Media Release
Inaugural SHEDay Happening Today at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
January 15, 2015: Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg’s inaugural SHEday—a compelling experience of sharing, hearing and empowering for entrepreneurial, pre-executive and executive women—takes place today at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. Presented by Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW), with title sponsor RBC Royal Bank, this sold-out leadership event will see approximately 560 attendees listen to 11 powerful speakers talk about women supporting women, navigating the leadership system and maximizing the authenticity of your personal brand.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to work toward a more inclusive society,” said Mary Jane Loustel, national Aboriginal program executive for IBM Canada and co-chair of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.’s board of directors. “SHEday 2015 is an important step forward for Winnipeg as we come together to celebrate and promote the current and future contributions of executive-level women in our workforce. By extension, this event can be considered a commitment to continuing the call for overall workplace equality at every level, regardless of race or gender.”
“The public’s swift and decisive response to this first-ever SHEday event has been extraordinary, and it speaks volumes about how appropriate an event like this is for our evolving and progressive city,” said Marina R. James, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. and co-chair of SHEday 2015. “Selling out in just a few short weeks is a testament to the forward-thinking mindset of Winnipeg businesswomen. I know our slate of speakers is really looking forward to keeping this momentum going by sharing their inspiring stories.”
“While the public’s reaction to SHEday 2015 is incredible, so too is the financial and in-kind support demonstrated by Winnipeg’s corporate community,” said Brenda LaRose, executive search partner of Leaders & Co. and co-chair of SHEday 2015. “With an impressive lineup of 27 platinum, silver and in-kind sponsors, bolstered by RBC Royal Bank’s title sponsorship, we’re ready to offer an unforgettable experience to all participants. With strong local backing like this, the future seems very bright for subsequent SHEday events in ensuing years.”
SHEday 2015 participants will glean insightful advice on topics like eminence and what makes you essential, leadership and executive presence, the power of authenticity, navigating your career through mentorship and using social media to build your brand. But the real power of SHEday is the collective brain trust that both speakers and attendees bring to the proverbial table. With nearly 600 career-minded women networking with each other throughout the day, widespread personal and professional growth is almost inevitable—and an overt objective of event organizers.
SHEday 2015 speakers:
- Opening remarks by Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg
- Anita Wortzman, President & CEO, Acumen Corporate Development
- Barbara Bowes, President, Legacy Bowes Group
- Beth Bell, Partner & Executive, IBM Global Business Services
- Casie Nishi, Executive Director, Wellness Institute
- Clare MacKay, Vice President, Corporate & Community Initiatives, The Forks North Portage
- David Baker, CEO & Chief Storyteller, Think Shift
- Denise Zaporzan, President & CEO, Denise Zaporzan & Associates
- Gail Stephens, Interim President & CEO, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
- Mary Jane Loustel, National Aboriginal Program Executive, IBM Canada
- Michelle Aitkenhead, Regional Vice President, Integrated Markets, RBC Royal Bank
- Pat Solman, Vice President, Consumer Customer Solutions, MTS
SHEday 2015 co-chairs:
- Marina James, President & CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
- Brenda LaRose, Executive Search Partner, Leaders & Co.
To ensure affordability for those interested in attending, SHEday 2015 tickets were priced at just $39 and include an event pass, lunch, snacks, beverages and access to a headshot lounge.
Media is encouraged to attend this event, which officially commences at 8:40 a.m. with a welcome message delivered by co-chairs Marina James and Brenda LaRose. A dedicated registration table for media professionals will be provided, and interview requests will be facilitated onsite by designated EDW staff.
For further information about SHEday 2015, visit https://www.facebook.com/SHEday2015/.
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About Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) is the lead economic development agency for Winnipeg. EDW facilitates investment promotion and attraction, capacity building, tourism development, marketing and the management of market information. By applying competitive intelligence and by fostering relationships with industry leaders, government officials and community stakeholders, potential opportunities and innovation drivers are evaluated to develop key industries and define future economic growth. EDW supports targeted sector, community and social development, and promotes Winnipeg’s diverse economy and high quality of life.
EDW leads global investment attraction, and local business retention and expansion, with its YES! Winnipeg initiative. YES! Winnipeg’s business development team assists in the creation and retention of jobs, identifies opportunities that attract new investment, focuses on expansion and helps local entrepreneurs launch new commercial ventures.
Tourism Winnipeg is the city’s official destination marketing organization tasked with increasing visitation and delivering the best possible visitor experience. A division of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Tourism Winnipeg’s mission is to facilitate a healthy, prosperous, responsible and fully integrated tourism industry that enhances Winnipeg’s economic growth through the acquisition of meetings, conventions, sports and events, group travel and leisure tourism.
For more information, please contact:
Croft Petersmeyer
Director, Marketing & Communications
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Phone: 204.954.1961 Cell: 204.898-4866
Email: croft@economicdevelopmentwinnipeg.com
