BPW Edmonton

Emerging impacts of technology on women
2023-11-08 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Amii, #1101, 10065 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 3B1, #1101, 10065 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3B1, Canada
In partnership with Amii, BPW is excited to be hosting this event to hear from Amii Fellow and Canada CIFAR AI Chair Nidhi Hegde, along with Amii’s VP of Product Stephanie Enders.
Join us a we talk about the impact of emergent technology on women, and also to understand how to best equip ourselves for its adoption, how to leverage it to our benefit in the personal and professional areas (and all the different hats women wear).
Appetizers and Refreshments will be provided.
Tickets:
Members – Free
Non Members $25.00

Agenda:
5pm – Registration
5:30pm – Panel Discussion
6:15pm – Q&A
6:45pm – Networking

Our Speakers:
Fellow and Canada CIFAR AI Chair – Nidhi Hegde

VP of Product – Stephanie Enders

Financial Planning for the Professional Woman
2024-02-20 17:00 - 19:30 | KBH Training Centre, 3825 93St, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5K5, Canada
Women have unique experiences and challenges when it comes to their financial well being.
Financial planning is more than just budgeting and investing. A well rounded financial plan that ensures women reach their financial goals in all areas of life will include cash flow management, insurance and risk management, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning and investment planning.
As financial planning professionals, Lucja Davson and Crystal Kelly will share their insights and knowledge as they touch on some of the key things to consider in each of these six important areas of financial planning for women.
Cost: Free to Members, $20 Non-Members
Agenda:
5pm: Arrival and Networking
5:30pm: Seminar Starts
7:30pm: Wrap – up

About your speakers

Crystal Kelly – Certified Financial Planner – Amani Financial
Crystal Kelly is a Certified Financial Planner with 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. The primary mission of her independent planning practice, Amani Financial, is to guide women to financial independence so that they can break the cycle of financial chaos and bring peace of mind to their lives. This is achieved through holistic, fee-for-service financial planning in the areas of cash flow management, investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance and risk management, tax planning and small business financial planning. Additional services offered are insurance and risk management reviews, financial planning workshops catered to groups (such as forums, educational organizations, women empowerment groups and retreats) and speaking engagements on the topics of women empowerment, inequalities women face with financial planning, budgeting and automating finances, financial planning 101, and more.
Women have unique experiences, challenges, opportunities and goals when it comes to finances and wealth building and the mission of Amani Financial is to empower women to increase their financial literacy, create financial security, build wealth, and improve their overall well being and peace of mind around their finances. Crystal has a passion for working with women and is also a volunteer financial coach with the Empower U program which helps women in poverty facing barriers to financial security.

Lucja Davson, QAFP – KBH Wealth Planner
Over the last 5+ years, Lucja has focused on Comprehensive Planning for business owners, professionals, and farmers. Working in Edmonton, Wainwright and Provost. In 2021, Lucja joined KBH Chartered Professional Accountants as their inhouse Wealth Planner under the KBH Wealth Planning Division, previously holding roles as both Administrator and Associate at Canaccord Genuity within Wealth and Estate Planning Services. Lucja’s areas of expertise are planning for retirement income, estate preservation and protection, and along with your accounting team, tax strategies. While having a designation in Financial Planning Lucja is also Life and Living Benefits Insurance licensed allowing KBH Wealth to provide comprehensive Insurance Services.
In partnership with TriCert Financial Group, KBH Wealth Planning offers a unique Investment Management solution. By Integrating your Investment Portfolio management Team, Financial Planning Team and Accounting team, KBH Wealth is able to provide you with a thorough Holistic Wealth Advisory Service. Lucja will work closely with all parties to help guide you with implementing your Financial Plan.

