Women Rising

Advancing Women’s Leadership Through Policy, Education, Mentorship, and Community Engagement

Advancing Women’s Leadership Through Policy, Education, Mentorship, and Community Engagement

Welcome to Women Rising, a transformative initiative dedicated to advancing women’s leadership, fostering community connections, and supporting career and entrepreneurial journeys. Join us in creating a vibrant network of empowered women across the Lower Mainland.

Program Overview

Women Rising is a comprehensive program designed to inspire, educate, and connect women from diverse backgrounds. Through a series of networking events, interactive workshops, insightful seminars, and meaningful mentorship we aim to provide the tools and support needed for women to excel in their professional and personal lives.

Upcoming Workshops
Seminars
Mentorship Program
Join Us

Launch Event: Women Rising Kickoff

  • Thursday, September 12th
  • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Coquitlam City Center Library, Rooms #136 & 137 - 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
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Highlights

  • Inspirational talks from guest speakers
  • Engaging breakout groups for collaboration
  • Introduction to upcoming workshops and seminars
  • Insights into how Women Rising can support your career and entrepreneurial journey
Register Here

Join us for the launch of Women Rising! This free community event will bring together women from Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks as you network with community leaders and other inspiring women.

Upcoming Workshops

Each workshop will feature an expert guest speaker and facilitator, followed by activities designed to help you implement what you’ve learned. The session will conclude with 30 minutes of networking, allowing you to build connections and discuss your experiences

Leadership Workshop #1: Networking & Communication Skills

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  • Saturday, November 2nd
  • 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Vancouver Coal Harbour Community Center: 480 Broughton St, Vancouver
  • Mulit-purpose room
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Leadership Workshop #2: Assertiveness - How to Speak Up for Yourself & Others

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  • Saturday, November 30th
  • 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Vancouver Coal Harbour Community Center: 480 Broughton St, Vancouver
  • Multi-purpose room
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Leadership Workshop #3: Personal Branding

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  • Saturday, February 1st
  • 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
  • TBD
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Leadership Workshop #4: Launching Your Own Venture

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  • Saturday, March 1st
  • 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
  • TBD
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Seminars

Each seminar will provide an in-depth exploration of these topics through rich content and dynamic panel discussions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, ask questions, and contribute to the conversation, making each seminar a collaborative learning experience.

Seminar #1: Women in Politics: Leadership & Representation

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  • Thursday, October 3rd
  • 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Surrey City Centre Library, Room 120 - 10350 University Drive, Surrey
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Seminar #2: Women Driving Economic Growth: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Policy

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  • Thursday, November 14th
  • 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Surrey City Centre Library, Room 120 - 10350 University Drive, Surrey
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Seminar #3: Building Strong Communities: Leadership, Inclusivity, and Social Change

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  • Thursday, January 23rd
  • 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  • TBD
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Seminar #4: Women Shaping Policy: Advocacy for Social Change

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  • Thursday, February 20th
  • 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  • TBD
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Mentorship Program

Our mentorship program is a cornerstone of the Women Rising initiative, pairing experienced women leaders with mentees seeking guidance and support. This program runs from October 2024 to April 2025 and is designed to foster meaningful connections and professional growth.

Become a Mentor

We are actively seeking mentors who are passionate about empowering other women. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, you can sign up here. Apply Now

Mentor Requirements

  • Commitment to at least three one-hour sessions, either in person or online
  • Must be a good listener and provide helpful feedback
  • Experienced in leadership, with a willingness to share knowledge and expertise
  • Ability to inspire and motivate mentees

Mentor Benefits

  • Opportunity to give back and make a significant impact on someone’s career
  • Enhance your own leadership and coaching skills
  • Connect with a network of like-minded women leaders
  • Receive a certificate and a thank you gift

Receive Mentorship

If you are interested in receiving mentorship, you can sign up here. Apply Now

Mentee Benefits

  • Personalized guidance and support from experienced leaders
  • Access to valuable resources and advice to help you achieve your career and/or future goals
  • Opportunities to expand your professional network
  • Enhanced skills in leadership, communication, and personal branding

The mentorship program is designed to support women in their professional and personal development, providing them with the tools and confidence needed to succeed. Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, this program offers valuable opportunities for growth, connection, and mutual empowerment.

