The Women in Leadership Conference brings together professional women to talk about the challenges that they face, exchange views, and learn from peers and leaders.

The event provides an invaluable opportunity to listen to industry leaders as they share best practices and insights to help women in leadership roles become more effective leaders and be on top of their game.

Join us at this in-person event. Learn, connect & reconnect, and have fun!

JENNIFER PARKER (Keynote Speaker)
Vice President, Communications & External Engagement
NS Power Inc.

Embracing meaningful change

In a world of constant change, leading through change means providing steady leadership while helping teams and organizations embrace new ways of working. Jenn Parker will share her thoughts on:

• • Navigating transitions throughout life and career
• • Applying those insights and experiences to the ongoing change happening within the communications space and energy industry

MOLLY CORMIER
Director, Brand and Communications
Atlantic Lottery

Communicating clearly in an age of information overload

The average person receives thousands of messages via emails, texts, social media messages, Teams notifications, and ads every day — making it harder than ever to capture attention. In this era of constant distractions, clarity isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re writing an email, leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or posting on social media, your ability to communicate effectively determines whether your message gets noticed or ignored. This session will equip you with practical strategies to cut through the noise, eliminate misunderstandings, and deliver messages that stick. Learn how to:

• • Identify audiences and adapt your communication based on their needs
• • Simplify complex ideas without losing impact
• • Use today’s top communications tools to create clear, engaging, and visually compelling messages

TERRI MANN
Vice President, Financing
BDC

Building trust in the workplace

Discussing how building trusting relationships and leading with candor can help you achieve success and have a lasting impact on the people around you. Terri Mann will share the values that guide her to leading with authenticity and using this to build trust and openness in the workplace. Terri will discuss some of the tactics that can be used to ensure you bring this approach to everyday interactions.

• • Non-negotiable actions when it comes to being authentic
• • Tactics to create trusting environments
• • Leveraging tough conversations and conflict to build trust

STEPHANIE CLARK
Founder & CEO
Blue Door Group

Effective decision-making

Decision-making is at the heart of organizational leadership. In a fast-paced and often unpredictable world, the ability to make sound, strategic and timely decisions is what sets great leaders apart. This session will explore how leaders can enhance their decision-making process to drive organizational success, navigate uncertainty, and inspire confidence in their teams.

• • The principles of effective decision-making
• • The power of collaboration and data in decision-making
• • Making decisions under pressure
• • Avoiding common decision-making pitfalls

DENISE POTHIER
Chief Operating Officer
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business

Succeeding as a board director

In the boardroom, success isn’t just about having a seat at the table — It’s about knowing how to lead with wisdom, courage, and strategic foresight. Today’s board directors must navigate evolving market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and stakeholder expectations while driving innovation and long-term value. This session will equip you to succeed in board leadership.

• • Learn how to ask the right questions 
• • Challenge constructively 
• • Collaborate effectively

BETH MACLEOD
Principal
Lydon Lynch Architects Ltd.

Workplace design for employee wellness

Understanding the nitty-gritty of your team’s needs is essential to being able to extract the core qualities of a space that will bring out the best for the way your organization works.  This session will explore:

• • The ways we work
• • How a workplace design can support diverse employee needs across a variety of work styles, health and wellness opportunities
• • Creating spaces that inspire collaboration and team pride

BONNIE DOBSON
Director, Human Resources
Build Nova Scotia

The role of empathy in leadership

Empathy is a cornerstone of great leadership, fostering meaningful relationships and driving a positive work culture. It helps leaders navigate conflicts with understanding and fairness. It’s not just for executives. When leaders at all levels prioritize empathy, they create a supportive environment where employees thrive.

• • Strengthens relationships and trust
• • Encourages employee growth and development
• • Cultivates an inclusive and supportive work culture

KATHERINE RISLEY
Managing Partner
KBRS

Leading with authenticity: How to adapt without losing yourself

In today’s dynamic leadership landscape, adapting leadership styles to meet the unique needs of team members is crucial for organizational success. Effective adaptation requires leaders to balance their understanding of the needs of the team, with their own natural style and core values. This presentation explores how senior female leaders can lead authentically through their words and actions, making intentional decisions about how they show up for others. Together, we’ll explore:

• • The significance of recognizing individual differences in team members’ skills, experiences, and motivations
• • The importance of self-awareness, transparency, and vulnerability in leadership
• • The impact of personalized leadership on job satisfaction, team performance, and employee retention

MEAGHAN STEWART (Morning Chair)
Operations Strategy Branch
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

FOLAMI JONES (Afternoon Chair)
Lawyer
McInnes Cooper