Innovation, Shaping the Future of Women's Health
2024-05-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Edmonton Unlimited, 10107 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1W8, Canada
Join BPW Edmonton and the Women’s Health Coalition (WHC) as we co-host a panel of female entrepreneurs who are developing innovative new technologies that will empower women to take control of their own health journeys.
This event is part of Women’s Health Week 2024 “Invest in Women’s Health”
Innovations discussed at this collaborative event are pushing us forward, disrupting the barriers and making healthcare more equitable.
Agenda
Doors open at 5pm
Panel Discussion starts at 5:30pm
Q&A to follow panel discussion
Refreshments will be provided.
We are thankful for Edmonton Unlimited who is providing the space to host this event.
Cost:
BPW / WHC Members $15.00
Non-Member $25.00
About our speakers
Loreen Wales, Founder and CEO, My Viva Inc.
Loreen dedicated the initial decade of her career to serving as a dietitian for patients at the University of Alberta Hospital. During this period, she developed a profound commitment to preventive healthcare, spurred by witnessing the adverse impact of lifestyle habits on health.
In September 2006, Loreen founded Revive Wellness with a focus on empowering individuals to assume control over their health. Recognizing a gap in care that hindered patients from effectively managing their health at home, she conceived My Viva Plan as a solution. Loreen is driven by a mission to revolutionize patient care, fostering greater equity in healthcare delivery and enhancing clinic efficiency.
An active participant in various boards and research initiatives, Loreen stands as the sole Canadian female healthcare professional leading an iITEA4 international research and innovation project, spanning five countries with over 26 partners.
Myrna Bittner, CEO & Founder, RUNWITHIT Synthetics
Myrna Bittner is the CEO and Founder of RUNWITHIT Synthetics, an advanced synthetic data and generative AI modelling platform company working on global social and environmental justice population issues, including equity, growth, decarbonization, sustainability, and resilience investments and decision support. Myrna is passionate about connecting today’s technology, policy, and infrastructure choices to future data about the impacts and outcomes for people and our planet. RUNWITHIT is a certified indigenous business, women-led and global award-winning company pioneering the field of synthetic populations.
Badeia Jawhari, MSC, CPHR, BComm Leader, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Technology, Innovation – Deloitte
Badeia is an innovative strategist, disruptive tech enthusiast, and change champion who seeks to improve user/patient experience in healthcare and life sciences industries to drive business growth, improve patient outcomes and increase access to care. With over a decade of experience, Badeia is a trusted advisor and strategist for both private and public sector clients—recognized as relationship builder who delivers forward-thinking solutions and fosters impact and people focused strategies.
As a leader in healthcare and life sciences, Badeia has been a trusted advisor and strategist. She is known for supporting clients to develop sustainable programs to address the complexities and dynamics of the health ecosystem as it relates to strategy, stakeholder engagement, digital health, innovation, data, health technologies and the critical need to improve patient access and care. More specifically, Badeia has worked with organizations on strategic engagements to support adopting new technologies to improve business operations and patient outcomes. She has led large scale transformation engagements locally, nationally and globally.
Badeia is also incredibly passionate about women’s health. Over the past two years she has attended the adjacent Deloitte Global events of the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference where this year she presented on women’s health. She is also supporting strategic women’s health initiatives within Deloitte.
Badeia has addressed complex global challenges at such forums as the Singularity University Exponential Medicine Summit, WHO’s World Health Assembly, and the Medical Informatics Europe Conference. Her experience leading a complex and dynamic health information system implementation in one of Kenya’s largest slums, Kibera, revealed the importance of looking beyond technology to focus on the human and process aspects of transformation programs.
Badeia holds a bilingual (French) BComm, a Master in Science focused in Health Informatics from the University of Alberta, and, is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). She is a member of the National Institute of Medical Informatics, American Medical Informatics Association and an academic reviewer for the Journal of American Medical Informatics Association.

BPW Holiday Mixer
2024-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | LOCAL Public Eatery South Common, 1820 99 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6N 1M5, Canada
Join the BPW Edmonton Board for drinks at Local. As we wrap up 2024 we want to celebrate with members and cheers to the amazing year.

Galentine’s Networking Event
2025-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Matrix Hotel, 10640 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Join is on February 13 to polish your networking skills, learn new techniques, help others build their confidence, and meet amazing women from Edmonton’s professional community.
What to Expect:
– A guided, low-stress environment to make networking comfortable and enjoyable.
– Opportunities to meet and connect with inspiring women in a supportive setting.
– A chance to refine your techniques, gain new insights, and support others in their growth.
– Learn about our success circle peer groups – coming spring 2025!
Whether you’re someone looking to develop your networking skills, or a seasoned professional eager to share your knowledge and help others thrive, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.

Success Circles Kick Off
2025-04-02 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM Meeting
Join us for the launch of our 2025 Success Circles!
Do you want to…

Unlock wisdom, accountability and growth?
Develop empowerment and inspiration?
Build a supportive network?