Women Rising Wrap-Up & Final Networking Event

  • Thursday, March 13th
  • 6:00pm to 9:00pm
  • Executive Plaza Hotel, ballroom, 405 North Rd #1, Coquitlam, BC V3K 3V9
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Celebrate the achievements and connections made throughout the Women Rising program at our final event.

Join Us

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a movement dedicated to advancing women’s leadership. Register now for the Women Rising launch event and explore the full schedule of workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities.

For more information and to register for our launch event here: Sign Up

Or contact us at WR@lowentropy.org

Together, we can rise, inspire, and lead.

Keynote Speaker

Mayor Meghan Lahti

One of Port Moody’s longest-serving council members since 1996, is a dedicated community leader and volunteer. With nearly 20 years in education and business management, she’s led numerous city initiatives, earning the International Livable Communities Award and the national Clements Award for environmental leadership.

Leadership Workshop #1: Networking & Communication Skills

In this interactive workshop, you will learn the art of effective networking and communication — skills essential for building strong professional relationships and advancing in leadership roles. Through practical exercises and expert guidance, you will discover strategies to confidently connect with others, articulate your ideas, and foster collaborations that lead to mutual success. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional circle or improve your interpersonal skills, this workshop provides the tools and insights to help you communicate with impact.

Highlights:

1. Learn techniques to initiate and maintain professional connections.
2. Develop clear and authentic communication skills.
3. Understand and practice active listening in networking.
4. Gain confidence in engaging with diverse groups of people.

Keynote speaker

Jen Thaker

Founder and Professional Financial Advisor at Thaker Financial Inc. With a passion for empowering women, she hosts monthly events to connect and uplift women in business across BC. Jen believes in creating financial security and freedom through smart financial planning, enabling women to live big, beautiful lives.

Leadership Workshop #2: Assertiveness - How to Speak Up for Yourself & Others

This workshop empowers women to find and use their voice with confidence. You will explore the principles of assertiveness, learning how to express your thoughts, needs, and boundaries effectively while respecting others. Through real-world scenarios and role-playing exercises, you will practice speaking up for yourself and others, a crucial skill for leadership and advocacy in any setting.

Highlights:

1. Understand the difference between assertiveness, passiveness, and aggressiveness.
2. Develop techniques for setting boundaries and saying “no” effectively.
3. Gain tools to advocate for yourself and others in various situations.
4. Practice assertive communication through interactive role-play.

Workshop Facilitator

Islena Faircrest

With over 23 years of experience as a yoga educator and somatic therapist, Islena is a skilled facilitator in assertiveness. Her trauma-informed approach, rooted in Internal Family Systems and nervous system regulation, empowers women to cultivate confidence and assertiveness in their personal and professional lives.

Leadership Workshop #3: Personal Branding

This workshop guides participants through the process of creating and refining their personal brand—how they present themselves to the world both online and offline. You will learn to identify your unique strengths, values, and passions, and how to communicate these attributes to build a compelling personal brand that resonates with your career goals. The session includes practical tips on using social media and other platforms to enhance visibility and influence.

Highlights:

1. Discover the key elements of a strong personal brand.
2. Learn how to align your brand with your career and leadership goals.
3. Explore strategies for enhancing your online presence.
4. Gain insights into maintaining authenticity while building your brand.

Workshop Facilitator

Vanessa Leung

Vanessa Leung is a Certified Self-Mastery Coach with a unique talent for helping women build authentic personal brands that align with their values and purpose. As a seasoned facilitator, she empowers heart-driven leaders to transform the way they approach branding, creating strategies that reflect their true selves while driving business growth. 

