in Capital Markets. She is a member of the Portfolio Review Committee for the Beedie Endowment Asset Management program at Simon Fraser University and a Trustee for both the SFU Academic Pension Plan and the University of Victoria Pension Plans and serves as Chair of the Investment Committee.

Jenny Siman is the Senior Vice President, BC Region, at Canadian Western Bank. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jenny is responsible for overseeing all banking operations, driving regional growth strategies and fostering a client-centric culture across BC and contributing to the overall success of Canadian Western Bank. Jenny has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, leading high performing teams, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Prior to assuming her current SVP role, Jenny held various senior leadership positions including Market Lead roles in Vancouver leading the Diversified Commercial, Cash Management, Private and Personal Banking, as well as Corporate Real Estate Lending.

Kelsey is a Partner at Vancouver based Deans Knight Capital Management. She is the Portfolio Manager of the Deans Knight JDS Resource Fund and a key member of our investment team, overseeing both segregated and pooled equity investment portfolios. She plays a pivotal role in advising clients, combining strategic insight with analytical expertise. In her leadership role, she is passionate about supporting our team in continuous growth and improvement and for embracing the benefits of innovation while maintaining the personalized experience our clients’ value. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honour Roll) from the University of British Columbia (2006) and earned her Chartered Accountant designation (Honour Roll) in 2008. In 2019, Kelsey achieved her Certified Investment Manager designation and was honored by BC Business as one of the province’s most Influential Women in Finance.

Erin is a capital markets and investment banking expert with over two decades of hands-on financing experience, specializing in projects requiring complex solutions involving multiple stakeholders, private equity, venture capital, or public markets across multiple sectors ranging from energy and industrial technology to funds and telecommunications. Erin's approach when helping client firms navigate capital markets is to drive desired outcomes for capital and issuers while always preserving founder value.

Erin serves as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Kanata Clean Energy, an Indigenous-led decarbonization development company operating in Canada's natural resource and energy. Erin has worked closely with other Indigenous rights holders and business leaders on various client engagements. Erin also has unique experience as a funder / investor and supports institutions and family offices access the kinds of opportunities they are seeking. Erin serves on several corporate boards and, having completed the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business’ Institute of Corporate Directors program, she holds the ICD.D designation.

Active in Canadian politics as a young adult, Erin managed and advised campaigns at all three levels of government, as well as in several party leadership races. She also worked on the staff of a federal cabinet minister.

Dr. Zeineddin, is a local Northshore family doctor of and business owner for two decades. She is the current President for BC Family Doctors, the political and economics voice of all family doctors in BC, and the founder of Zili CARE, a preventative health platform bringing tools and insights on how we can care for ourselves so we can care for others.

 She is a health care leader, past negotiator to one of the biggest changes in primary care in the last two decades of BC history, an advocate for gender equity and believes bravery and change is possible if we can care for ourselves by having access to our authentic self with more self awareness and self compassion. Her method of lifestyle counselling at Zili CARE includes her experience as a family doctor of two decades and her mentorship by Dr Gabor Mate with compassionate inquiry counselling. She believes that mental, physical and emotional health is not only interconnected but considered one with our overall health and wellbeing.

Laura is the Head of Business Development at the Cadence Financial Group and the Founder/CEO of Her Wealth.  With more than 20 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industries, she leads the creative development, marketing initiatives, and client experiences of the group. 

She has created an international volunteer program that organizes trips to educate and empower women abroad; her efforts have spanned across Belize, Nepal, Ghana, Peru, India, and the Philippines.  Laura has always been passionate about entrepreneurship, running one of the largest membership communities for female entrepreneurs in Toronto before franchising and selling her business; she was named one of Canada’s Top Young Entrepreneurs for her efforts.  She was also an international professional dancer for 15+ years and continues to fuel this passion by being a master barre trainer.  She is currently working towards her CFP® designation and is a proud mom to her daughter, Annika.

