Worthy Central Island

Join Us at the WORTHY MICRO EVENTS: Central Vancouver Island! At the WORTHY MICRO EVENTS, we’re dedicated to accessibility and inclusivity. Our event brings together women and organizations from across B.C. to provide expert advice, guidance, and industry knowledge. Positioned to equip you with tools to overcome day-to-day barriers in both your professional and personal life, WORTHY is more than just an event—it’s a transformative experience. Prepare for a day of growth and empowerment at Tigh Na Mara on Central Vancouver Island. Immerse yourself in enlightening discussions, profound connections, and tangible takeaways to propel your journey forward.

Featured Speakers

Sandy Gerber

As one of Canada’s most popular speakers, award-winning author, and communication strategist, Sandy Gerber delivers her engaging Magnetic Communication talk empowering people to ignite the power of their own communication – to change their relationships, businesses, and lives.

Ashley Ramsay

Ashley Ramsay is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and community builder, renowned for her passion for advancing women’s equity in business and entrepreneurship.

Rachael Segal

Rachael holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Victoria and is a lawyer with a Masters of Law (LL.M.) from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. bShe spent years on Parliament Hill in various policy roles for Members of Parliament, Ministers and Senators.

Assetou Coulibaly

Meet Assetou Coulibaly, a visionary creator who seamlessly transitions between the realms of design and project management. By day, she orchestrates process improvement initiatives and launches major projects.

Michelle Puffer

Michelle Puffer is a results-driven leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational development, human resources and financial management. With a proven track record of successfully leading teams to achieve organizational objectives.

Harmony Ziegler

Harmony Ziegler M.Sc., RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor | Somatic Therapeutic Coach | Founder of Akoya Lifestyle & Wellness Therapy. Harmony specializes in personal growth, self-inquiry, and trauma-resolution for mindful leaders, entrepreneurs and game-changers.

Kelsey Pringle

Kelsey Pringle is a prominent figure in the marketing realm, serving as the Co-Founder of both Empower Women Canada and Empowered Marketing and Consulting.

PREET BRAR

Preet Brar is a seasoned executive and global product leader with a proven track record of developing and executing integrated strategies across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Her work has driven substantial top-line revenue growth.

Lisa Carter

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Lisa is passionate about helping clients achieve financial success and understanding. With an educational background in finance and multiple designations, including Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®).

Kelly Masson

Kelly Masson is a Business Advisor with WeBC, where she works with women business owners to help them achieve their entrepreneurship goals. As a business lender, she helps businesses put together their ‘funding puzzle’ to help turn business dreams into reality.

Amber Jordan

From Vancouver, Amber graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. After extensive experience working as an in-house HR Executive, Amber co-founded Hydra with the mission to support small to medium-sized organizations take their businesses to the next level.

Ali Assu

Ali Assu is a highly accomplished Indigenous entrepreneur and community connector. Building spaces and amplifying voices for BIPOC women in business.

Alex Carnio

Alex Carnio is the CEO and Founder of ProducKIDvity, Kelowna’s first childcare academy and co-working center that aims to solve the challenges that working parents face.

Maria Weaver

Maria is a skilled and enthusiastic leader, educator and facilitator with over a decade of experience in the mental and community health fields. Her journey is marked by a profound dedication to enhancing crisis care reform, training diverse groups on de-escalation, uplifting the voices of those who have experienced challenges in mental health systems.

Donna Hais

Donna Hais is the Owner and General Manager of R. W. (Bob) Wall Ltd., a leading commercial construction contractor on Vancouver Island. The company’s projects have included professional offices, hotels, pubs, restaurants.

Lauren Semple

Lauren Semple is a dynamic force at the intersection of inclusion, advocacy, community projects, and the arts. As the President of the Nanaimo Pride Society, Lauren dedicates their volunteer efforts to fostering diverse and vibrant communities, planning epic Pride celebrations.

Colby Althouse

Colby was commissioned by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2022 to act as a Notary Public in B.C. Colby is the owner and Notary at Colby Marie Notary Public where she takes a unique approach to Estate Planning by incorporating her financial advising knowledge and her law education to coach clients to be set up for success.

