Empower the Leader Within: International Women's Day 2024

International Women's Day poster collage

Envision a world where you're empowered to lead from anywhere.

On March 6, learn from an inspiring panel of executives about their unique experiences and career journeys, the important lessons they've navigated along the way, and their hope for future leaders.

All students are welcome! Stay for networking and refreshments following the panel discussion.
 

REGISTER NOW 

Date and Time: -
Location: Catalyst Centre (1065 Military Trail), University of Toronto Scarborough
Portrait of Elina Chow

Elina Chow, BBA (UTSC alumna) is an entrepreneur whose 18+ years of experience spans private and publicly traded companies in health care, tech, and the metals and mining industry. Elina specializes in stakeholder relations, corporate strategies, and marketing. As a former consultant and senior executive, she has played key roles in helping companies go public and achieve successful exits. As an active member of UTSC's alumni network, Elina serves as a Management Entrepreneur in Residence and is a donor supporter of The BRIDGE and The Hub.
 


 

Portrait of Mitzie Hunter

Mitzie Hunter, EMBA is an accomplished and dynamic leader driven by strong values with a moral compass of giving back to the community. Her proven track record of building and championing Toronto has positively impacted the lives of residents. Mitzie recently ran for Mayor of Toronto and was the only candidate that provided a cost and funded plan to ‘Fix The Six.’ As the former MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood, winning four consecutive elections over 10 years, Mitzie held several high-level leadership positions: Minister of Education, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Associate Minister of Finance responsible for the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan. Mitzie’s 30 years of leadership experience spans the private sector, non-profit and government. Her achievements include championing vital infrastructure projects, advocating for community improvements, and co-founding initiatives like the Prosperity Project. Her public service extends to her role as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Toronto Community Housing Corporation and head of CivicAction, a convenor of business, government and community which aims to improve cities. Mitzie is a proud Toronto arts, culture and sports enthusiast, cyclist, reader, and advocate for women's economic opportunity. Her life’s accomplishments are a testimony to Mitzie’s ability to develop strategies that form highly motivated teams.
 


 

Portrait of Gina Jeneroux

Gina Jeneroux, MBA, FLPI is on a mission to change how people learn and build new skills to prepare for a bold future, starting now. Through a career spanning more than 30 years in the financial services and learning industries—including five years as Chief Learning Officer at BMO Financial Group—Gina has developed deep expertise in business leadership, human-centered design, and predicting and developing skills for the future. She has a proven track record of driving strategies and solutions that make an impact, and she has led her teams to win more than 20 global awards. Gina now lives at the intersection of learning, technology and business as an industry strategist, chief skills and inovation officer, professor of practice and passionate scout in the world of future work, AI and skills. Gina holds an MBA from Dalhousie University, and she is a curious explorer who tries to learn at least one new thing each day.
 


 

Portrait of Elizabeth Mpermperacis

Elizabeth Mpermperacis, HBA, JD is a partner in the financial services group at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. She practices in all areas of financial services law, with particular expertise in domestic and cross-border commercial financing transactions, derivatives and structured finance. Elizabeth advises financial institutions, funds, borrowers and issuers on secured credit, acquisition financings, derivatives, reorganizations, debt offerings, commercial agreements and securitizations.
 


 

Portrait of Vania Sakelaris

Vania Sakelaris, MBA, CHE (U of T alumna) is Founder/Principal of VAS & Associates and an Executive in Residence with the Department of Management at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Vania specializes in catalyzing, supporting and advancing change. She is a respected and collaborative leader that facilitates issue identification and resolution and who empowers systems, organizations, and leaders to shape and advance their defined priorities. As a skilled strategist, she supports planning and implementation at both the corporate and individual levels building on over 25 years of progressive senior leadership. Her business acumen and seasoned experience leading and influencing positive change is reflected in her work. She ensures a values-based approach is deployed in the achievement of optimal performance and impact in her work with her national and international clients. Vania has established and demonstrated effective knowledge of good governance through her work with boards in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors for over two decades. This includes working in the capacity of CEO, as a member of various boards and in her role as provincial planner and funder. Her extensive experience has been complemented by formal training in not-for-profit and corporate governance. Vania has a passion for empowering leaders and emerging leaders. She is committed to lifelong learning and provides mentorship to university students and entrepreneurs based on her professional and transformational journey. Her motivation for capacity building has been reflected throughout her career and inspired her coaching and leadership development work. Her knowledge mobilization efforts include public speaking and university lectures. They also include the development and publishing of case studies for use by global business schools.

5:00-6:30pm  |  Welcoming Remarks, Panel Discussion & Refreshments (Catalyst Centre)

6:30-7:30pm  |  Networking & Reception (IC Atrium)

Partners and Sponsors:

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