Vanessa has a gift for simplifying complex marketing concepts, allowing her clients to overcome emotional barriers, break through limiting beliefs, and build strong, lasting brands. Her “Receive, Trust, and Follow” model encourages women to tap into their intuition and creativity, helping them show up confidently and authentically in their business. When she’s not leading impactful workshops, you’ll find Vanessa hiking with her partner and dog, dancing at home, or enjoying a playful swing at the local park.

Leadership Workshop #4: Launching Your Own Venture

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders, this workshop offers a step-by-step guide to turning ideas into viable businesses or new ventures. Participants will learn about the fundamentals of starting an enterprise, from idea generation to business planning and securing funding. The session includes insights from successful female entrepreneurs and provides practical tools to help you navigate the challenges of launching and growing a business or social venture.

Highlights:

1. Learn the basics of creating a business plan.
2. Explore different funding options and how to access them.
3. Understand the challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship.
4. Network with other aspiring entrepreneurs and potential mentors.

Keynote speaker & moderator

Kara Kalin

Kara Kalin

Founder of Shift Change, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and EMDR Certified Therapist with over two decades of experience in mental health and high performance. A former Team Canada coach and national-level athlete, she pioneers EMDR therapy, focusing on online mental health support for frontline workers.

Guest Speaker

Jessica Taylor

Jessica Taylor is the Clinic Director of Pleasant Hypnosis in Vancouver, dedicated to helping real people make real changes in their lives, and unlock their full potential through hypnosis. As a Consulting Hypnotist and member of The National Guild of Hypnotists and Master Hypnotist Society, Jessica is skilled in advanced hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and even Stage Hypnosis—bringing a blend of science, skill, and artistry to her practice. 

In addition to one-on-one sessions, she delivers engaging talks and workshops, covering topics such as stress management, overcoming limiting beliefs, and communicating effectively.

Her personal experience with hypnosis has profoundly impacted her life, creating an insatiable curiosity for human potential. Her expertise has enabled her to facilitate real change in health, relationships, self-esteem, work, and daily life, in both herself and others. Whether it’s weight loss, quitting smoking, boosting self-esteem, managing stress, improving sleep, or fostering personal growth, Jessica is deeply committed to using hypnosis as a tool to help her clients achieve the outcomes that once felt out of reach.

Seminar #1: Women in Politics: Leadership & Representation

This seminar explores the intersection of women and politics, highlighting the critical role women play in shaping the political landscape. The panel discussions will feature women who have made significant strides in political arenas, from grassroots organizing to holding public office. Participants will learn about the challenges and opportunities in navigating political spaces, the importance of women’s representation, and strategies for building a political career. Whether you’re considering running for office or advocating for change, this seminar will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference in politics.

Highlights

1. Gain insights into the challenges women face in politics and how to overcome them.
2. Learn about the pathways to political leadership and public office.
3. Understand the importance of women’s representation in politics.
4. Hear firsthand experiences from women leaders in various political roles.

Keynote speaker & moderator

Anita Huberman

Anita Huberman, Former CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade for 18 years, has led one of Canada’s top Boards of Trade, serving over 6,000 members. Recognized as a top leader in Vancouver, she’s an advocate for Surrey businesses, holds numerous awards, and serves on multiple national and regional councils.

Panel

Councillor Linda Annis

I have been a proud resident of Surrey for the past 20 years. I am currently the Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers and have held several senior marketing and communications roles in the corporate and not for profit sectors.

Councillor Pardeep Kooner

Serving Surrey since 2002, Pardeep specializes in sound fiscal management with over 20 years in accounting. A Trinity Western University alumnus and owner of an audit firm, she aims to implement a 30-year financial plan, ensure fiscal prudence, drive economic growth, and promote ethical governance in Surrey.

Councillor Teri Towner

Teri, an active Coquitlam City Councillor since 2014, is deeply committed to community service and leadership. She serves with a wide variety of organizations on numerous committees and boards, focusing on housing, accessibility and volunteerism across the Tri-Cities. She co-founded the Tri-Cities Friends of Refugees Task Group which has since evolved into the In Your Corner ReStart Support Society.