Robyn and Monika

Founders of Mint Cleaning located in Ucluelet, BC. We met at a Mom group in 2016, it was friendship at
first sight and business partners the following day. We started a cleaning company that became an overnight success with a full team servicing vacation rentals, and residential and commercial cleans.

Michelle Di Tomaso

As Co-Founder of Dense Breasts Canada, Michelle’s personal journey with breast cancer led to significant changes in breast health awareness. Identifying a critical gap in breast cancer screening protocols related to breast density.

Jennifer Hufnagel

Jennifer Hufnagel, Operations Consultant & AI Futurelab Trainer, has 25 years of experience in systems, training, and operations. Known for her enthusiasm and “get stuff done” attitude, she has worked with solopreneurs, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Hootsuite, 2010 Olympic & Paralympics Winter Games and co-created the DER3 “getting digital” Program in BC.

Tammy Rea

Tammy Rea, based in Vancouver, BC, CA, is currently a Regional Manager, Women in Enterprise at TD at TD, bringing experience from previous roles at TD Canada Trust, TD, Urban Development Institute – Pacific Region and Surrey Board of Trade.

Grada Lynne Johnson

Grada joined RBC in 2001 and transitioned to investment management in 2008, amidst the challenges of the global financial crisis. She is passionate about relationships, leading her career to evolve alongside the needs of her clients. In 2013 she started working on business owner planning in Vancouver.

Mathilde Shisko

For more than 25 years Mathilde has been a leading voice, performance and speaking coach in Canada. Mathilde combines neurobiology, art, mindfulness and play, to help her clients realize their full vocal potential. She believes “when our voices are truly connected to our intention, our voice is clear, impactful and potent.”

Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber

Joanna is the go-to strategist when companies, organizations, and funders want to weave social purpose and sustainability right into their core. With a passion for turning visionary ideas into impactful realities, Joanna champions innovative solutions that bolster businesses to drive profound social change.

Tanya Hannen

BDC is a crown corporation that is devoted to helping the doers, dreamers, and go-getters. We advise, we lend to and invest in Canadian business. Our focus is to help women grow their businesses faster and to do it more profitably…because we believe women entrepreneurs represent a remarkable resource for our country.

Nikki Mahy

As an Investment Advisor with an inter-generational wealth management practice, I take the time to listen and understand each client and their financial situation to provide them with easy-to-understand solutions to fit their needs. I strive to offer objective holistic, client focused solutions for investment management, retirement & tax planning, business succession, estate and wealth transfer planning.

Julie Sperber

Julie Sperber is a successful entrepreneur and leader in community economic development with extensive experience in hospitality, non-profit, and manufacturing sectors. As a former studio artist, gallery manager and restaurateur.

Dr. Jennifer Walinga

An educator for 35 years, and former member of Canada’s Commonwealth, World and Olympic gold medal rowing teams (1983 to 1992), Dr. Jennifer Walinga draws on her personal, professional, and educational experiences when facilitating problem solving and leadership processes in organizations and communities.

Ghazaleh Nekui

A Digital Marketing professional with a background in MBA. My wonderful travels have given me 14+ years of great work experience in different fields across the USA, UAE, and Canada. Looking for an opportunity where I can continue to utilize and develop my skills to advance my career within the marketing industry – ideally in a sustainable and socially responsible environment.

Janeen Sam

As a dedicated Money Mindset Coach for women entrepreneurs and high achievers, Janeen is passionate about empowering women to break free from financial limitations and achieve their dreams. Janeen’s mission is to help you not only cultivate a powerful relationship with money but also to shatter the limiting beliefs that hold you back, paving the way for confidence, freedom, and endless opportunities.

Agenda

7:30
AM

Registration

Gain insights from thought leaders on essential topics such as leadership, mental health, financial literacy, and entrepreneurialism.

Suzanne Hedges

Suzanne Hedges

Suzanne Hedges

8:00
AM

Healthy Start

Engage in deep exploration and problem-solving within smaller groups, fostering meaningful connections and collaborative solutions.

Suzanne Hedges

Suzanne Hedges

Suzanne Hedges

9:00
AM

Intro & Blessing

Blessing

Suzanne Hedges

Suzanne Hedges

Suzanne Hedges

9:00
AM

Emcee

EMCEE

Rachael Segal

9:15
AM

Founder Story

Founder Story & Sponsor Thank-You

Kelsey Pringle

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