Emily Davies is President of Linde Equity, a Vancouver based investment advisor and portfolio manager, and co-manager of the Linde Equity Fund.  Prior to joining Linde Equity as a partner, Emily worked in equity research and investment banking at RBC Capital Markets.  With a passion for growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Western Canada, Emily also invests in B2B software-as-a-service startups and serves on the board of one of such investments, Cortico Health Technologies as an Independent Director.  In effort to support the arts community, Emily is also a co-founder of GALERIE the brand, a collection of fine wines showcasing local artists on its labels.  Emily is a BC Business 30 Under 30 Award Winner and received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. 

Stephanie joined RBC Dominion Securities in 1999 working for individuals and families across Canada and the U.S., private corporations, and philanthropists, delivering personalized strategies to grow, protect, and transfer wealth across generations.

With professional designations in discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, life insurance and options licensing, she delivers a full-spectrum wealth strategy. From investment advisory to corporate and family wealth transfer planning, Stephanie ensures her clients' evolving financial and life goals are always prioritized.

Her commitment to trusted, long-term partnerships goes beyond numbers. She takes the time to truly understand their unique aspirations, offering personalized guidance at every stage of life. Many of her clients have worked with her for years, even decades, and most have come through referrals.

Financial literacy and preparedness in many families still needs work and Stephanie passes on her wisdom as a regular contributor with specials in the Financial Post as she believes educating through storytelling can be less intimidating for many families to start this very important conversation.

Amanda Sayfy is a highly accomplished non-profit executive with over 15 years of experience in strategic leadership, resource development, and advocacy. As the current Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver, Amanda brings a robust background in fund development, donor relations and program management, having previously served as VP, Development & Communications at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. Her career also includes impactful roles at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. With a values-driven approach, Amanda is dedicated to expanding DFSV’s mission of supporting equitable employment access and fostering community resilience in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland.

Elly is an equity partner in the Financial Services Group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) with over a decade of experience in corporate finance and commercial lending. Her expertise includes innovation and technology finance, acquisition finance, asset-based lending, real estate finance, commercial mortgage-backed securities, insurance finance, and mezzanine lending. Elly advises financial institutions, private lenders, corporate borrowers, and funds on complex loan transactions and intercreditor arrangements. She also specializes in insolvency matters, including corporate restructurings, bankruptcies, and DIP financings.

Elly is the co-founder and CEO of Bulletproof Cosmetics, a company that supports women in abusive situations through the Bulletproof Foundation. A mentor to associates and students, Elly holds leadership roles in professional associations and advocates for women in business through BLG’s Driven by Women Initiative, promoting leadership and cross-industry collaboration.

Coco Brown is the Founder and CEO of Athena Alliance, helping accomplished and ambitious women leaders from entrepreneurs, to executives, to investors, to board members, excel and advance their impact through a unique and highly personalized combination of executive coaching, a powerhouse networking ecosystem, and live + on-demand executive education.  With Coco's leadership, Athena has helped thousands of leaders build their Portfolio of Impact and grow and advance in their executive careers. The company has also brought over 500 women to corporate boards from growth-stage private companies to name-brand public companies.

She’s served on three commercial boards, three non-profit boards, and four advisory boards. Coco is a three-time entrepreneur with one company bought by Private Equity and then by IBM, and another funded by a variety of investors. She is part of Nasdaq's Governance Insights Council, and was named one of the 100 Most Powerful People of Silicon Valley.

Sogol Onsori is an accomplished wealth management professional with extensive experience in the financial services industry. Originally from Tehran, Iran, she moved to Canada at the age of 13 and later graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC). With a career that began in 2004, Sogol has established herself as a leader in the industry. She currently holds the position of Director of Wealth at Sun Life Global Investments, where she consistently generates over $100 million in annual sales, specializing in retirement and estate planning strategies.

In addition to her financial services career, Sogol is the founder and owner of Wish Dry Bar, a luxury dry bar in West Vancouver, established in January 2021. Passionate about luxury, design, and beauty, she created Wish Dry Bar as a space that celebrates elegance, offers an exceptional client experience, and encourages women to indulge in self-care amidst their busy lives.

Celeste Haldane is serving her third term as Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission. Celeste is Musqueam (Coast Salish) and Metlakatla (Tsimshian) from the Sparrow and Haldane families and has European ancestry.

