Women Who Build: Leadership in Action
Updated: Sep 14
WOMEN WHO BUILD: LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
September 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Registration and morning networking begin at 9:00 AM
Port Credit Memorial Arena
40 Stavebank Road North, Mississauga, Ontario
Building Connections. Sharing Experience. Inspiring Leadership.
Real opportunities often begin with one conversation, one introduction or one new connection.
Following the success of our first Women Who Build event at the EY Tower in downtown Toronto, Business Woman PRO Canada is bringing an entirely new edition of this growing initiative to Mississauga.
Women Who Build: Leadership in Action will bring together approximately 100 entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals, political representatives, community leaders, newcomers and changemakers from across the Greater Toronto Area.
This full-day event is designed for people who are building businesses, developing careers, leading organizations and creating stronger communities. It will provide a welcoming space to exchange ideas, learn from accomplished leaders, discover useful resources and build meaningful professional relationships.
Whether you already own a business, are developing your career, are considering entrepreneurship or are building a new professional network in Canada, this event will give you access to knowledge, inspiration and connections that can support your next step.
The event is open to everyone—women and men are welcome.
What to Expect
We will begin the morning with coffee, croissants and networking. This will be an opportunity to meet other participants, introduce yourself, exchange contacts and begin meaningful conversations before the main program starts.
The program will feature three engaging panel discussions:
Women in Politics
Women in Business
Women in Community Leadership and Social Impact
Our speakers will share authentic stories, professional experiences, leadership lessons, challenges, achievements and practical advice. The conversations will explore how women build successful businesses, influence public decision-making, lead organizations and create positive change in their communities.
Each panel will include an audience question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers.
A lunch break and additional networking time will provide another opportunity to continue conversations, meet participating organizations and businesses, and explore future collaborations.
Featured Speakers and Special Guests
Meet the accomplished women who will bring their knowledge, experience and leadership perspectives to Women Who Build: Leadership in Action.
The Honourable Rechie Valdez
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville
The Honourable Rechie Valdez brings experience in government, entrepreneurship and community leadership. Her participation highlights the importance of supporting women, small businesses and inclusive economic opportunities.
Bonnie Crombie
Former Mayor of Mississauga
Bonnie Crombie served as Mayor of Mississauga for ten years, from 2014 to 2024. She brings extensive experience in municipal, provincial and federal politics, public leadership, business and community engagement.
Marion Nader
CEO, Nexus Strategy Group
Marion Nader is a political strategist with more than 20 years of experience in politics, government, communications and election campaigns. She will share insights on women’s leadership, strategy, influence and participation in public life.
Dr. Rina Raichada, DMD
CEO, Dentistry On 10
Dr. Rina Raichada is an accomplished healthcare entrepreneur and business leader. She will share her experience of moving from practitioner to CEO and building a business that can grow beyond its founder.
Donna Smith
Founder and Creative Director, Miik
Donna Smith is an entrepreneur and creative leader who founded Miik, a Canadian purpose-driven fashion brand. She brings valuable experience in building a sustainable business, developing a trusted brand and leading with purpose.
Sue Loveless
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant, IDEA Mississauga
Sue Loveless supports entrepreneurs with information about grants, professional resources, business programs and opportunities available through Mississauga’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. She will share practical information to help small businesses start, grow and succeed.
Dr. Elyse Watkins
Associate Director of Corporate Strategy, Future Skills Centre
Dr. Elyse Watkins brings expertise in corporate strategy, workforce development, future skills and the changing needs of Canada’s labour market. She will share insights into leadership, professional development and preparing for the future of work.
Marichka
Singer, Composer and Ethnomusicologist
Marichka Marczyk is an internationally recognized artist, cultural leader and co-founder of the Daughters of Donbas project. Through her creative and community work, she preserves cultural heritage, amplifies important voices and demonstrates how art can become a powerful instrument for social impact.
Together, these accomplished women represent different sectors, experiences and leadership journeys. Their perspectives will create a meaningful conversation about what it takes to lead, build, adapt and make an impact.
Key Areas of Discussion
Throughout the day, our speakers and participants will explore:
Starting and growing a business in Canada;
Leadership and strategic decision-making;
Access to grants, programs and professional resources;
Building a trusted professional network;
Women’s participation in politics and public service;
Representation and inclusive decision-making;
Workforce development and the future of work;
Supporting newcomers and underrepresented communities;
Building sustainable and socially responsible organizations;
Advocacy, culture and social impact;
Creating effective partnerships across business, government and community sectors;
Turning ideas and community needs into practical initiatives.
Why Attend?
Women Who Build: Leadership in Action is more than a conference. It is a space where conversations can lead to new clients, partnerships, mentorship, professional opportunities and long-term relationships.
By attending, you will have an opportunity to:
Hear authentic stories and practical advice from accomplished women leaders;
Connect with entrepreneurs, executives, professionals and community representatives;
Discover resources, grants and programs that can support business and professional growth;
Explore new business, career, partnership and mentorship opportunities;
Participate in meaningful conversations about leadership, business, politics and social impact;
Meet organizations and businesses committed to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening communities;
Expand your professional network in a welcoming and inspiring environment;
Leave with new knowledge, new contacts and new possibilities.
Who Should Attend?
This event is for:
Entrepreneurs and small-business owners;
Corporate executives and professionals;
Women considering starting or growing a business;
Newcomers building careers, businesses and professional networks in Canada;
Political and public-service representatives;
Community and nonprofit leaders;
Students and emerging leaders;
Organizations committed to diversity, inclusion and women’s advancement;
Anyone interested in leadership, professional growth and meaningful community connections.
Event Experience
Your day will include:
Morning coffee and croissants;
Dedicated networking opportunities;
Three panel discussions;
Audience question-and-answer sessions;
Practical information and professional resources;
Opportunities to meet participating businesses and organizations;
Lunch;
Meaningful conversations with leaders and professionals from across the GTA.
The event will be conducted in English.
Event Details
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026Registration, coffee and networking: Beginning at 9:00 AMMain program: 10:00 AM–4:00 PMVenue: Port Credit Memorial ArenaAddress: 40 Stavebank Road North, Mississauga, OntarioFood and refreshments: Coffee, croissants and lunch will be providedLanguage: English
Get Your Ticket
Space is limited. Reserve your place and join us for a meaningful day of leadership, learning, networking and inspiration.
Become a Vendor, Partner or Sponsor
Business Woman PRO Canada welcomes businesses, corporations, public institutions and community organizations interested in connecting with our audience and supporting women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and professional advancement.
Participation opportunities may include:
An information, vendor or activation table;
Brand recognition on the event webpage and promotional materials;
Social media promotion before, during and after the event;
Recognition during the program;
Complimentary registrations for representatives and guests;
Opportunities to introduce relevant programs, services and professional resources;
Inclusion in event photography, video and post-event communications;
Direct connections with entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, newcomers and community leaders.
To discuss vendor, partnership or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Business Woman PRO Canada
Email: info@businesswomanpro.ca
Phone: 647-554-2278
Website: www.businesswomanpro.ca
About Business Woman PRO Canada
For more than five years, Business Woman PRO Canada has supported women entrepreneurs, professionals, newcomers and community leaders through business events, educational initiatives, networking, marketing opportunities and international partnerships.
Our goal is to create opportunities for women to connect, share their experiences, strengthen their professional visibility and build meaningful collaborations in Canada and internationally.
Learn more about our first Women Who Build event at the EY Tower in downtown Toronto.
Join us on September 25 in Mississauga and become part of the next Women Who Build experience.
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