Who's Who Women in Business

VOLUME 5, MAY 2019 PUBLISHER Bob Cox MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden Barb.Borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain WRITERS Bob Armstrong Sherry Kaniuga Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Janine LeGal Jennifer McFee Kristin Marand Holli Moncrieff Pat St. Germain Jim Timlick PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley DESIGN Jane Chartrand View online at winnipegfreepress.com/ publications who's who special business edition women Before the women's empowerment movements #MeToo and "Time's Up" brought global attention to women's issues, local visionaries set out to create a more inclusive space in Winnipeg for women's voices to be heard. Social entrepreneurs Marina James and Mary Jane Maillet Brownscombe conceived the idea for SHEday during a dinner conversation in January 2014 that crystallized their belief that more had to be done to mentor and increase opportunity for women. At the time, James was President and CEO for Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW). Brownscombe was Chair of the Board for EDW and an inaugural member of the Winnipeg Police Board. To each, the power of inclusion and society health was foundational in their work and vision for Winnipeg. Additionally, they believed that a city that exudes economic and social success is one that is safe and ensures the well-being of women and children. The idea of a day of SHE, Share Hear Empower for women, took hold. In collaboration with business leader Brenda LaRose, they delivered the inaugural SHEday in January 2015. It was an astonishing success. Initially planned for 100 women, it had to be moved to a larger space to accommodate a sold-out crowd of 400, confirming that there was a demand for experiences designed to address the unique needs of women. James, now CEO of WinnipegREALTORS, and Brownscombe founded SHEACCELERATOR, the social enterprise host for SHEday. In 2016, they invited the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba (WECM) under the direction of CEO Sandra Altner, to be the Presenting Partner. Established in 1994 to help women successfully start and grow their own businesses, WECM provides a variety of supports, including business loans, confidential business advice and training to women throughout Manitoba. Its mandate is a natural fit with SHEday's goal to inspire and encourage women to take leadership roles in every aspect of society and to Share. Hear. Empower. WECM has continued to serve as Presenting Partner, as the event doubled and then quadrupled in size. On Feb. 7, the fifth annual SHEday at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg drew 1,700 participants to network, take in panel discussions and hear from local and national speakers. Zofia Dove, who presented Humour as a Universal Language for Leaders, says she enjoyed it so much she stayed well after the event was over to continue the conversation. "It's an amazing experience to see women in leadership positions being so eager and helpful towards others and sharing their knowledge and encouraging other women," she says. "We really need this; we need to empower." From the start, SHEday was designed to be affordable for women from a wide range of socio- economic backgrounds. With the support of corporate sponsors, organizers have ensured that ticket prices remain so. James and Brownscombe continue their commitment to accelerate the success and inclusion of women. They believe that parity for women to participate in all aspects of society is essential. As you read the stories on the following pages, keep their messages in mind: Embrace diversity, celebrate success but acknowledge there is still much progress to be made, know that you have the power to make change, and understand that collectively women wield enormous economic, social and political power. ❚ SHEDAY 2019 A SPACE FOR women's voices TO BE HEARD To find out how you could be featured in the 2020 edition, call 204-697-7389.

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