She is a practising lawyer and was appointed King’s Counsel in 2019. Her specializations are Indigenous law and corporate governance. Celeste holds a Master of Laws in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia.

Celeste is an active volunteer and currently serves on the YWCA Vancouver Board, in addition to several other organizations.

Sabeena Bubber is a Mortgage Broker with Xeva Mortgage.  Sabeena has received numerous awards including Top 75 Mortgage Broker, Women of Influence and Hall of Fame as well as community service and philanthropy.

Sabeena is also the founder of the Divorce Circle, providing resources to women going through their divorce, discussing topics such as finance, real estate, family law, counselling, and parenting advice from industry experts. Sabeena is also the founder of Brokers Who Care who have donated hundreds of thousands to families in communities across Canada that have hit upon extraordinarily difficult times. Sabeena is a proud single mom to two amazing daughters who are the center of her world. 

Annika Ng is the Co-Founder & COO of Blossom Social, a social app with over 150,000 retail investors across North America sharing their portfolios, trades, and investment ideas. With over 6 years of experience in the financial services industry, Annika is passionate about making financial literacy accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Through her experience, she has seen how the new generation is evolving and is committed to tailoring financial literacy to meet the needs of this new wave of investors.

Yuliya’s story began nearly 17 years ago in wealth management, where she spearheaded the growth of client portfolios worth over $350 million. Her corporate background and passion for empowering people to build wealth made real estate a natural transition. A proven expert in the Westside, Downtown, and North Shore markets, she built a thriving business on integrity, results, and strategic negotiation—combining high-level marketing with sharp deal-making skills to consistently rank among Greater Vancouver’s top realtors.

Known for mastering the Art of the Deal, Yuliya blends sharp market insight with a business-minded approach and the hustle, ensuring every client makes smart, strategic real estate decisions.  

Beyond the numbers, real estate is about finding a space that complements your well-being, balance and success. She knows firsthand the importance of work-life harmony, drawing from her own passion for tennis, self-care, and maintaining positive energy. With that philosophy, she guides clients to smart choices that enrich their wealth and lifestyle.

Kaitlyn Lawson brings over 16 years of experience to her role as a speaker and consultant with CI Global Asset Management. Based in Vancouver BC, Kaitlyn's expertise in behavioral finance enables her to help investors and financial professionals alike identify and shift the patterns that may be holding them back. Kaitlyn was recognized in 2022 as one of Wealth Professional Canada's Leading Women in Wealth for a career-long focus on helping other women succeed, and she recently served on the board of directors for the Association of Women in Finance. When Kaitlyn is not creating and presenting industry-leading content, you will often find her running local trails and spending time with her young son. 

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Isabel flew to Vancouver with a one-way ticket in 2019. Her first exposure to the entrepreneurial world was working with Volition, where she helped founders navigate knowledge gaps and tackle those "now what?!" moments. She learned firsthand the art of the pitch, the common roadblocks many entrepreneurs face, and the sheer grit it takes for them to make their dreams a reality. Isabel oversees their three flagship programs as the Director of Programs at Startup Canada. She works with their program leads to create entrepreneur-centric programs with the primary mission of connecting Canada’s entrepreneurs with the tools, community, and support they need to start and build their businesses. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing the passion of the entrepreneurs she works with and being able to be a part of their journey and growth.

Candace Nancke, FCPA, FCGA, is a Partner at Loren Nancke, a dynamic accounting firm serving clients across Western Canada. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of complex financial matters, Candace has built a reputation for providing insightful advice and strategic guidance. A dedicated professional, Candace is a graduate of CPA Canada’s In-Depth Tax Course and has held leadership roles in the accounting profession, including serving as Chair of the Board of Governors of CGABC and a member of the Transition Steering Committee during the 2013 CPA merger.

At Loren Nancke, the team focuses on your unique goals and leverages technology to provide personalized, proactive, service to help you achieve those goals.

