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.