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International Business Woman Forum 2026
On February 14, 2026, the International Business Woman Forum 2026 took place in Toronto, organized by Business Woman PRO Canada to celebrate the organization’s fifth anniversary.
The Forum became an international platform for dialogue on the role of women in business, politics, and community leadership, bringing together entrepreneurs, community leaders, policymakers, and international partners.
Participants from more than 20 countries joined the event both in person and online.
The daytime program was held at Toronto City Hall, while the evening Gala Evening & Networking took place at the KPMG offices in the financial district of Toronto.
✔ International speakers
✔ Networking & partnerships
✔ Business & leadership insights
✔ Toronto City Hall venue
Political Recognition and Support
The Forum received video greetings and official messages from representatives of federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government in Canada, as well as international partners.
Greetings to the participants of the Forum and to Business Woman PRO Canada were delivered by:
Olivia Chow — Mayor of Toronto
Doug Ford — Premier of Ontario
Anita Anand — Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
Kinga Surma — Minister of Infrastructure of Ontario
Yvan Baker — Member of Parliament of Canada
Leslie Church — Member of Parliament of Canada
Nataliya Kusendova-Bashta — Minister of Long-Term Care of Ontario
Chris Fonseca — Councillor Ward 3, City of Mississauga
Natalka Cmoc — Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine
Dmytro Lubinets — Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights
Nataliya Kusendova-Bashta attended the Forum in person and shared her experience in public service and the importance of women’s leadership in politics.
Address by the President of
Business Woman PRO Canada
The Forum was opened by Nadiya Yashan, President of Business Woman PRO Canada.
In her speech, she reflected on the five-year journey of the organization and emphasized the importance of building an international platform for cooperation among women leaders.
“Five years ago we started with a vision to create a community where women support each other, grow together, and create meaningful change. Today, seeing representatives from more than twenty countries united here, we understand that this vision has grown into an international platform for cooperation and leadership.”
During the opening session, a video presentation about the activities of Business Woman PRO Canada was also presented.
Women in Politics
The first part of the Forum featured a keynote contribution from Nataliya Kusendova-Bashta, who spoke about her experience in public service and the importance of women’s participation in political decision-making.
Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open discussion.
Women in Business
Participants included:
Katherine Vellinga — CEO and Co-Founder of Zirkova Vodka
Susanna Shtanko — Founder of LONKAME Socks Factory
Annie Chen — representative of Improve Canada Center
Hanna Krysiuk — President of Business Woman Club, Founder and Publisher of the international magazine Business Woman
They shared insights on entrepreneurship, building international brands, and expanding business globally.
Women in Leadership & Community Impact
Participants included:
Svitlana Kominko — Professor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and Co-Founder of Maple Hope Foundation
Nadia Gereliouk — PhD, researcher and community leader
Irena Dounets — Chief Executive Officer of St. Demetrius Development Corporation
Solomiya Zakharchuk — litigator at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Yaryna Levytska — Founder and President of Ukrainian Spirit by Yaryna Levytska
Galina Malovšek — President of Ukrajinci v Sloveniji – Društvo Bereginja and Director of Business Woman Magazine Slovenia
International Cooperation
As a result of the Forum, memorandums of cooperation were signed between representatives of:
Canada
Slovenia
Belgium
United States
Ukraine
Portugal
Italy
Germany
Partnerships
The Forum was organized with the participation of more than 20 partner organizations and the support of sponsors.
Business Woman PRO Canada expresses sincere gratitude to all partners and sponsors.