Isabel specializes in estate planning, estate administration, and trusts. Her expertise lies in assisting clients with estate and incapacity planning, where she prepares a range of planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney, representation agreements, and trusts. Her clients range from young professionals to high net worth individuals. Isabel also advises executors, trustees, and beneficiaries on estate administration matters. Isabel has obtained her TEP designation and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She contributes to legal education and has spoken at various conferences. Outside of work she enjoys golfing, traveling and staying active.

Megan McDonald is an award-winning salesperson, corporate executive, sales coach and speaker. Megan is the Senior Vice President, Sales, BIE + Channel Development for MCAP Financial Corporation; the largest mortgage financing company in Canada with $75 Billion Assets Under Administration and $14 Billion of annual funded mortgage volume.

In this capacity, Megan is the brand owner of MCAP’s flagship brands, and oversees national sales efforts in both prime and alternative-lending markets. Her mandate in BIE and Channel Development drives MCAP’s product and program offering and growth initiatives. This breadth of responsibility allows Megan to both develop and deliver on MCAP’s goals within the broker channel.

Outside of MCAP, Megan is a significant contributor to WIMI, a mentor for the Women In Leadership Foundation (2013) and was twice named a “Women of Influence” by CMP magazine. Megan has served as a two-time Board Member of CMABC and a member of the MPC Board. Megan is a published content contributor, with a chapter featured in Scott Stratten’s latest book “Unleadership”. Deemed an authority on the Canadian Mortgage Market, Megan is a sought-after coach, speaker and mentor.

Megan holds a BA from University of Victoria and resides in Kelowna with her family.

Candice Jamieson is a licensed life insurance agent and financial mentor dedicated to helping Canadians make informed financial decisions to protect their families and build wealth. As a key member of Blue Pearl Financial, Blue Pearl Mortgage Group, Blue Pearl Insurance Services, and Blue Pearl Mortgage Investment Corporation, she works alongside an exceptional team of licensed professionals specializing in mortgages, insurance, and investments—ensuring clients receive the expert guidance they need.

Candice understands the importance of financial security—a lesson she learned firsthand from her mother, who thrived in a male-dominated industry and retired in her 50s. Whether it’s protecting loved ones with life insurance, securing the right mortgage, or exploring investment opportunities, she and the Blue Pearl team are committed to helping Canadians navigate their financial journey with confidence.  For those seeking mortgages or investment opportunities, she collaborates with Blue Pearl’s licensed mortgage and investment professionals, ensuring every client is supported by an expert in the field. With a client-first approach, Candice and her team empower Canadians to make smart financial choices that align with their goals, providing peace of mind for today and security for the future.

Jessica Y. Lo is the VP of Administration & Client Solutions at Solus Trust Company, a nationally licensed trust company offering personal estate and trust services.  Jessica is a designated Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) with 15 years of experience in the legal and trust industry. At Solus Trust, she leads the day-to-day operations and oversees the delivery of its services which include estate and trust administration, power of attorney administration, and executor and trustee support.

Prior to joining Solus Trust, Jessica worked in legal private practice.  Her practice experience gives her a deep understanding of estate planning tools and strategies, as she has assisted numerous clients to implement their planning goals through the creation of well-considered, customized estate plans. She has also guided many executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries with respect to the navigating the complexities of their roles.

Seth Allen is the Founder and Senior Portfolio Manager of Cadence Financial Group at Raymond James Ltd, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in Global Asset Wealth Management. Renowned for his ability to identify market patterns, Seth fosters strong client relationships through trust, transparency, and ongoing education. His comprehensive wealth solutions involve a deep discovery process to align with clients' goals, ensuring capital security and maximum returns. A voting member of the Raymond James Investment Advisory Strategy Group, Seth is also active in the Métis Nation British Columbia and the Her Wealth Summit, advocating for financial empowerment. He serves on multiple advisory boards and mentors students at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business.  In his spare time, Seth enjoys contributing to various charitable initiatives, as well as cooking, yoga, travel, and reading the Stoics.

Morgan Browne is the founder of Oakwyn Realty, a leading brokerage in British Columbia. With over 900 realtors and 9 locations, Oakwyn has been recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies.

