Saturday, May 24, 2025
10am - 6pm | Marshall Hall, Bingemans
Building on the 50-year legacy of the K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Awards, the Waterloo Region Women’s Expo expands the celebration of women’s achievements and contributions to our community. This exciting new event brings together local businesses, leaders, and changemakers to create a dynamic space for connection, inspiration, and empowerment.
With engaging speakers, interactive workshops, and a showcase of local businesses, the Expo is designed to honour the incredible impact women have made in the Waterloo Region while fostering opportunities for growth and collaboration. Join us as we continue to celebrate and elevate women’s voices and accomplishments!
Waterloo Region Women's Expo Tickets
Tickets: $15 +hst. Use the promo code EXPO2420 for two (2x) tickets for $20.
2025 Speakers & Event Line Up
With engaging speakers including co-founder of Mabel's Labels Tricia Mumby, a floral workshop with Ainsley Poirier from Harp and Fin, two times TEDx international speaker Amy Ballantyne, Regional Councillor and CEO of Divonify Colleen James, and past Women of the Year nominee Ellyn Winter-Robinson, along with interactive workshops and a showcase of local businesses, the Expo is designed to honour the incredible impact women have made in Waterloo Region while fostering opportunities for growth and collaboration. Mark your calendars and join us as we to celebrate and elevate women’s voices and accomplishments!
Keynote Speakers
Ellyn Winters-Robinson | 10:45am
Ellyn has turned her breast cancer diagnosis into a global movement, using her bestselling book, @flatplease Instagram, and AskEllyn.ai to revolutionize “conversational care” and inspire worldwide change through AI for social impact.
It’s called the butterfly effect -- a theory that the simple brush of a butterfly’s wing can set off a ripple effect, only to become a tsunami that crashes on a distant shore.
But is it really possible for one person -- one woman -- to make a change that echoes around Earth?
Diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2022, Ellyn’s experience isn’t extraordinary. One in eight women will experience a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
However, what is extraordinary is what happened after that diagnosis.
Rather than lean into shame, Ellyn chose to own her story openly to help other women and their families on this journey.
Through her best selling book Flat Please Hold the Shame, her Instagram account @flatplease, and AskEllyn.ai, the world’s first lifestyle brand and AI chat Ellyn’s goal of helping others and vision for “conversational care” is now being realized on a global level, in every language, and at an unprecedented scale.
Even better, Ellyn’s story is now inspiring changemakers from across the world to embrace AI for social impact.
Amy Ballantyne | 12:30pm
Embracing Worthiness, Wisdom, and Connection: Women often juggle multiple roles, face numerous pressures, and battle self-doubt. This highly interactive keynote session will provide a transformative experience that encourages women to recognize their inherent worth, embrace their inner wisdom, and cultivate meaningful connections that foster growth and support.
Amy Ballantyne is a multiple TEDx Speaker, Executive Life Coach, Workplace Wellness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Trainer/ Master Coach of NLP, and host of the podcast: Power To The People Pleasers. Her whole-person coaching approach serves executives, professionals and entrepreneurs to breakthrough their barriers and excel to new heights.
She is a dynamic and engaging speaker and trainer having spoken to companies and organizations internationally including BNI (Business Networking International), Schlegel Villages, Ernst & Young, USANA Health Sciences, SunLife, Manulife, Vidyard, YPO, Hazelview, ProResp, Canfitpro and more.
Her mission is to inspire 10,000 humans to embrace their worthiness and release the daily overwhelm, pressure and stress that is preventing them from living the life they desire.
Tricia Mumby | 2:15pm
Small Start, Big Heart: How Women Win at Side Hustles
Did you know Canadian women-owned startups generate more revenue per dollar invested compared to their male counterparts? Women entrepreneurs consistently do more with less. But too often, embarrassment, fear of failure, and uncertainty stop us from launching. In this inspiring and practical session, Tricia Mumby, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, will show you that starting isn’t as hard as you think—it’s brave, achievable, and worth celebrating. Putting your dream out there deserves applause. The real shame is never trying at all. If your heart has entrepreneurial spirit, follow that energy. Start today. This session may be the push you need.
Tricia Mumby is a co-founder of Mabel's Labels, a Canadian manufacturing & ecommerce success story. She and 3 friends boot-strapped the company from $0 to eight figures in 12 years. They sold the company to the world's largest label company and built a huge community of moms in the process.
Tricia now works as a mentor for start-ups across Canada. Tricia believes in the power of fans, PR, social media and giving a brand a sizzling personality.
