International Women’s Day is a time to honour the achievements of women entrepreneurs, so naturally a women-owned business like ACE Coworking is excited to take part in the celebration!
IWD is also a time to shine a light on female resilience, while at the same time serving as a platform to raise awareness about gender equality and systemic issues that still hinder the advancement of women all around the world. This year’s theme – “Inspire Inclusion” – reminds us that we still have work to do.
Most of all, celebrating this day fosters a sense of solidarity, encouraging women entrepreneurs to network, share experiences, and empower one another. Speaking of empowerment, we have a number of Oakville events to recommend this year that are sure to lift you up…
OFFA’s 4th Annual IWD Film Event
ACE is a long-time partner of the Oakville Film Festival (OFFA). Every year in March, OFFA celebrates women in film and the arts, and this year is no exception. There will be live music by award-winning singer/songwriter Sydney Mae, a presentation by Grandmother’s Voice and Butterfly Spirit Drum Circle of Women, and of course the main attraction, a critically acclaimed documentary: “500 Days in the Wild.” In it, award-winning director, cinematographer, and author, Dianne Whelan, recounts her personal story of resilience. The doc highlights issues related to conservation, climate change, diversity, and one woman’s unscripted personal journey of discovery: hiking, biking, paddling, snowshoeing and skiing across our breathtaking country! Partial proceeds from ticket sales go to The Women’s Centre of Halton, an important community organization that supports local women in crisis.
Monday, March 4, 6:15 PM – 10 PM
Film.ca Cinemas, 171 Speers Rd
Get your tickets here
TogetHER Evening
Downtown Oakville BIA is celebrating IWD2024 with their inaugural event: TogetHER. The event highlight will be a panel featuring three inspiring female founders: Ruth Tal (Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar), Christine Peters (Lemonwood), and Hailey Bogaert (HB Face). All of these women launched their businesses locally and have scaled them to impressive heights. ACE founder, Nancy Fornasiero, will moderate the panel discussion and lead the Q&A. After the panel, attendees will enjoy cocktails and charcuterie, networking, and complimentary headshots. End the evening by sipping, shopping, and celebrating at a variety of Downtown Oakville businesses. Ticket revenue will be donated to the Oakville Zonta Club, which empowers women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Friday, March 8, 4–6:30PM
Oakville Club, 56 Water St.
More info here
HERhalton Women’s Day Breakfast
Hosted by HALTECH, our local regional innovation center, this annual event always brings together the innovation and entrepreneur community from across Halton and beyond. (ACE Coworking is a proud community partner of the event again this year.) This is an event we never miss: a superb chance to hear inspiring stories, meet new interesting people, and celebrate the success of local women-led businesses. This year’s keynote speaker is Miryam Lazarte, Founder of Global Startups Accelerator and General Partner of GSA Ventures, a fund committed to investing in immigrant technology entrepreneurs. It’s sure to be a worthwhile morning of connecting and learning.
Thursday, March 21, 9–11AM
Burlington Golf & Country Club, 422 North Shore Blvd E
Sign up here