With more than 15 years of real estate experience, she and her team have built a reputation for excellence, successfully navigating the dynamic market and achieving record-breaking sales, especially in high-profile properties across Greater Vancouver.

Beyond her real estate accomplishments, Morgan is deeply committed to community engagement. She founded WOO (Women of Oakwyn) to empower women in the industry and has raised significant funds for various charities. Through this initiative, she has also awarded 16 scholarships to support women in business, fostering growth and mentorship.

Morgan continues to inspire with her dedication to excellence and advocacy for women in business, solidifying her legacy in Vancouver's real estate landscape.

Jenny Alfandary stands as a distinguished Board Director and President & CEO, boasting an impressive portfolio of leadership roles across multi-billion dollar capital infrastructure and construction operations spanning the realms of Energy, transportation, AI, technology, and financial services.

Her extensive expertise encompasses steering organizations through complex landscapes and shareholders, driving growth, and orchestrating organization transformations.

Jenny holds pivotal positions on numerous Boards, including Touchstone Exploration (TSX:TXP) (AIM:TXP) within the oil and gas sector, where she contributes her insights to strategic decision-making.

She lends her expertise to national security and Government Energy Regulatory Board, where she shapes policies and practices vital to the industry's integrity and efficiency.
Jenny serves on Audit Committees and Compensation & Nomination Committees, leveraging her ICD designation as well as Audit, Financial, and HR&Compensation designations to ensure robust governance practices and effective oversight.

Her adeptness in corporate governance, M&A, and digital transformation underscores her commitment to driving sustainable growth and expansion across diverse sectors.

Wendy is a strategic thinker and experienced insurance professional helping businesses and families understand how to effectively protect their most important assets from inconvenient to catastrophic risk.  She values personal connection and integrity above all else and enjoys bringing people together for positive business relationships. 

Wendy’s approach includes a high quotient of emotional intelligence and recognition of human behaviors shaping risk decisions, enabling a framework for better conversations and decision making. She leads the Family Office practice, which evolved from her experience that successful families and their advisors are underserved, and do not experience risk or insurance advice in a meaningfully different way from the insurance brokerage community, exposing these families to structural and service inefficiencies and unnecessary risk.  Wendy has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UBC, her Certified Risk Management designation from SFU, and her Certified Advisor Personal Insurance designation from Wharton and Chubb Insurance.

Alyson Jones MA, RCC, ACS is a respected therapist, educator, mediator, business owner and best-selling author.  She speaks across North America and is the Clinical Director at Alyson Jones & Associates, where she leads an innovative professional team of therapists. She has presented at numerous conferences and consulted with health, legal, and educational agencies.  Drawing on a background in family systems, Alyson has assisted many clients and families with reducing conflict and navigating change. She has appeared numerous times on CTV Morning Live and is regularly featured in the media sharing her extensive knowledge of mental health, family dynamics, and conflict resolution.  

Lexi Miles Corrin is the Founder and CEO of WAXON Laser + Waxbar, a fast-growing franchise with over 20 locations across Canada. Her mission is to empower clients, employees, and franchise owners, by cultivating a culture of confidence and support. As a mentor and leader, Lexi leads with authenticity and vulnerability. She is committed to giving back, notably through WAXON’s partnership with One Girl Can. Additionally, she launched South, an intimate skincare line and is a mother of four. She is also the co-host of the We Go There podcast which provides empowerment health information for women.  Lexi shares her journey of balancing life and success across media platforms, inspiring women to pursue their dreams and achieve success.

A dedicated technology professional, she has built a career in the male-dominated fields of technology and physics, overcoming the challenges of two immigrations and starting over each time. Beginning as a physicist, she transitioned into software engineering, consulting, and later, designing large-scale software projects. Since 2020, she has served as CTO of EmergConnect, participating in the development of healthcare interoperability solutions. She previously contributed to predictive tools for Ontario’s Ministry of Health, developed educational software at York University, and consulted on communication projects for major clients. Her journey reflects a commitment to learning, resilience, and leadership in challenging environments.

