Women Rising

Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate breaking barriers and building community!

In times of challenge, lessening resources, or overextending ourselves, our nervous systems can become dysregulated and negatively shift the way we respond to stressors in our environment. Bringing back regulation to where we can feel a sense of connection and safety within ourselves, and with others, is a practice that helps us navigate uncertainty. Join Internal Family Systems & somatic practitioner Islena Faircrest in an afternoon of learning and practicing self-compassion and resiliency, to understand & befriend the different states of our nervous system.

The inaugural Women Rising event in September 2024 marked the exciting launch of this empowering program, bringing together inspiring women leaders and community members. Keynote speaker Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti set the stage with a powerful message on leadership and resilience, while special guest former Coquitlam Mayor Maxine Wilson shared her wisdom and experience. The event also introduced our upcoming Women Rising speakers, including Kara Kalin, Jessica Taylor, Maggie Stewart, Laura Dupont, and Jen Thaker, highlighting the diverse voices shaping our series. This celebratory evening was a tribute to the strength, achievements, and collective impact of women in our community.

Women in Politics was an inspiring seminar focused on amplifying women’s voices in leadership and governance. Keynote speaker Anita Huberman, former CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, shared her insights on leadership and advocacy, drawing from her 18 years of experience championing businesses and communities. She then moderated a dynamic panel discussion featuring Surrey City Councillors Linda Annis and Pardeep Kooner, former Port Coquitlam City Councillor Laura Dupont, Coquitlam City Councillor Teri Towner, and activist Rochelle Prasad, who has run for office and champions education rights. This event provided invaluable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of women in politics, encouraging more women to step into leadership roles.

The Women Rising: Networking & Communication workshop was an engaging and interactive session designed to help women build confidence in professional and personal connections. Keynote speaker Jen Thaker, Founder of Thaker Financial Inc., shared her expertise on financial empowerment and the power of community in advancing women’s success. The workshop was led by Mallory Meyer, founder of White Wolf Reiki, who guided participants through neuroscience-based strategies and somatic practices to enhance communication, leadership, and authentic connection. Through hands-on activities and expert insights, attendees gained valuable tools to network effectively, express themselves with clarity, and build meaningful relationships for career and personal growth.

The Women Driving Economic Growth seminar explored the critical role women play in shaping and strengthening the economy. Keynote speaker Bukkie Adewuyi, Vice President of Internal Audit and Risk Advisory at Aritzia, shared insights from her extensive career in finance, risk management, and leadership. The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Zahra Alani, bringing together industry leaders Alyssa Berry, Mary Ellen Schaafsma, Dr. Sandra Song, and Bukkie Adewuyi to discuss challenges and opportunities for women in business, governance, and finance. This inspiring session highlighted strategies for economic empowerment, leadership, and driving meaningful change.

The Assertiveness Workshop empowered participants with the skills to confidently advocate for themselves and others. Led by Islena Faircrest, a trauma-informed somatic therapist and wellness educator, the workshop explored the deep connection between authenticity and assertiveness. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees learned how to set healthy boundaries, communicate with clarity, and cultivate a strong personal vision. Islena’s holistic approach helped participants develop the confidence to express their needs and values while fostering meaningful and respectful relationships.

The Building Strong Communities seminar brought together passionate leaders, activists, and organizers to explore strategies for fostering resilient, inclusive communities. Maggie Stewart, Manager of Volunteer Services at the Vancouver Aquarium, delivered an inspiring keynote before moderating a dynamic panel discussion featuring Mithila Karnik-Adarkar, Shelley-Anne Vidal, Paola Murillo, Christina Wong, and Josette Jim. The panelists shared their experiences in grassroots organizing, cultural advocacy, leadership, and community engagement, offering valuable insights on overcoming challenges and driving meaningful change. This empowering event highlighted the power of collaboration and inclusivity in creating thriving, connected communities.

The Personal Branding workshop, facilitated by Vanessa Leung, provided participants with actionable strategies to craft an authentic and impactful personal brand. Attendees explored how to identify their unique strengths, values, and passions while learning to communicate them effectively both online and offline. The session covered key elements of a strong personal brand, aligning branding with career and leadership goals, and leveraging social media for visibility and influence. Vanessa’s empowering approach helped participants break through limiting beliefs and embrace authenticity in their branding journey.

The Women Advocating for Social Change seminar empowered attendees with the knowledge and connections to drive meaningful impact in their communities. The event featured a keynote address by Levonne Abshire, an equity and disability advocate with over 20 years of leadership experience in education and health. Levonne shared insights on advocacy, inclusion, and amplifying marginalized voices, drawing from both her professional and lived experiences.

Following her keynote, Levonne moderated an engaging panel discussion featuring Annie Ohana, Isabella Wen, Dr. Elder Roberta Price, and Susan Bains—all leaders in advocacy and social change. The panel explored strategies for building advocacy networks, using storytelling to inspire action, and navigating systemic barriers to equity and justice. Whether participants were new to advocacy or experienced changemakers, this seminar provided valuable tools, inspiration, and a supportive community to further their efforts.

The Launching Your Own Venture event provided aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders with valuable insights and practical strategies to turn their ideas into impactful businesses and social ventures.

The event featured an interactive workshop led by Rasie Bamigbade, a leadership coach, author, and founder of RB Jumpstart Coaching. Rasie shared key principles of self-leadership, mentorship, and strategic growth, empowering participants to take actionable steps toward launching and sustaining their ventures.

Following the workshop, Rasie moderated a panel discussion with Jessica Taylor, Kara Kalin, and Queen Alexis, each bringing unique expertise in entrepreneurship, personal transformation, and leadership. The panel explored topics such as overcoming challenges in starting a business, leveraging resources effectively, and the importance of community and collaboration in achieving long-term success.

Through engaging dialogue and shared experiences, this event inspired participants to pursue their entrepreneurial goals with confidence, equipping them with the tools and mindset needed for sustainable impact.