Women Driving Economic Growth: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Policy

This seminar focuses on the role of women in driving economic development, both locally and globally. Through panel discussions with economists, business leaders, and policymakers, participants will explore how women can contribute to and benefit from economic growth. The seminar will cover topics such as entrepreneurship, access to capital, and the impact of economic policies on women. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to navigate the economic landscape and leverage opportunities for advancement in business and economic leadership.

Highlights:

1. Explore the role of women in shaping economic policies and development.
2. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in women’s entrepreneurship.
3. Understand how to access capital and resources for business growth.
4. Discuss the impact of economic policies on women and how to advocate for change.

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Keynote Speaker:

Bukkie Adewuyi

Bukkie is the Vice President for Internal Audit and Risk Advisory at Aritzia. She is a seasoned certified auditor and chartered accountant with over twenty-one years’ professional experience in audit, risk management, finance and strategy. Prior to Aritzia, she spent over three years with Prospera Credit Union, as the VP of Internal Audit and then the VP, Finance and Business Intelligence where she collaborated with other leaders to actualize operational initiatives to achieve strategic objectives around organizational health, member and employee experience.

Before joining Prospera, she built up a wealth of consulting experience in South Africa with major audit firms, PwC, Deloitte and Grant Thornton, excelling as a Partner and Director, dedicated to helping her clients improve their internal controls improvement, manage risks proactively while entrenching good corporate governance.

Bukkie is probably best known for her work in the community. She immigrated to Canada in 2019 and has distinguished herself as a passionate community advocate. She works with various organizations to elevate focus on immigrants, minority groups, minority businesses and women. In 2023, she was named a “YWCA woman of distinction”, raising $10,000 to assist women with childcare and early education. She was also identified as one of the “2022 Top 50 female leaders in Vancouver” by the women we admire. She is a board member of the Black Opportunity Fund and Impact Toolbox as well as a member of the Women in Business Committee of the Surrey Board of Trade, amongst others. She is part of the team behind the successful Annual Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo that seeks to showcase the contributions of minority businesses. Through these organizations, she contributes to policy conversations and leading change that fosters equity, diversity and inclusion in our economy.

Panelists:

Dr. Sandra Song

Newly appointed Dean at University Canada West, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience, Dr. Song will share insights from her extensive work across government, academic, and non-profit sectors. As Chair of the Public Policy & Administration Programs at Adler University, Dr. Song has been instrumental in shaping strategic initiatives that advance economic and social well-being.

Her expertise in policy development, strategic planning, and project management spans national and international contexts, including research collaborations in Japan, Brazil, Colombia, and Portugal.

Dr. Song’s background includes 12 years as a senior policy analyst for the federal government and leadership roles in public health at Concordia University of Edmonton. Her work has earned her four Fulbright Community Leadership Program grants, reflecting her commitment to fostering partnerships between government, academia, and community organizations.

In this seminar, Dr. Song will explore the role of women in shaping economic policies, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and advocating for equitable access to capital and resources. With a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Alberta and extensive research and teaching experience, Dr. Song is well-positioned to offer valuable perspectives on how women can drive economic development both locally and globally.

Alyssa Barry

Alyssa is the President at irlabs. She has over 15-years of investor relations, capital markets and corporate communications experience. An activist by nature, she has raised over $1 billion of capital, led some of Canada’s most successful activism campaigns, managed M&A transactions and enhanced board governance frameworks.

She was formerly Head of Strategy – Operations and Communications at Artis REIT, Vice-President of Capital Markets and Communications at Sandpiper Group and Manager, Investor Relations at Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc. She is known for her agility, creative prose and relentless pursuit of success for her clients

Mary Ellen Schaafsma

Founder of Purpose Pathways Consulting and Purpose Advisor to over 40 businesses, Mary Ellen helps them uncover and integrate their optimal Social Purpose into the core of their company. Purpose elevates the reason your business exists beyond the transactional to begin to power good in the world by doing business.

That is good for business, good for society, and good for the economy. She brings a depth of knowledge on the range of benefits of having a Social Purpose, and she has a contagious enthusiasm for empowering leaders to change the world through business. Connect and follow Mary Ellen on LinkedIn to learn more about her and about Social Purpose.

Moderator:

Zahra Alani
Best known for her extensive work as a Broadcast Meteorologist on CTV and CBC. Zahra has an aptitude for story telling, her interests and work also delve into Lifestyle Reporting, Travel, Food and Wine reviews, Hosting, Emceeing and Interviewing. With over 15 years in Media and Communications she also specializes in Media Relations, Press Kits, Media & Talent Coaching, Writing and Editing.

Zahra is also an established foodie with a love and passion for culture, food and languages. She co-hosted and produced ‘Food Glorious Food’, a podcast through CKNW. Prior to Covid, you would often find her at Wine Festivals, Restaurant releases and reporting on extraordinary restaurants found on travels.