Kucki left school at 15 to help run her family’s photographic business, in Walvis Bay Namibia, when her father had his first heart attack. By the time she was 17 she had lost both parents. Her passion for flying was ignited on a photo shoot on her first ever flight in a small plane. Photography paled in comparison to the thrill and excitement she felt flying. She decided, in spite of her limiting schooling, to do whatever and however long it would take to get her commercial pilot’s license and instructors rating and inspire others to follow their dreams regardless of obstacles on their way.

Kucki worked as a flight instruct in Cape Town SA and after two years was hired by Namaqualand Airways at DF Malan Airport Cape Town.

She married one of her students and they moved to Vancouver Canada with their 9 month old son.

Sofiia is the founder of In Her Wallet, a financial education podcast dedicated to helping Millennial and Gen Z women take charge of their financial futures with confidence and clarity.  Launched in October 2022, In Her Wallet has quickly become a trusted resource for young women, featuring over 80 podcast episodes, insightful partnerships with financial leaders like RBC, Wealthsimple, and NerdWallet, and a thriving community of listeners in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Asia. Sofiia’s commitment to making finance accessible and relatable earned her a spot on the BC Business 30 Under 30 list in 2024.

Before In Her Wallet, Sofiia built her career as an accredited Investment Representative at Canaccord Genuity Corp., one of Canada’s leading independent investment management firms. Sofiia speaks three languages and holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, featuring Economics, Finance, and Mandarin from the University of British Columbia.

Jaiya is a co-founder of Tydra Labs, a pioneering materials innovation company dedicated to creating sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived fabrics. With a robust background in impact investing, Jaiya has successfully managed numerous projects aimed at fostering social and environmental change. Her expertise has been instrumental in driving Fibr.Bio's mission forward. Jaiya is passionate about empowering individuals to lead their healthiest and wealthiest lives, with a specific commitment to female financial literacy. She believes in the power of education and sustainable practices to transform lives.

Dr. Karine Rashkovsky, PhD. is an award-winning Canadian entrepreneur, educator, author, academic, artist, and seasoned, sought-after speaker and executive coach. Her most recent book An Improbable Life, published with Academic Studies Press, has received rave reviews from academics and authors worldwide. Complimenting her private-sector triumphs is her long-standing impactful contributions in the academic, NFP, and public arenas - including receiving the Order of Vaughan award for her significant impact on both the city and province of Ontario.

After a successful exit from her first venture, Karine has dedicated herself to helping other leaders realize their potential through her signature holistic-executive coaching approach. Karine’s passion for people’s development and wellbeing uniquely catalyzes and empowers leadership transformation for executives, managers, business owners, up-and-coming talent, and academics. Her measurable-results approach focuses on three foundational pillars of achievement: Communication Excellence, Health & Wellness, and Establishing Meaning (what the Japanese refer to as: ikigai 生き甲).

Marianne Surmann is a Registered Nurse by profession, having attended the University of Victoria BC. Prior to her roles within Cleveland Clinic Canada, she held a national senior role in the Pharmacy service industry for 25 years and now serves as Vice President, Corporate and Community Health. 

Marianne has held leadership roles at the clinic including the leadership of the premier Executive Health program in downtown Toronto. Marianne has focused on establishing trusted relationships with both municipal and provincial public health stakeholders. Today, it is Marianne’s primary responsibility to establish a foundation for Cleveland Clinic services to be delivered in markets outside of the original Ontario footprint; overcoming potential roadblocks which are integral to growth and the clinic’s mission to care for more patients across Canada.

In Marianne’s personal life, she leads a twice-yearly volunteer medical mission to remote villages in Tanzania, Africa. Marianne and her interprofessional team bring clinical support to community members with limited access to healthcare. When Marianne is not at the Cleveland Clinic, she can be found alongside her team of physicians, surgeons, nurses, dentists, and logisticians in providing vital healthcare to some of the most vulnerable and at-risk populations.

Jacqueline Knoblauch works with professionals and business owners to identify the biggest risks to their wealth and then strategizes on how to protect against them. Having extensive experience working with incorporated business owners, she knows what questions to address and how to best integrate your desire to grow your wealth with your need to protect what you have already.