Then consider elevating your journey with the BPW Success Circles presented in collaboration with BPW Edmonton and Calgary.
What are Success Circles?
Success Circles are empowering, collaborative groups designed to bring diverse women together to provide support, wisdom, and accountability. Each person contributes and receives valuable insights and expertise, challenges perspectives, and provides guidance for success.
Key Features:

Supported: Get the most out of your Circle, using the information, handouts, and guidelines provided.
Diverse Perspectives: Tap into a network with varied skills and experiences.
Upskilling: Expand your expertise across multiple disciplines while sharing your wisdom. Gain fresh perspectives and insights from diverse minds.
Accountability: Stay aligned to your goals, supported by a group committed to
your success.
Self-Driven: Each Circle decides the frequency, location and topics.
Future Focused: 2025 Success Circles will branch into our 2025/26 Mentorship
program.

HOW CAN I JOIN?
1. Determine your goals. Identify the skills and expertise you seek, and reflect on what you can contribute to others’ growth
2. Complete the sign up form by March 31st to provide your information and get matched with your group REGISTER HERE
3. Be part of the launch! March 19th, 12-1 pm (Zoom link to follow)

Hosted by BPW Edmonton’s new Programs Chair, Angela Saxby
A chance to connect with all Success Circle participants and receive an overview of the approach and timelines
You’ll be matched with approximately 4 other BPW members from Edmonton and Calgary to begin introductions and review our Success Circles Guide.
Before you leave, you’ll have a plan for when and how to meet with your group.
Circle meetings will include a virtual option, if participants require it.
If you can’t attend the event, an email will be sent with information about your Circle and items to agree upon as a group.

4. Be committed

Schedule and attend 4 meetings between March 23rd and June 14th
Show up prepared
Participate, listen and hold space
Make the most of the diverse and dynamic leadership offered

Pricing
Success Circles are FREE for BPW Edmonton and Calgary members!
Not a member yet? No problem. Sign up for early bird membership for the 2025/26 BPW season by March 31st and gain free access to this year’s success circles while saving $30 off of the regular membership price! Edmonton Early Bird Membership Payment
Still testing the waters with BPW membership? We’ve got you. Non-members can enjoy all the benefits of Success Circles for $40 (but you’ll probably want to become a member anyway!) Edmonton Non-Member Success Circle Payment
Complete the sign up form by March 31st to provide your information and get matched with your group.

BPW AGM and a Night of M.A.G.I.C (Member Only)
2025-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Bella Italian Restaurant, 8223 104 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 4E7, Canada
Get your tickets here!
BPW Edmonton is wrapping up our 2024/25 season with our Annual AGM and Night of Magic. A member only event, we would like to take the opportunity to thank our members for sharing their wisdom and connection throughout the year. Additionally, any new members are welcome to take part, as a taste of what it means to be a BPW Edmonton Member.
We’ll begin the event with our AGM to quickly celebrate the milestones and accomplishments from the year. Food will be provided and there will be a bar for those who are interested.
Then, Shannon Armstrong will lead us through a Night of M.A.G.I.C.
Life happens… there’s not much we can do to control many of the circumstances that hit us. Loss or uncertainty fill our head, and things feel insurmountable. But that’s not our destiny; it’s actually the beginning of something magical.
Using her M.A.G.I.C framework for embracing your circumstances and moving through this messy life with a little grace, hope and optimism. Admittedly, it’s not really magic, but with intent and effort, the impact and outcome might feel that way!
Shannon will inspire us to move through our own journeys by weaving in her own experiences with divorce, job loss, and parental dementia. Instead of getting stuck, we’ll dig deep to find relevant tools and strategies for creating a better future and life.
Shannon has a Bachelors of Commerce degree, and she’s certified as a Mediation and a Change Management specialist. With over 20 years of transformational leadership experience across private, public and the not for profit sectors, she is set to lead women through their own powerful journeys.

Equity in Policy Panel Discussion
2025-10-29 18:30 - 20:30 | YWCA Edmonton, 10402 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
BPW Edmonton’s upcoming panel will bring together experts, advocates, and community leaders to examine how gender equity can be advanced across policy, community, and institutional frameworks in Alberta. The discussion will focus on areas where systemic barriers persist and where targeted policies can create meaningful change. By connecting lived experience, research, and policy perspectives, the panel will explore pressing issues affecting women, girls, and gender-diverse communities, highlighting opportunities for action and collaboration. This event is designed to engage participants in dialogue, raise awareness, and identify practical strategies for advancing equity in Alberta today.