The journey of Mabel's Labels involved bringing something novel to the marketplace, convincing people the product is something they needed, creating repeat buyers, developing content and promotions to sustain momentum, and gaining the attention of brands, influencers, and the media.
Mabel's Labels was able to gain shelf-space at Walmart, Target and Costco and media placements in People, CNN, Today Show, Good Morning America, Rachel Ray and many more dream outlets. Mabel's Labels have been celebrity endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, and Victoria Beckham, to name a few.
Colleen James | 4:00pm
Power in Community: How Collective Voices Create Bold and Lasting Change. Harnessing Advocacy, Unity, and Local Action for Stronger Communities
In a time when individual voices can feel drowned out, this talk explores how community advocacy, rooted in shared purpose, can drive meaningful, lasting change. From rallying for better policies to creating more inclusive neighbourhoods and organizations, she will speak to how women, especially, have led efforts that transformed society. Through stories, strategies, and inspiration, attendees will leave empowered to speak up, build together, and make a difference, because when we raise our voices for the collective good, powerful things happen.
Colleen James is a Regional Councillor for the Region of Waterloo and Chair of Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development. A passionate public servant, she brings extensive experience in leadership, education, and policy to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
Colleen’s work is rooted in collaboration and transparency, ensuring infrastructure and development meet the diverse needs of residents. She has earned recognition for her civic leadership, working across sectors to turn ideas into action.
In 2025, she ran in the provincial election, bringing her community-first approach to a broader stage and deepening her commitment to public service and responsible growth.
Colleen believes strong public services, inclusive engagement, and innovation are key to shaping a thriving future. Her leadership continues to inspire meaningful progress across Waterloo Region and beyond.
Floral Bouquet-Making Workshop with Ainsley Poirier from Harp and Fin
Unleash your creativity and learn the art of floral design in this hands-on bouquet-making workshop! Whether you're a budding florist or simply love flowers, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels.
Our expert instructor will guide you step-by-step through the process of selecting, arranging, and wrapping a stunning hand-tied bouquet using fresh, seasonal blooms. You’ll learn floral design basics, colour theory, and pro tips for making arrangements that truly wow.
At the end of the 1 hour workshop, you’ll take home your own beautifully crafted bouquet—perfect to gift or enjoy yourself. All materials, flowers, and tools are provided.
Time Slots: 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, and 4:30pm
Session Hosts - Rooms 1 and 2
Crystal Corner
“I am Woman, hear me ROAR” is more than a mantra—it’s a movement. Through primal movement, women are reconnecting with their bodies, reclaiming their strength, and rising with powerful confidence. This approach is helping women awaken—physically, emotionally, and unapologetically. Because when a woman moves with purpose, she finds her voice—and when she finds her voice, she roars.
Robin Farrell
“SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!” Join Robin Farrell from the “Robin & PJ” Morning Show on Country 106.7 to Own the Room, a session designed to help you build confidence in your presentation style and command attention using your outside voice - inside!
Kerri Hallman
Menopause isn’t just one phase—it has three distinct stages, each with its own hormonal shifts and symptoms and can start as early as 35. In this workshop, she will break down what happens in these stages, what to look for and give you some tips, so you can navigate each stage with confidence!
Jennifer Hutton
We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence. Intimate Partner Violence has been declared an epidemic in Waterloo Region and home should be safe for everyone, but that is not the reality for many members of our community. In this session, join Jennifer Hutton, the CEO of Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and learn more about how we can all be better neighbours to people who are experiencing domestic violence.
Lauren Keating
Walking in Confidence - Introductory level class on learning to walk in heels
Ready to turn heads and own every room you walk into? Join Lauren Keating for a fun, no-judgement workshop to build confidence, improve posture, and feel empowered in your body—heels or no heels. Bring your fave heels or rock your flats, and leave walking taller.
Andrea Mondoux
Why Self Discovery Matters? We can have the greatest ambitions and goals for our career and our lives, but often when we set out to achieve, we feel stuck, unsure of how to proceed, and for some of us, maybe even held back? Why is that? In this session we will explore the importance of self discovery, and uncover what might be holding us back.
Kat Nantz
Coming Home to Your Body: Reclaiming Pleasure and Power This is an interactive workshop, where we will explore our felt sense relationship to personal power and pleasure through group discussion and somatic body-based hands on practices.
Chinyere Okafor
"Redefining Success: The Immigrant Woman’s Journey" intends to explore how immigrant women can reinvent themselves by navigating systemic barriers, building meaningful networks, and embracing the power of their own stories. Through personal reflection and shared experience, the session is aimed at encouraging women to redefine success on their own terms and take bold steps forward.
