As we approach Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19), we're excited to share this PERSPECTIVE from Junia Joplin, a member of the clergy team at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto — a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive faith community and human rights church — and a 2021 Top 25 Women of Influence recipient. As she points out, "I don’t identify as a woman. Rather, I am a woman. Somehow, rightly or wrongly, identity has come to connote a kind of disembodied, decontextualized totem of sorts."
In 2015, Janey Buzugbe arrived in Canada from Nigeria with two suitcases and a dream — but adjusting to the new cultural environment proved difficult. After completing the Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship (MMIE) program at Smith School of Business, Janey turned her challenges into an opportunity, launching an immigrant and career education network to combat under-employment among Canadian immigrants.
When Isabelle was just 19, her father unexpectedly passed away — and she and her brother had to step in to manage his successful tool manufacturing business for the woodworking industry. When it came time to sell the company after 10 years of running it, her financial focus shifted away from making decisions for the business toward investing in her personal and familial future outcomes. Even as a trained accountant, she realized she needed some expert-level help.
Introductions to EDC and Trade Commissioner Service experts.
Bi-monthly cohort events like panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions.
One FREE Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) skills online course of your choice
Plus, you'll immediately get access to EDC’s Going Global: Empowering women through trade guide, just for applying! Are you in? Applications are open until Sunday, Nov. 13, 11:59 pm EST.
Over the last few years, there’s been greater investment in supplier diversity programs — resulting in a large and growing opportunity for women, Indigenous and diverse entrepreneurs. The problem? While governments and large organizations are setting targets, their procurement processes are often exceedingly complex and difficult to navigate. Fortunately, leaders in the ecosystem (like WEKH and RFAQ) are stepping in with new programs and resources to help you tap into this tool for growth.
As a board member, being asked to step up in an emergency can allow you to develop and demonstrate leadership. But before a crisis happens, there’s also an opportunity to develop and demonstrate your value to the board — through a commitment to readiness. Experienced board chair Kristi Honey shares the why and how of knowing your role in the event of an emergency, understanding the organization’s enterprise risks and response plans, and going the extra mile to help optimize both.
Join the celebration virtually or in person for our milestone30th Annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Gala! The premiere event of the year brings nominees, corporate executives, dignitaries, and notable industry guests together at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto for a delectable evening of inspiration, style, and meaningful connection! Mark your calendars and get ready to find out who will take home top honours in each category.