Married for over ten years and a mother to twins Audrey and William, she fully understands the complexities surrounding personal and business finances as well as the intricacies and concerns that come with having a family to care for.

An experienced leader in the social-profit sector, Delreen has spent the last 15 years in Canada, focused on inspiring and creating a positive impact on people and communities. By combining passion with purpose, she has not only shaped her own work, but also empowered her team, external stakeholders, and partners to create lasting, transformational change.

In her current role as Vice President, Development at JA British Columbia, Delreen has had the privilege of spearheading their strategic initiatives to secure funding and drive organizational growth. Her leadership approach centers on integrity, accountability, and relationship-building, leveraging the power of collaboration to foster sustainable partnerships that drive positive outcomes. This work has directly impacted young people in urban, rural, and Indigenous communities across British Columbia.

Throughout her 25-year career (10 in India, 15 in Canada), she has remained committed to advancing the well-being of communities through innovation, engagement, and an unwavering focus on inclusivity and equity.

Estée is a distinguished mortgage professional with 18 years of experience in banking and mortgages, renowned for her dedication to client savings and exceptional service. Her academic background includes an MBA from Rotman School of Management, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a BA in Psychology from Western University. Estée's commitment extends beyond fulfilling mortgage needs; she meticulously attends to every detail, ensuring clients receive outstanding care. Over the past 7 years, she has saved clients over $435,000. Actively involved in Toronto’s community, she engages in the arts, sports, and coordinates events for several organizations. Honors include Diamond 2020-2024, Achiever Status 2019, and Manager’s Choice Award 2017.

Nikki specializes in family law in British Columbia, handling matters such as separation, divorce, property division, spousal and child support, and parenting issues. With extensive experience drafting complex agreements and representing clients in court, she also excels in mediations and arbitrations. As a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, she tailors her approach to fit her clients' needs. Nikki is an elected Bencher of the Law Society of British Columbia and has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and a law degree from UBC. A certified Family Law Mediator and Collaborative Family Law Lawyer, she contributes to legal education and has chaired significant family law conferences. Outside of work, she enjoys tennis and managing her two teenage daughters.

Chantelle Krish is a transformative, community-driven executive with multi-sector experience and a leadership style rooted in collaboration.  Throughout her career, she has spearheaded advocacy initiatives to advance systemic change and addressed systemic barriers to gender equality, leading to policy changes at all levels of government. Chantelle is currently the CEO of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, a leading non-profit organization that ignites the potential of youth-serving almost 500 girls and gender-diverse youth per year.  She has implemented a range of initiatives that have fueled the agency’s growth, including the recent launch of ‘My Voice, My Power!’—a gender-based violence prevention program in BC schools. Chantelle has been recognized with several personal honors including Drishti Magazine’s Inspiring Women Award, Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and serves on boards such as YWCA Canada. As a communicator at heart, Chantelle’s mission is simple— to empower girls and youth to one day change the world.

Jason is a seasoned Portfolio Manager and Partner at Cadence Financial Group, where he has been dedicated to optimizing client wealth since 2021. With over six years of prior experience as the Head of Investment Strategy at Raymond James Canada, he led the firm’s asset allocation efforts and managed diverse multi-asset portfolios. Known for his strategic insight, Jason leverages a blend of quantitative and fundamental analysis to develop best-in-class investment strategies. Passionate about empowering clients to achieve their financial goals, he emphasizes long-term wealth preservation and growth while building lasting relationships through personalized service and education.

Taylor Hui is a philanthropist, small business owner, model, and actress who has embraced a multifaceted career. At 17, she founded the BeaYOUtiful Foundation, a Canadian charity dedicated to empowering female and non-binary youth ages 8 to 14, through confidence and mental wellness programs. Driven by her own experiences with cyberbullying and friends facing mental health challenges, Taylor has impacted over 5,000 girls across Canada. To support her charity, she founded The Roster, a clothing brand that promotes self-confidence while donating proceeds back to BeaYOUtiful. Through these initiatives, Taylor is committed to fostering resilience and leadership in the next generation.

