A.I. and Education at WEDO Quebec – BDC Square

Empowering Women, Inspiring Change: Reflections on the WEDO Event

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend and participate in an event organized by WEDO, a group dedicated to advancing inclusive entrepreneurship and empowering women across Canada. The experience was transformative, filled with genuine conversations, inspiring individuals, and moments that reminded me why collaboration and innovation are essential to creating meaningful change.

The Power of Connection

I was honored to join the discussion as a tech entrepreneur in the digital space, sharing insights and learning from a diverse group of women leaders like Zoonie, Dahna, and Fatou. Together, we explored challenges and opportunities in our respective fields, exchanging ideas that will undoubtedly shape future collaborations.

Meeting Indra and Stephanie was a highlight—two remarkable strategists who are pushing boundaries in education and improving access for all. Their energy and vision inspired me, and I can’t wait to align our efforts to tackle shared challenges with grace and determination. It’s not every day that you meet such brilliant, passionate women who embody elegance and drive.

Excellence in Moderation

The event’s moderators—Beatrice Noel, Sophie Taswoski, and Carla Casseus—brought the discussions to life with their artful guidance. Beatrice’s statement, “It’s not bragging if it’s true,” resonated deeply, encouraging all of us to own our accomplishments unapologetically. Sophie shared jaw-dropping statistics about women in tech and the limited support they receive from investors, shedding light on systemic barriers we must address. Meanwhile, Carla’s insightful questions allowed the panelists to deliver maximum value to the audience. 

Trailblazers and Transformative Ideas

Ruth Vachon’s decades of entrepreneurial experience and Lauren Rochat’s innovative concepts were nothing short of inspiring. It’s people like them who remind us that pushing boundaries is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Anaïs Majdier added to the wealth of knowledge with her unique insights, ensuring no topic was left unexplored.

Farnel Fleurant’s experience with BDC was another standout moment. The way she articulated the role of BDC in supporting entrepreneurs was inspiring, and it made me reflect on the importance of such organizations in enabling growth and innovation.

Anne Nguyen’s closing speech was the perfect culmination of the event. Despite sharing a personal story about an injured leg, she turned it into a broader lesson about embracing AI and creativity in transformative ways. Her ability to reframe challenges into opportunities left the audience feeling empowered and ready to explore new tools with confidence.

Building a Legacy of Support

This event was far from ordinary—it was inclusive, comfortable, and deeply thoughtful. Attendees like Pedro Rebelo noted how unique it was compared to other dry, repetitive events. The bonds formed between mother-daughter businesses, inspiring stories from women like Mary Lynn Koceyan and Dieu Thuy Nguyen, and the energy from young innovators like 23-year-old Elizabeth Tremblay of BETA Labs showcased the diverse fabric of this community.

I was especially moved to bring my students to this event. Hearing one of them, Fati, say, “I have learned so much today; this is life-changing,” affirmed the importance of exposing future leaders to experiences beyond the classroom.

Celebrating the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

The WEDO initiative is creating waves across five provinces, hosting summits that encourage inclusive entrepreneurship. Seeing leaders like Milena Radovic fly from Calgary to attend, only to immediately head to her next destination, underscored the passion driving this movement.

Finally, juggling my roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and professional at the event was a testament to the supportive environment created by WEDO. My little Emi had a blast, proving that spaces like these understand and celebrate the complex realities of modern women.

Thank you to all the incredible organizers, moderators, and attendees who made this event unforgettable. Let’s continue to uplift one another, push boundaries, and create opportunities for the next generation of trailblazers.

Together, we are unstoppable. 🌟