On March 6, Lean In Canada and Lean In Toronto are bringing together women and allies for an evening rooted in leadership, community, and action.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reflects a truth our 8,500 plus members across five Canadian networks experience every day. When we invest in women through mentorship, sponsorship, and community, we do not just support individual careers. We strengthen organizations. We expand access. We create lasting change.
This celebration is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and partners. We are proud to recognize Encore as our in kind production partner, Lean In Toronto and University Health Network, LiUNA Local 183, and the Hyatt Regency Toronto for their sponsorship and commitment to advancing women’s leadership.
Why Give to Gain Matters
No one advances alone.
Careers accelerate when someone advocates for you in a room you are not in. Opportunities expand when leaders share influence. Confidence grows when community reinforces your ambition.
Give to Gain challenges each of us to think differently about power and progress. What does it look like to sponsor someone intentionally. How do we build networks that sustain leadership. When is it time to ask for support and when is it time to offer it.
This evening will move beyond inspiration. It will equip you with practical strategies you can apply immediately in your workplace and your community.
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating International Women’s Day: Give to Gain – Advancing Women Together
We are proud to welcome Nkechi Nwafor Robinson as our Master of Ceremonies. CEO and Founder of Empowered in My Skin and Vice President of Technology Operations and Services and Cloud Transformation at Export Development Canada, Nkechi is an award winning technology executive with more than 25 years of experience. Recognized as one of WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, she is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and an angel investor supporting female led tech startups. Her leadership sets the tone for an evening grounded in courage, influence, and impact.
Featured Speakers:
Fotini Iconomopoulos (Keynote) Fotini brings the Give to Gain theme to life by exploring the power of sponsorship, strategic influence, and confident communication. Drawing on behavioral science and real-world negotiation strategy, she shares how professionals can build credibility, earn meaningful buy-in, and use influence to create opportunity for themselves and other women. This keynote challenges us to see power not as something to protect, but as something to share.
The evening continues with a panel discussion titled No One Advances Alone The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship and Community. Moderated by Melissa Leong, sought after speaker, national media personality, bestselling author, and award winning podcast host. She is the author of the finance guide Happy Go Money. The conversation features:
Panel Discussion: “No One Advances Alone – The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship & Community” Our panelists bring together leaders from diverse sectors:
- Juliet Turpin, President of Lean In Canada and workforce transformation leader
- John Wiggins, Co-Founder and CEO of Focused Dreams Forward Foundation and former Vice President of Organizational Culture and Inclusion for the Toronto Raptors
- Sasha Howell, Executive Assistant at University Health Network and author on resilience and growth
What to Expect:
- Cocktail reception with light refreshments
- Keynote remarks on sponsorship, influence, and creating opportunity
- 45-minute moderated panel discussion with live Q&A
- Meaningful networking with 160+ ambitious professionals across industries
Come ready to connect, learn, and discover how mentorship, sponsorship, and community can transform your career and impact on others.
Ticket Offer
IWD is a celebration and we want to bring the community together. Bring a colleague. Invite a mentor. Attend with your Circle. Give to Gain starts with who you choose to stand beside.
Use the Code BOGO50 (Buy one get one 50% off) or LICIWD20 for 20% off
Who’s Coming
Expect 100+ professionals from across Canada representing different industries and career levels. Our attendees include women at all stages of their careers seeking meaningful connections and leadership development, and allies actively engaged in advancing gender equity.
This diversity of perspective is what makes our community special. These are the conversations and connections that matter.
Why This Event Matters
Lean In Canada is a volunteer-run nonprofit built by women for women. Our members consistently tell us that our community has shaped their careers and their lives.
This event isn’t just about one evening. It’s about strengthening the networks, resources, and relationships that propel women forward throughout the year. It’s about making sure no one advances alone.
Our Partners
When organizations invest in women, real momentum happens.
LICIWD2026 is proudly co-hosted with Lean In Toronto, bringing our communities together to celebrate International Women’s Day with impact.
We recognize Encore as our Production Partner, helping create a high-caliber experience for our attendees.
We are grateful to our sponsors LiUNA Local 183, Hyatt Regency Toronto, and University Health Network for their support and commitment to advancing women’s leadership.
Lean In Canada acknowledges the financial support of Women and Gender Equality Canada.
When organizations invest in women, we all gain.
👉What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now or share with your network!
BOGO50 (Buy one get one 50% off) or LICIWD20 (20% off)
Lean In Canada is a professional women’s leadership organization with 8,500+ members across five networks. We empower women to achieve their ambitions through mentorship, leadership development, and networking. Learn more at leanincanada.com/new/.
We are grateful for the support of Women and Gender Equality Canada