2026 BMO Financial Group Women of the Year
Honouring 51 years of Women of the Year celebrating women in Waterloo Region
Thursday, May 21, 2026 | Marshall Hall, Bingemans
Pre-order your 2026 Women of the Year bouquet from Harp & Fin and pick it up at the event on May 21.
A selection of beautiful florals will also be available for purchase from Harp & Fin at their booth at the event.
2026 Keynote Speakers: Joan Fisk & Rochelle Williams
proudly presented by
The topic of the conversation will be: Then & Now: Career Wisdom Across Generations.
Fireside chat moderated by Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Executive Director of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.
Joan Fisk
2025 Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Recipient
Joan Fisk is a respected community leader and current CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities. Her career includes executive roles at Gore Mutual, Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce, and Tiger Brand Knitting Company Ltd. Joan has served on numerous boards, including Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, Lang School of Business and Economics Dean's Advisory Board, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Her many honours include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, YMCA Woman of Distinction, and the 125th Confederation Medal.
Rochelle Williams
2025 Women of the Year Rising Star Recipient
Rochelle Williams is a skilled young pastry chef and the founder of The Dessert Artist. After completing a formal education from Humber college and nearly a decade of experience working for places like the Shangri-La Hotel and Lady Glaze Doughnuts, it was time to start her own thing. Rochelle identified a gap in the industry for Black representation and began to incorporate her Black heritage whenever possible; starting with a line of Black Excellence Cookies that highlight kinky hairstyles and positive Black messaging to creating a line of sweet and savoury Jamaican patties called Petite Patties.
2026 Hosts
We were pleased to announce Robin & PJ as the hosts of the 2026 K-W Oktoberfest BMO Financial Group Women of the Year Awards!
Robin & PJ bring a fun and refreshing vibe to your mornings with great music, lively banter, and relatable stories. Whether they’re talking pop culture, local happenings, or just sharing laughs, their chemistry keeps things entertaining and upbeat. Tune in weekdays to Country 106.7 for a show that feels like hanging out with your funniest friends!
Presentation of the Jennifer Campbell Scholarship Award
We are excited to present the Jennifer Campbell Youth Scholarship to the recipient of the Young Adult Award! Proudly sponsored by CHYM 96.7, Country 106.7, 570 News Radio and Oktoberfest Cares.
Wrapped In Wonder
New in 2026: Add a little surprise to your celebration with Wrapped in Wonder, sponsored by Conestoga Mall!
For $25, select a beautifully wrapped mystery gift box. Inside you’ll find a Conestoga Mall gift card valued between $25 and $150!
Even better, every purchase supports Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Cares, helping preserve the beloved K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition.
Take a chance, unwrap the surprise and support a great cause!
Silent Auction
Thank you to all the incredible sponsors and community members who donated items to the 2026 Women of the Year Oktoberfest Cares silent auction!