The History of Business Woman Forum
An international forum for women leaders and entrepreneurs since 2015.
Founded in 2015, the Business Woman Forum is an international platform uniting women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world. Over the years, the Forum has been held in multiple countries, fostering global connections, leadership, and collaboration.
Our Story
The Business Woman Forum was founded in 2015 by the international magazine Business Woman as a platform to unite women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world.
By 2017, the Forum had grown into a global movement, bringing together influential women from business, politics, diplomacy, and civil society. Over the years, the Forum has been held in multiple countries, creating a powerful international network of women committed to leadership, innovation, and social impact.
Each edition of the Forum gathers hundreds of participants who share experiences, build meaningful partnerships, and inspire one another through real stories of success, resilience, and transformation.
Business Woman Forum at the European Parliament
In 2025, the Business Woman Forum took place at the European Parliament in Brussels, welcoming delegations from 21 countries.
The Canadian delegation was led by Nadiya Yashan, President of Business Woman PRO Canada, together with Liuda Zakharchuk, member of the organization’s Board of Directors.
The Forum brought together female politicians, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and leaders of international initiatives, highlighting women’s leadership as a global force shaping the future of business and international cooperation.
At the European Parliament Forum, Nadiya Yashan represented Canada as a speaker, sharing the Canadian perspective on women’s leadership and international collaboration.
Business Woman Forum 2026 in Canada
For the first time in its history, the International Business Woman Forum will be hosted in Canada.
The 2026 edition marks the 5th anniversary of Business Woman PRO Canada and represents a major milestone in the development of the global women’s business community.
Business Woman Forum 2026 is seeking partners and sponsors who share a commitment to women’s leadership, innovation, and global connections.
International Business Woman Forum 2026 Official Program Highlights
February 14, 2026 | Toronto City Hall (Council Chambers)
We are honoured to feature official video greetings from:
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Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
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The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
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These messages will open the Forum and welcome participants from Canada, the United States, Ukraine, Slovenia, Germany, and other countries.
The Forum will include three thematic panels, with more speakers to be announced.
Panel I: Women in Politics
(Additional speakers to be confirmed)
The Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta
Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care, MPP. Advocate for public health, women’s leadership, and immigrant communities.
Dr. Natalia Lishchyna
Town Councillor in Oakville and healthcare advocate with extensive experience in civic leadership and education.
Dr. Olena Hankivsky
Mayor of Port Hope and global expert in inclusive policy, gender equality, and intersectionality.
Panel II: Women in Business
(Additional speakers to be confirmed)
Hanna Krysiuk
President of Business Woman Club (Ukraine) and Adviser to the Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. International speaker and human rights advocate.
Kate Leonchenkova, CPA, CA (invited)
Senior Manager, Indirect Tax at KPMG Canada. A leader in corporate strategy and professional development for women in business.
Panel III: Women & Community Leadership
(Additional speakers to be confirmed)
Yaryna Levytska
Founder & President of Ukrainian Spirit Corporation (USA). Prominent voice in cultural diplomacy and women’s empowerment in the diaspora.
Galina Malovšek
President of Bereginja (Slovenia) and Director of Business Woman Magazine Slovenia. Recognized for advancing women’s roles in civil society.
Oksana Schorlemmer
Ukrainian-German designer and civic leader. Promotes cultural identity and community inclusion through creative initiatives.
Dress code: Business formal
Evening Gala – Business Woman Forum 2026
Following the official daytime program at Toronto City Hall, we invite you to a beautiful Evening Gala – a space for celebration, networking, and cultural exchange among women leaders from across the world.
Program highlights:
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Welcome remarks from international guests and partners
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Inspiring awards and recognitions
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Artistic and musical performances
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Dinner and networking in an elegant setting
📅 February 14, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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🎟️ Tickets are limited. Buy Tickets
Dress code: Cocktail attire / National dress
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