Rochelle Prasad

Rochelle is an Education Rights and Youth Engagement Activist who ran for Surrey City Councillor in 2022. She is the founder of SPARK Foundation, recognized as Canada’s top life education program for young people, and her work has earned recognition from prestigious institutions such as the United Nations and the Royal Family.

Laura Dupont

Laura, a two-term Port Coquitlam City Councillor, environmental advocate, and founding member of the Wondrous Tree Fellowship, has spent decades supporting local environmental groups. She is now running for a federal seat in Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam in the 2025 election, focusing on food security and climate action.

Seminar #2: Women Driving Economic Growth: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Policy

This seminar focuses on the role of women in driving economic development, both locally and globally. Through panel discussions with economists, business leaders, and policymakers, participants will explore how women can contribute to and benefit from economic growth. The seminar will cover topics such as entrepreneurship, access to capital, and the impact of economic policies on women. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to navigate the economic landscape and leverage opportunities for advancement in business and economic leadership.

Highlights:

1. Explore the role of women in shaping economic policies and development.
2. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in women’s entrepreneurship.
3. Understand how to access capital and resources for business growth.
4. Discuss the impact of economic policies on women and how to advocate for change.

Guest speaker

Alyssa Barry

Alyssa is the President at irlabs. She has over 15-years of investor relations, capital markets and corporate communications experience. An activist by nature, she has raised over $1 billion of capital, led some of Canada’s most successful activism campaigns, managed M&A transactions and enhanced board governance frameworks. 

She was formerly Head of Strategy – Operations and Communications at Artis REIT, Vice-President of Capital Markets and Communications at Sandpiper Group and Manager, Investor Relations at Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc. She is known for her agility, creative prose and relentless pursuit of success for her clients.

Seminar #3: Building Strong Communities: Leadership, Inclusivity, and Social Change

As a foundation for social change and leadership, this seminar emphasizes community building. The panel will include community leaders, activists, and organizers who have successfully fostered strong, resilient communities. Participants will learn about the strategies and tools necessary for building inclusive communities, the role of leadership in community development, and the importance of grassroots organizing. The discussions will also address the challenges of community engagement and how to overcome them to create lasting impact.

Highlights:

1. Learn strategies for effective community engagement and development.
2. Explore the role of leadership in fostering strong, inclusive communities.
3. Discuss the challenges of grassroots organizing and how to overcome them.
4. Hear from community leaders who have successfully built resilient communities.

Keynote speaker & moderator

Maggie Stewart

Maggie Stewart (she/her) brings over a decade of experience leading diverse teams and fostering inclusive communities across environmental research, social change initiatives, and educational programs. As the Manager of Volunteer Services at the Vancouver Aquarium, she is recognized for her talent in inspiring shared visions, driving positive change, and actively engaging with diverse communities. Maggie is excited to share her experiences and insights, while facilitating an engaging and impactful session.

Panelist

Mithila Karnik-Adarkar

With a decade-plus long experience as an artiste manager/publicist in the Indian film industry, Mithila Karnik-Adarkar moved to Canada in 2016 with her husband. Mithila lives in Port Coquitlam in BC, has served on the city’s EDI Roundtable Advisory and has been instrumental, as a community volunteer, in passionately advocating for diversity and inclusion through cultural events, networking experiences and women’s day initiatives. She’s mother to a pliant boxer (named Hagrid!) and a strong-willed daughter and together with her husband, loves her neighborhood breweries, trails and the library! 

Seminar #4: Women Shaping Policy: Advocacy for Social Change

This seminar delves into the world of public policy and advocacy, focusing on how women can influence and shape policy to drive social change. The panel discussions will feature policymakers, advocates, and activists who have successfully campaigned for policy changes at various levels. Participants will learn about the processes of policy-making, the skills needed for effective advocacy, and the importance of women’s voices in public policy. This seminar will provide the tools and inspiration needed to engage in policy work and advocate for issues that matter.

Highlights:

1. Understand the processes and complexities of public policy-making.
2. Learn effective advocacy strategies for driving policy change.
3. Explore the role of women in shaping public policy and social change.
4. Engage with policymakers and advocates to learn from their experiences.