Emma Onderisin
Many women find themselves stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle with fitness and nutrition—pushing to extremes, burning out, and then starting over. In this session, we’ll explore how perfectionism fuels that cycle and why embracing consistency is the real path to lasting success.
Meg Pearson
Join Meg on a transformative journey through her HEART Path framework, designed to help you shed conditioned layers and reconnect with your authentic essence. In this 30-minute session, she'll guide you through practical techniques rooted in somatics and breathwork—universal tools for personal growth accessible to everyone.
Erin Phillips
Join Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa for Spa Bingo! Learn more about skin care and our spa services during our Spa Bingo game for your chance to win a Classic Facial and other fun prizes!
Steph Soulis
Join the CEO of Little Mushroom Catering and learn how to make an easy, healthy, tasty soup from scratch. Perfect for cooking with your kids or making ahead for your work lunches!
Maggie Srouji
Learn about the fundamentals of mental health & selfcare while learning tangible tips & skills to help you be the best version of you.
Session Room 3 Sponsored by Canadian Western Bank
Dr. Atinuke
"Mastering the Art of Securing Business Grants" provides practical strategies for identifying, applying for, and winning grants, empowering entrepreneurs to fund their vision without giving up equity.
Martha Breithaupt
Financial Pathways: Financing Strategies with Venture Capital, Grants, and Banks
Martha Breithaupt, BSc., ICD.D, is a local leader, founder of the "State of Science" series, and a Tax Partner at BDO with nearly 25 years of experience helping businesses access non-dilutive funding for R&D and growth. She’ll cover strategies to maximize the SR&ED tax credit, explore the Clean Tech credit for ESG investments, and share updates on programs supporting employee training and market expansion.
Bettina Burgess
Networking Like a Pro
Bettina is a partner with the international law firm Gowling WLG, and has been practicing employment law for nearly 25 years. While working from the Kitchener office of Gowling WLG, and raising two beautiful children, Bettina has successfully built a large global practice with clients in Canada, the US, and Europe. Bettina will share how she networked her way to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Karen Gallant
Karen is presenting "Raising Money Smart Kids," a session on teaching financial literacy to young people and helping parents guide their children in managing money wisely. She has been with Junior Achievement (JA) South Western Ontario since May 2021, following leadership roles with JA Canada and JA Waterloo Region. A lifelong Kitchener-Waterloo resident, Karen enjoys traveling, gardening, yoga, pickleball, and time with her family.
Angela Hamilton
EmpowHER - Navigating Finance with Confidence
With over 25 years of experience, Angela specializes in Wealth and Intergenerational Investment Planning, helping families create personalized wealth plans to achieve their financial goals. Her practice is built on trust and care, understanding each client's life goals to develop customized portfolios.
Rebecca Schoenhardt
Beyond the Comfort Zone: Thriving in Career Change
Thinking about a career change? Join Rebecca to hear how she went from professional horse back riding to banking and come away with tools to help you plan your own career journey.
Sherry Shannon-Vanstone
Ready to make a difference and explore the world of Angel investing? This session is designed for you! Discover how Canadian women are empowering women entrepreneurs by providing crucial funding, and learn how you can play a vital role in bridging the funding gap for women-led ventures. WFW is not a fund and does not guarantee funding, nor does participating in our events ensure any investment outcome.
Joan Fisk
Women in Leadership Panel
Joan Fisk, CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities, has over 30 years of senior executive experience, including roles at Tiger Brand Knitting Company and Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. She has served on various boards, and currently serves on a committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Recognized for many awards, including The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal 2012.
Saman Memon
Women in Leadership Panel
Saman is a seasoned banking professional with over 14 years of experience leading national teams, growing portfolios, and building new teams at prominent financial institutions and EDC. As a young leader, wife, mother, and mentor, she’s passionate about empowering women in leadership, fostering work-life balance, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.
Stephanie Pearsall
Women in Leadership Panel
Stephanie Pearsall is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with over 30 years in the field. She currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Programs and Chief Nursing Executive at Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH), overseeing all patient services. Her leadership extends beyond CMH, as she co-chairs the Provincial Adult Critical Care Committee and works as a Surveyor for Accreditation Canada. In 2023, she was honored with the YMCA Woman of Distinction Award for her outstanding contributions to healthcare.
Exhibitors
Thank You to our Sponsors
Proudly operated by
K-W Oktoberfest Inc.
Event Sponsor
Event Supporter
Event Supporter