Veronika van Wollen has spent the last decade in the tech and capital markets space as a VP of Sales. She has collaborated with hundreds of public companies and executives across various industries, aiding in strategic marketing to investors. Thriving in connecting people, capital, and ideas, Veronika runs a boutique consulting firm specializing in sales and capital markets and is currently focusing on e-commerce ventures. Passionate about philanthropy, she also dedicates her time to empowering women to reach their full potential through organizations she has created or is involved in.

Natasha Raey is a prominent figure in the health, wellness, cannabis, and pharmaceutical industry, renowned as a serial entrepreneur. With a diverse range of ventures under her belt, she has displayed an exceptional acumen for identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends. Natasha's academic background showcases her commitment to excellence in the field. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University (SFU), where she developed a strong foundation in the scientific aspects of healthcare. Building upon this, she pursued a Master of Health Administration from the University of British Columbia (UBC), further enhancing her understanding of the intricate dynamics of healthcare management. Her professional accomplishments are a testament to her multifaceted skill set. Natasha possesses expertise in project management, public relations, primary healthcare, and business development, allowing her to navigate complex industry landscapes with ease. Her ability to spearhead successful projects and cultivate meaningful relationships has garnered widespread recognition. When she's not immersed in her various ventures, Natasha dedicates time to her personal interests. Fitness plays a vital role in her life, as she understands the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She also enjoys traveling to explore diverse cultures, indulging in shopping adventures, and cherishing quality time with her family and pets.

For 14 transformative years, Dani Kagan & Victoria Marshman have shared a journey as best friends and business partners, emerging as serial entrepreneurs. Emerging from their love of dance as former competitive dancers, their connection is rooted in a shared commitment to women's health and community building.

From humble beginnings at the U of T, they've crafted a decade-long legacy, highlighted by impactful ventures like City MOGULS and Stratus Events. They have raised over $250,000 for Canadian charities, including Covenant House, and fosters connections among thousands of entrepreneurs through meaningful events.

The pandemic's arrival led them to launch Mave & Chez, stylish, supportive slippers designed for women, by women. MAVES aims to ignite confidence in all women, helping them live bolder, healthier lives and build their legacies one step at a time.  Featured on Dragon's Den, they secured a deal from Two Dragons, further cementing their legacy.  

Stefanie Ricchio, CPA, is an award-winning Writer, Author, Speaker, Financial Literacy Advocate, and Financial Systems Business Strategist.  For over two decades, Stefanie has worked at the intersection of finance strategy, transformation and humanity, driving value across technology, 3PL, SaaS industries, mid-tier professional firms, and not-for-profits as both a senior leader and consultant. 

Now, she focuses on empowering value for women in their work and lives, and for organizations to drive commercial efficiencies and create environments for people to thrive.  She is passionate about creating high-efficiency working environments that add value back to the business and allow team members to develop their careers in a meaningful way by focusing on their empowerment to create impact.  She also spends her time building financial literacy initiatives across Canada to ensure Canadians get access to the information they need to be financially savvy and successful.

Patricia is a Senior Trust Advisor working out of the Solus Vancouver corporate office and servicing advisors and their clients as well as their Correspondent Services clients in Vancouver and across the BC mainland. Prior to joining Solus Trust, Patricia was a Trust and Estate Consultant for 10 years with CIBC Trust, building client relationships, assessing their needs, and identifying and providing appropriate trust services to assist with the effective execution of trust services roles. During her prior work experience during her 22 years at the bank, she was a Sales Solution Lead and provided bilingual client service. She has extensive experience dealing directly with clients and various stakeholders as well as giving presentations. She earned a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Prince Edward Island, and completed the IFC through CSI. She is fluent in English and French.

Following a dynamic and rewarding career with leading companies in Canada, Tanya founded Fin$mart^™ to pursue her passion as a personal finance educator and expert money coach.  She earned her Accredited Financial Counsellor of Canada in April 2020 and has successfully worked with individuals and couples across the country to help them master their money and “get Fin$mart”. When you are Fin$mart, you are financially smart, savvy, and secure. Tanya is also a financial wellness advocate and loves public speaking where she is able to inspire and motivate women to develop their financial knowledge, skills, and confidence.