đź“… Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00AM - 1:30PM PT
đź“Ť Location: Online | Zoom
Register on Eventbrite here.
Join us online for a transformative conversation about equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Advancing Women’s Leadership Western Canada virtual launch event hosted by the Information and Communication Technology Council (ICTC). This program champions women’s representation in leadership roles while creating workplaces where everyone thrives.
The event will feature a dynamic panel discussion with experienced leaders who will share real-world strategies for advancing equity and fostering diversity in leadership roles, and ICTC's top research and policy experts will share groundbreaking findings on gender equity in leadership positions, as well as the transformative impact of diverse workplaces. You will also learn about the program's innovative assessment tool that is designed to help organizations identify gaps, measure progress, and implement actionable strategies for more inclusive leadership.
This issue doesn’t only affect women—solving the gender gap in leadership is about fostering inclusive leadership teams that benefit all genders, backgrounds, and perspectives. Whether you’re an executive, HR leader, or an ally in equity, this event will equip you to drive meaningful change and shape the future of leadership in your organization.
- 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM: Welcome Remarks
- 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM: Research Presentation
- 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Program Overview
- 10:45 AM - 10:50 AM: Short Break
- 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM: Panel Discussion: "The Power of Equity: Why Inclusive Leadership Benefits Everyone"
- 11:50 AM – 12:05 PM: Q&A session
- 12:05 PM - 12:15 PM: Short break
- 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Keynote Presentation on the program’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Assessment Tool
- 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Q&A session
- 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Closing Remarks
Pam Bailey: Co-Owner, Dacotah Malt Ltd.
Pam Bailey is co-owner of Dacotah Malt Ltd, a pioneering craft malthouse in the heart of Manitoba’s Red River Valley. With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and a keen eye for improvement, Pam and her husband embarked on a mission to revolutionize the craft malt industry by creating it in their province. Drawing inspiration from the family grain farm, she co-founded Dacotah Malt Ltd with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a driving force, crafting premium malt while fostering local partnerships and supporting agricultural value-chain advancement.
Joelle Foster: Co-Founder and President/CEO, North Forge
Joelle Foster, Co-Founder and President/CEO of North Forge, has over two decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs across Canada. She co-founded the Women's Equity Lab (WEL) MB to increase the number of women angel investors. She developed North Forge's four-stage digital Founders Program, driving a 300% growth in tech-enabled and advanced manufacturing companies in Manitoba. Joelle also established the Angel Network (2021), Global Entrepreneur Initiative (2023), and Women in Innovation Lab (WiLab, 2023). Under her leadership, North Forge won two Diversity and Inclusion awards in 2024. Previously, Joelle served as Executive Director of the University of Calgary's Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking and as a Director for Futurpreneur Canada, where her efforts led to the launch of over 325 businesses in Manitoba, including notable national startups like Skip the Dishes and Callia Flowers.
Rochelle Grayson: Founder, Mosaic Accelerator; Co-Founder, Circles of AI
Rochelle Grayson is a serial entrepreneur, digital strategist, and AI educator with 30+ years of experience in business, technology, and education. As Founder of Mosaic Accelerator and Co-Founder of Circles of AI, she is dedicated to empowering diverse entrepreneurs—especially intersectional, marginalized, and BIPOC women—through innovative AI and business strategies. Rochelle has mentored over 150 startups as an Executive-in-Residence at New Ventures BC and has taught AI applications, ethics, and innovation at the University of British Columbia. Her expertise spans AI-driven business models, digital marketing, funding strategies, and community building.Recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, she has also been honoured as Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40 and named one of Canada’s Top 20 Black Tech Entrepreneurs. An Afro-Latin, trilingual, multicultural individual who has lived and worked in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America, Rochelle truly appreciates and brings a global Indigenous perspective to all her ventures and activities.Rochelle holds an MBA in Finance and Business Policy from the University of Chicago and Six Sigma (Black Belt) Master Certifications in Product Development Management and Business Facilitation. She is also the author of Foundations in Digital Marketing (BCcampus) and Applied Marketing (Wiley). Passionate about making AI and technology accessible, Rochelle equips business leaders with practical tools to drive efficiency, growth, and impact in the digital age.
Laura Lazo: Founder, Careers in Agriculture and Food (CAF)
Laura founded Careers in Agriculture and Food (CAF), a recruitment service specializing in the agriculture and agrifood-processing sectors. With extensive experience in the field, she has built a broad network across Canada. She provides specialized services for employers within the agriculture and agrifood processing sectors, aimed at addressing challenging vacancies. This includes leveraging advanced digital technology to match candidates with suitable roles, thereby ensuring successful hires. Additionally, Laura co-founded and serves as the Chair of Manitoba Women in Agriculture and Food (MWAF), a registered non-profit organization. She holds an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Biology from Dalhousie University.
Register here.
