Manufacturing AUTOMATION


Virtual Events
Advance Women in Manufacturing 2025
March 5, 2025 at 1:00pm ET

According to Statistics Canada, as of the end of 2023, only 29 percent of the manufacturing industry workforce in Canada were women. The percentage has remained almost the same for the past 40 years. The need to #AccelerateAction on changing the status quo has never been more important.

This year’s event will focus on the industry’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the barriers that prevent or discourage women from entering the industry, and to facilitate conversations about advancing women into roles of their choice.

Annex Business Media’s manufacturing media brands are coming together to host the Advance: Women in Manufacturing virtual summit to promote gender equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian manufacturing.

Featuring inspirational leaders and women who have trailblazed in their careers, the summit offers live panel discussions, presentations and on-demand sessions where speakers will explore the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, share career advice and real-life experiences, recommend strategies that companies can implement to recruit women and advance them to positions of their choice, and much more.

 

This event concluded on March 05th, 2025

Schedule

On DEMAND VIDEO
Keynote – Leading the way

Speaker:
  • Shannon Wilson, Industrial Sector Leader, IBM Canada
An inspiring keynote from a trailblazer in the sector will share her remarkable journey and the lessons she's learned while breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. With a focus on leadership, resilience and creating opportunities for women, the keynote will provide valuable insights on how women can advance in manufacturing, navigate challenges and lead change within their organizations.

On DEMAND VIDEO
Panel discussion: Trailblazing innovation – How women are shaping the future of Canadian manufacturing

Moderator: Nithya Caleb, Editor, Food in Canada and PrintAction
Panellists:
  • Samira Soltani, Co-founder and COO, Wireless PnC
  • Yun Yao, CEO and Co-founder, Soralink
  • Martha Breithaupt, Tax Partner, BDO’s Credits & Incentives practice
In this inspiring panel discussion, women leaders in Canadian manufacturing will highlight their roles in driving innovation, advancing technologies and reshaping the future of the industry. Learn from their firsthand experiences how they’ve navigated challenges, seized new opportunities and spearheaded initiatives. Be part of the conversation about the powerful impact women have as innovators.

On DEMAND VIDEO
Workshop: Speak up, stand out – Building assertiveness skills

Moderator: Kirstyn Brown, Editor, PLANT and MRO
Speaker:
  • Jermaine Stennett, Conflict Management Consultant
Assertiveness is key to breaking through barriers in the manufacturing industry. This workshop highlights strategies to gain confidence in expressing yourself, advocating for your ideas and handling challenging situations. You’ll walk away with techniques to communicate with clarity, respect and authority in any workplace environment.

On DEMAND VIDEO
Fireside chat: #AccelerateAction

Moderator: Kirstyn Brown, Editor, PLANT and MRO
Speaker:
  • Danaka Porter, Regional Managing Partner at iota consulting
A candid conversation with Danaka Porter will explore the IWD 2025 theme of #AccelerateAction. The conversation will centre around accelerating action on creating inclusive workspaces and breaking down barriers to the entry and growth for women in the manufacturing industry.

On DEMAND VIDEO
Panel discussion: Ask the boss – Navigating tough conversations

Moderator: Sukanya Ray Ghosh, Editor, Manufacturing AUTOMATION
Panellists:
  • Hali VanVliet, Partner, MNP
  • Jennifer Lortie, Director of Sales and Development, Fabelta
  • Bhavna Bahri, Partner, EY Canada
What questions do you wish you could ask your boss? In this session, leaders in the Canadian manufacturing industry will address the tough, often uncomfortable questions women face in the workplace. From negotiating promotions to discussing personal and professional boundaries, this session focuses on practical solutions and advice on how to approach and resolve these difficult conversations.

We've gathered leaders ready to address your burning questions. Send in your queries in advance via email to srayghosh@annexbusinessmedia.com or drop them into the question box on our event registration page. Let's tackle those crucial conversations together!


Product Demos

Amir Quality Meats Testimonial





Gold Sponsors
View Showcase
Bronze Sponsors
View Showcase
View Showcase

Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Women in Manufacturing 2025


When & Where?

Advance Women in Manufacturing 2025 will take place virtually via Zoom Webinar on March 5, 2025 at 1:00pm ET.

There will be a 15 minute break between live sessions.

Why Virtual?

The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, and community is our number one priority. By making this event an online experience, it eliminates the need for attendees and sponsors to travel in-person, while enabling them to still benefit from the event content.

What’s Included?

Your registration provides you with access to watch the virtual keynote, all live sessions, and on-demand recorded content and product demonstrations.

How do I access?

We will email you an access link to the virtual event the morning of March 5, 2025.

If you don’t see an access link in your email inbox, please check your junk folder. If you are still unable to locate the email, contact Azeemah Abowath.
Founded by the Government of Canada