Expo Program
9:00 AM: Doors open
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Interactive stations open
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Exhibitor booths open
10:00 AM: Start of program
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Welcome address by AWEC Board Member Aggie Haydock
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Special video message by The Honourable Rechie Valdez
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Entrepreneur Spotlight video message by Christine Lieu-Guzauskas
10:20 AM: Panel discussion moderated by AWEC Founder Lev Calang
11:15 AM: Workshop/Talk
Wrapped in story: How businesses become brands by Kerry Ramsay
12:00 PM: Fashion Show
Runway of Possibility, featuring female-owned and sustainable brands
12:30 PM: Musical performance by Lydia Shay
1:00 PM: Workshop/Talk
DIY coaching & Home confidence intensive by Tammy Watson
1:40 PM: Workshop/Talk
The power of YES: Giving yourself permission to flourish by Victoria Hirst
2:30 PM: Workshop/Talk
Mighty anxiety: Create your personal resilience toolkit by Sumita Mendiratta
3:00 PM: Workshop/Talk
The overlooked factor in business success by Shulamit Ber Levtov
3:30 PM: Musical performance by Lydia Shay
4:00 PM: End of program
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Closing message by AWEC Board Member Aggie Haydock
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Exhibitor booths and interactive stations close
Fall Pop-Up Market at the Rehearsal Hall: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Panel Speakers
Gain valuable perspectives from entrepreneurs, industry practitioners, and community leaders, and discover actionable advice, lessons learned, and inspiration to help you confidently grow your entrepreneurial journey.
Barb Danielewski
Business Advisor,
KEYS Employment & Newcomer Services
Martha Williams
Founder, Pedal Works Café & Studios
Nusa Fain, PhD
Assistant Professor Entrepreneurship, Sprott School of Business at Carleton University
Rajita Nandyala
Children’s Book Author & Founder,
Food Dance Motivate
Vanessa Mensah, RSW, CCIP
Founder, Therapist and Consultant, Selah Counselling and Consulting
Lev Calang
Founder, AWEC Canada
(Panel Moderator)
Workshop Speakers
Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing an established business, or navigating the many demands of entrepreneurship, our workshop speakers bring practical insights, fresh perspectives, and tools you can put into action. From business growth and sustainability to leadership, visibility, and founder well-being, these sessions are designed to help you move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Kerry Ramsay
Founder,
Fresh Idea Collective
Shulamit Ber Levtov
The Entrepreneurs' Therapist
Tammy Watson
Founder,
Canadian Handywoman
Victoria Hirst
Certified Life Mastery™ Consultant and Dream Builder™ Coach
Sumita Mendiratta
Founder, HOPE Centre of Wellness, Mental Health Counsellor, and Licensed Brain Gym® Movement Facilitator
Special Video Message
The Honourable Rechie Valdez
The Honourable Rechie Valdez is the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), representing Mississauga-Streetsville. Elected in 2021, she is the first Filipino Canadian woman elected to Parliament. Before entering politics, she worked in corporate banking, ran a small business, and hosted a national television show. She advocates for gender equality, women entrepreneurs, and inclusive economic participation across Canada.
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Video Message
Christine Lieu-Guzauskas
Christine Lieu-Guzauskas is an award-winning designer, entrepreneur, speaker, and creative strategist with over 15 years of experience. She is the founder of CL Designs, a creative studio helping purpose-driven organizations and entrepreneurs build meaningful brands through strategic design and storytelling. She also hosts Brand Party, a podcast recognized among Canada's Top 10 design podcasts. Christine believes in the power of creativity to inspire connection and meaningful action.
Runway of Possibility:
A Fashion Showcase of Women-led Brands, Cultural Creativity
and Community Impact
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Musical Performance:
Lydia Shay, Singer | Songwriter
Lydia Shay is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Kingston, Ontario, known for her soulful vocals and emotionally driven songwriting.
A graduate of Randolph College for the Performing Arts, she released her first collaborative EP, Lucid Embers, in 2025.
Now back in Ontario after time in Vancouver, Lydia continues to develop her sound and create music that celebrates strong women, confidence, and resilience.
Event Host:
Aqeela Somani, Program Coach, Queen's University DDQIC
Aqeela Somani is an innovation and entrepreneurship advocate specializing in design thinking and digital transformation.
She hosts the Canadian Entrepreneurship Institute’s weekly livestream, organizes CanUX and Startup Weekend, and has won first place at Startup Weekend (2014, 2015) and Protohack (2016).