In 2017, we wanted to support Ottawa women leaders and women in business. A small group of local women came together to consider what women in our community were facing and what type of event or program might be meaningful to them. We discussed what leadership looked like and how women approach it. We discussed the ongoing challenge of life balance, managing professional and personal priorities while maintaining our health and wellbeing. We discussed the legacy we wish to build.
And then we created the first Women, Wine & Wisdom.
Over the next few years, we invited the most dynamic and diverse women to share their real experiences and their insights on becoming resilient, being brave, thinking big, owning it and staying strong. Naturally, the conversation evolved into the role and responsibility each of us have in accelerating gender equality. The conversations were raw and inspiring. Our time together created a bond among women from every age, background, and career. And it was evident how important it was to cultivate a community where truth and vulnerability were celebrated. We are ever grateful to these women for leading the way:
- Shelley True
- Solange Tuyishime
- Victoria Lennox
- Julie Buen
- Dr. Karen Dover
- Sophia Leong
- Clare Beckton
- Andrea Baptiste
- Amy MacLeod
- Nora Spinks
- Carol Anne Meehan
- Dana Brown
- Jennifer Stewart
- Dr. Thais Coutinho
- Karla Briones
- Huiping Zhang
- Rima Aristocrat
- Deborah Rosati
- Kathy Smart
- Janice McDonald
- Linda Eagan
- Komal Minhas
Today, there are many options for women to gather and share. Ottawa is fortunate to have Invest Ottawa and many partners curating and calibrating the highest level of programming to realize the full potential of women in our city through International Women’s Week.
The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women. Our community and our economy cannot afford to compromise or lose the contribution of women in our businesses, our families, and our communities. That is why we are excited to announce the return of the live version of Women, Wine & Wisdom. And the theme is YOU FIRST!
In general women are known for putting others first, often at the expense of themselves and with an unrealized plan to get to self care someday. This strategy is not sustainable and does not realize the full potential of our local women leaders. We are pleased to welcome three new women to the WWW alumni who are willing to share their story and lead a discussion on how the YOU FIRST approach can lead to business and life success. You will love hearing from Mimi Lam, Dr. Sasha Suda, and Sheema Khan.
Join us on May 12, 2022, at the beautiful National Arts Centre for a gourmet dinner, meaningful conversations, and much needed inspiration.
I can’t wait to see you there!
Yours in prosperity,
Sueling Ching
President & CEO | Ottawa Board of Trade
About the Ottawa Board of Trade
The Ottawa Board of Trade is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan member driven business association. We are the voice of business and key advocate for economic growth in our Nation’s Capital. Our mission is to cultivate a thriving world class business community in Ottawa by influencing economic development through leadership and partnerships. We advocate key priorities at all three levels of government and support business growth through relevant benefits and programs. Join us today!
