The Women in Leadership Conference brings together professional women to discuss the challenges they face, exchange perspectives, and learn from peers and industry leaders.

The event provides an invaluable opportunity to hear industry leaders share best practices and insights to help women in leadership roles become more effective and stay at the top of their game.

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

JOSIE ERZETIC – Keynote Speaker
President and CEO
Electrical Safety Authority

Decisiveness in challenging times

Ontario is in the midst of a surge in the demand for electricity, which will be an unprecedented increase of 65% by 2050.  To lead through this change, leaders need a good strategy, the right culture and the right talent. You also need the courage to drive change. In this session, Josie Erzetic shares how ESA is meeting that moment: as a safety regulator, a partner in Ontario’s electrification journey, and an organization deeply committed to building the people and culture that make progress possible. In this session, you will hear about:

• • How ESA is positioning safety as an enabler to both compliance and economic growth in Ontario 
• • Why investing in culture, upskilling, and learning and development is a strategic imperative — and how ESA is building internal capacity to keep pace with a rapidly changing energy landscape
• • How enabling technology and embracing data-driven approaches are vital in this time of change
• • What it takes to lead with purpose in uncertain times — and what women leaders bring to the challenge of driving meaningful, lasting change

BARBARA WHERRY
Executive Financial Consultant
IG Wealth Management

Building trust in the workplace

Trust is the foundation of every high-performing team. When leaders prioritize transparency, accountability, and mentorship, they create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed. This session explores how leaders can intentionally build trust and create a workplace where individuals and teams thrive. Attendees will discover:

• • The leadership behaviours that build trust and engagement
• • How clear expectations strengthen team performance
• • Practical ways to mentor, support, and empower teams while strengthening trust

ERICA ZARKOVICH
Chief Market & Partnerships Officer
LifeLabs 

Continuous learning amid constant change

In a world defined by rapid technological advancement and shifting expectations, continuous learning is no longer optional –  it is essential. Leaders must cultivate the ability to adapt quickly and embrace new ways of thinking. This mindset enables individuals and organizations to remain resilient and competitive in uncertain environments.

• • Developing habits that support ongoing skill development
• • Staying informed on industry trends and emerging innovations
• • Turning change into an opportunity for growth and advancement

NICOLE BARRY
Vice President, Finance, Facilities, Research & Chief Financial Officer
Kensington Health

Encouraging creative thinking at all levels

Organizations thrive when fresh ideas and diverse perspectives are actively welcomed across every role. Creating psychological safety allows individuals to share bold or unconventional thinking without fear of criticism. When everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas, it strengthens engagement and long-term success.

• • Promoting a culture where all ideas are heard 
• • Providing time and space for experimentation and ideation
• • Recognizing and rewarding creative contributions at every level

JODI ENGEL
Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Safety Officer
Toronto Hydro    

Fostering a culture of engagement

This presentation will explore a case study of Toronto Hydro’s journey to fostering a culture of engagement. Foundational elements focused on building a shared purpose, strategic pillars, and values, creating a sense of community throughout the organization, and initiating two-way feedback mechanisms between employees and leadership.

• • Formal and informal feedback mechanisms
• • Curate employee engagement experience
• • A focus on inclusion

MARIA WINSLOW
SVP Individual and Group Insurance Products
RBC Insurance

Turning strategy into action

Strategy is where vision lives, but action is where transformation happens. In today’s fast-moving business environment, the gap between planning and execution can make or break success. This session explores how leaders can bridge the gap between big-picture thinking and day-to-day progress through clear communication, shared ownership, and honest conversations.

• • Translate strategy into action by breaking down ambitious plans into concrete steps that teams can understand
• • Build shared ownership so that teams feel empowered to bring strategy to life
• • Navigate uncertainty with honest conversations that build trust and resilience when obstacles emerge

SHERRI ALTSHULER
Partner
Aird & Berlis LLP

Negotiating effectively

Negotiating effectively is a critical leadership skill that enables individuals to reach mutually beneficial outcomes while preserving strong professional relationships. It involves preparation and the ability to understand both your own priorities and those of the other party. Effective negotiators balance assertiveness with empathy, ensuring that discussions remain collaborative rather than adversarial. In this session, Sherri Altshuler will discuss:

• • Clarifying your objectives and acceptable trade-offs before entering a negotiation 
• • Actively listening to understand the interests and constraints of the other party 
• • Using strategic questioning and framing to uncover opportunities for mutual gain

JESSICA KEARSEY
Partner
KPMG Law LLP

Ethical leadership and accountability

In today’s complex environment, leaders are expected to make decisions that balance performance with integrity. This session explores how accountability builds credibility and strengthens leadership effectiveness. Participants will gain practical strategies to embed accountability into everyday actions and reinforce consistency in decision-making across their teams and organizations.

• • Strengthening accountability practices at both the individual and organizational levels 
• • Navigating ethical dilemmas with confidence  
• • Promoting a culture where responsibility and integrity are embedded in everyday actions

TRISHANN PASCAL
Executive Director GTA/ Firearms
Canada Border Services Agency

Empowering the next generation

Preparing young people for the future requires more than knowledge – it calls for confidence and a strong sense of purpose and access to opportunity. By nurturing critical thinking and creativity, emerging leaders are better equipped to navigate an increasingly complex world. Investing in their growth today lays the foundation for lasting impact and sustainable progress.

• • Promoting practical strategies to foster critical thinking
• • Championing emerging talent
• • Encouraging leadership development and creating pathways for growth

TARA ANDERSON – Morning Chair
Auditor General
City of Toronto

SHARON SAUVE – Afternoon Chair
Founder
Flexiant Inc.