Get your tickets here! BPWpanel.eventbrite.ca

Key Topics:
1. Trans/Gender Inclusion: Ensuring inclusive policies for trans and gender-diverse people is increasingly urgent in Alberta, where recent debates around education, health care access, and human rights protections highlight the need for evidence-based, equitable approaches. Policies that respect gender identity not only uphold fundamental rights but also create safer schools, workplaces, and communities for everyone.
2. Ending Violence Against Women: Rates of domestic violence and gender-based violence in Alberta remain among the highest in Canada, with rural, Indigenous, and marginalized women disproportionately affected. The issue places a significant burden on health, justice, and social systems, while undermining women’s full participation in society and the economy. Addressing violence is not only a moral imperative but a policy priority requiring collective advocacy, prevention strategies, and systemic change.
3. Equity in Sports: Sports are a powerful driver of community, health, and leadership development. Yet barriers continue to limit equitable access for women and girls, and participation for trans and gender-diverse athletes remains contested. In Alberta, where sport is central to community identity and youth development, advancing policies that prioritize fairness, safety, and inclusion is essential to ensuring all athletes can thrive.

Our Panelists

Elli McDine (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Alberta 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, leading advocacy and community-building for queer and trans entrepreneurs across Alberta. She is the co-creator of Coming Home, a documentary on queer and trans joy, and teaches innovation at NAIT. With over 15 years of experience in research, transformation, and equity-focused leadership across government, education, and nonprofits, Elli is committed to creating systems where diverse leaders can thrive. A parent of two, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work in building inclusive and resilient communities.

Ashley Lim is the Director of Counselling Services at YWCA Edmonton, a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence and works with diverse populations, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ clients, and individuals with disabilities.
Ashley helped create Edmonton’s Integrated Domestic Violence Response Team (IDVRT) and co-chairs the Council of Service Providers with CIAFV. She also contributes to YWCA Canada’s national Anti-Gender-Based Violence Network. Her leadership and service has earned her multiple awards, including YWCA Canada’s Carolyn Bray Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Ashley is also an Adjunct Academic Colleague at the University of Alberta.

Dia Syed has dedicated a significant portion of her professional career to sports, teaching, and business. Dia founded and is the CEO of Girls In Sports Canada. She has a wealth of experience in program development, implementation, marketing, sales, and management. Through her work in grassroots sports Dia has taught over 200 schools, engaging students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Through Girls In Sports Canada, Dia actively addresses disparities in girls’ sports and advocates for solutions. Her programs continue to reach many of girls’ and young kids’ year after year. She has spoken at teacher conventions, sport conferences, and as a guest speaker in university education, business, and kinesiology classes. Her insights have been featured on multiple podcasts, CTV Edmonton, and she recently appeared on 630 CHED radio in Edmonton. Girls In Sports Canada has empowered youth aged 5-17 through various sports programs and classroom presentations. Additionally, her company was highlighted in Desjardins’ small business tour and featured in a commercial during The Amazing Race Canada.
Dia’s vision is to empower girls to become confident change-makers and barrier-breakers through physical activity and sports. Her programs aim to equip girls with the knowledge and confidence to excel in adulthood, fostering champions in the workplace and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

Dr. Miranda Pilipchuk is a gender-based violence scholar/advocate with expertise in community-based research, intersectional feminist theory, decolonial theory, critical race theory, and legal theory. She specializes in conducting trauma-informed, survivor-centered research that values the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience, speaks to the intersections of abuse and systemic barriers, and seeks to dismantle all forms of oppression.
Dr. Pilipchuk is the Manager of Research and Evaluation at the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, where she works with domestic violence and elder abuse shelters, community and academic partners, and people with lived experience to construct innovative, culture-shifting research programs that work to understand and end violence and abuse, and to establish and implement best practices for supporting people impacted by violence and abuse.

Get your tickets here! BPWpanel.eventbrite.ca

Access to Justice Forum - Date TBD
2026-02-05 | AB
Aligning with CSW 2026’s global theme, discussion on barriers to justice for women and girls, featuring local experts and community voices.
More details to come.

International Women’s Day Celebration - Date TBD
2026-03-10 | AB
More details to come.

BPW Advocacy Workshop & AGM - Date TBD
2026-05-14 | AB

BPW Canada Biennial Convention
2026-08-13 - 2026-08-16 | Regina, Saskatchewan
BPW Canada hosts a National Convention every two years in even-numbered years (e.g., 2022, 2024, 2026).
In alternating odd-numbered years (e.g., 2021, 2023, 2025), a National Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held.
Both events typically take place in the month of August.
