Nadiya Yashan Represents Canada's Women's Community at the European Parliament in Brussels
On October 2, 2026, the European Parliament in Brussels hosted the international forum “Ukrainian Women Uniting the World,” bringing together representatives of Ukrainian communities, business, diplomacy, and civil society from more than 20 countries. Among the featured speakers was Nadiya Yashan, Founder and President of Business Woman PRO Canada and Director of the Canadian Representation of the international Business Woman magazine, Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights — Canada Representative
Her participation marked another important milestone in the international activities of Business Woman PRO Canada, an organization that has spent more than five years connecting women entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and representatives of diverse cultural communities across Canada.
Amplifying the Voices of Ukrainian Women in Canada
Nadiya Yashan was a featured speaker during the forum's first session, “The Voice of Ukrainian Women in the World: Diplomacy, Civic Leadership, and Joint Solutions,” moderated by Hanna Krysiuk, President of Business Woman Club and Head of the World Ukrainians NGO.
During her presentation, Yashan highlighted the activities of Business Woman PRO Canada and shared Canadian experiences in advancing women's leadership, supporting entrepreneurship, and building meaningful partnerships among nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government institutions.
Particular attention was given to Ukrainian women who, after relocating to Canada, have not only adapted to a new environment but have also launched businesses, developed professional careers, established community initiatives, and actively contributed to Canadian society.
An important theme of her presentation was public diplomacy and the role of women's organizations in representing Ukraine internationally through professional achievements, social initiatives, cultural engagement, and cross-border partnerships.
The experience of Ukrainian women in Canada demonstrates how entrepreneurship, community leadership, and cooperation can support newcomer integration, strengthen local communities, and build lasting international connections.
Business Woman PRO Canada: From Local Initiatives to International Forums
During the forum, Business Woman PRO Canada was presented as a platform that brings together women from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds around shared values of leadership, entrepreneurship, mutual support, and social responsibility.
Over the past five years, the organization has delivered more than 100 events, including international business forums, conferences, educational programs, professional networking opportunities, and charitable initiatives.
One of its flagship events was the International Business Woman Forum 2026, held on February 14, 2026, at Toronto City Hall to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Business Woman PRO Canada.
The Forum brought together participants from more than 20 countries, including business leaders, policymakers, community representatives, and international partners.
The evening program, Gala Evening & Networking, was hosted at the offices of KPMG in Toronto's financial district.
Another important initiative is Women Who Build, a series of events focused on women's leadership, entrepreneurship, professional development, and meaningful collaboration.
On July 9, 2026, Women Who Build: An Evening of Connection, Collaboration, and Inspiration took place at the EY Canada office in downtown Toronto. The event brought together entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, and community leaders, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, business connections, and professional growth.
The initiative also expanded to Mississauga through Women Who Build: Leadership in Action, highlighting women's roles in politics, business, community leadership, and social impact.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how women's organizations can create practical opportunities for professional advancement, expand partnerships, and build stronger relationships across business, government, and civil society.
Engaging Political Leaders and Government Institutions in Canada
A distinctive aspect of Business Woman PRO Canada's work is its active engagement with representatives of Canada's federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
The organization's events attract ministers, federal and provincial parliamentarians, mayors, municipal representatives, and community leaders who participate in discussions, deliver presentations, and share their experience in public service, leadership, and community development.
At the International Business Woman Forum 2026 at Toronto City Hall, one of the featured speakers was the Honourable Nataliya Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario's Minister of Long-Term Care, who shared her experience in public service and perspectives on women's political leadership.
The Forum also received official greetings and messages of support from prominent Canadian leaders, including:
Doug Ford — Premier of Ontario;
Anita Anand — Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Olivia Chow — Mayor of Toronto;
Kinga Surma — Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure;
Yvan Baker and Leslie Church — Members of Parliament of Canada;
Natalka Cmoc — Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine.
Dmytro Lubinets — the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.
The official messages, letters of support, and direct participation of government representatives highlight the growing recognition of initiatives focused on women's leadership, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and international cooperation.
International Cooperation and Public Diplomacy
At the European Parliament forum, participants discussed the experiences and challenges of Ukrainian women living around the world, the development of women-led businesses, civic leadership, social responsibility, and opportunities for stronger international partnerships.
A key focus was the importance of cooperation among Ukrainian organizations abroad, sharing practical experience, and developing joint approaches to common challenges.
For Business Woman PRO Canada, participation in international forums provides an opportunity to showcase the achievements of Canada's women's community, share successful approaches, and establish new professional connections.
From Canada to the European Parliament
Nadiya Yashan's participation in the international forum in Brussels reflects Business Woman PRO Canada's continued commitment to advancing women's leadership and strengthening international cooperation.
From local business and educational initiatives to major international forums, and from supporting women entrepreneurs to engaging with government institutions, the organization continues to build a platform for collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful opportunities.
Business Woman PRO Canada's mission is not only to connect women, but also to create opportunities for their experiences, professional achievements, and ideas to make an impact beyond individual communities and national borders.
The organization remains committed to expanding international partnerships, strengthening women's professional visibility, and representing women's leadership from Canada on the global stage.
This marks the second time Nadiya Yashan has represented the Ukrainian community in Canada at an international forum held at the European Parliament in Brussels. Her previous participation took place on October 17, 2025, during the forum “Women's Leadership and Family Business in Times of Challenges.”
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