Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Description
Step Into Your Power at the 2026 Women in Action Conference at Hotel X on March 5. Join a dynamic community of women CPAs for an inspiring day of connection, growth, and leadership. The Women in Action conference is designed to empower women in finance leadership roles to lead with authenticity, confidence, and adaptability.
Save $50 with our Early Bird Sale (excludes Passport prices). Act fast, the sale ends January 14, 2026. Access the Early Bird Sale by logging into your account.
Explore powerful sessions on:
- Authentic Leadership: Embrace your unique leadership style.
- Leading with Confidence: Build presence and influence.
- Adapting Leadership Styles: Thrive in evolving business landscapes.
- Connect with trailblazing women leaders, gain actionable insights from their journeys, and elevate your leadership impact in meaningful ways.
Be inspired. Be empowered. Be in action.
Can’t make it in person? We have a virtual option: Learn More.
Interactive Experience for all In Person Attendees:
Discover the Dakaari Perfume Bar, a luxurious and interactive fragrance experience crafted just for you. Explore a curated selection of premium scents and create a personalized perfume that reflects your unique style. The Dakaari team will guide you through each step, making it a fun, elegant, and memorable activity. Leave with a 15 ml bottle of a custom fragrance keepsake designed by you, for you! More At: www.dakaari.com
Agenda
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. | Networking |
| 8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Host Opening Remarks: Jacqueline Jordan, CPA, CA, Senior Director of Finance & Operations Giants of Africa |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Opening Keynote: Pattie Lovett-Reid, Chief Financial Commentator, HomeEquity Bank | Former Chief Financial Commentator, CTV News Topic: Millionaire Mindset: Making Better Wealth Decisions When it comes to building wealth, it’s not just about how much money you have — it’s about how you think about it. In this session, Pattie Lovett-Reid unpacks the mindset that sets financially successful people apart, exploring how small, intentional shifts in your approach to money can lead to big results over time. This keynote is about making smart, confident choices — whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up. From understanding how the wealthy invest and spend, to building better habits around saving, spending, and growing your money, Lovett-Reid will share the quiet money mistakes that could be costing you more than you realize — and how to course-correct. You don’t need to be a millionaire to think like one. What you need is clarity, purpose, and a plan — and that’s exactly what Lovett-Reid will provide. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Dr. Deborah Rosati, FCPA, FCA, Corporate Director, Founder & CEO, Women Get on Board Inc. Topic: Corporate Governance: The Future of the Boardroom Dr. Deborah Rosati will explore the emerging challenges facing the boardroom in 2026 and beyond, examining the role of the board and the changing meaning of modern governance. This session will examine what boards should consider regarding their four lines of sight: oversight, hindsight, insight, and foresight. The evolution of the boardroom mirrors broader societal and technological shifts, requiring leaders who are innovative, inclusive, and responsive to global challenges. CPAs will play a vital role in shaping future strategies and securing organizational success in the boardroom. |
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Break & Networking |
| 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Stephanie Edwards, Founder & President LORA Concepts Inc. Topic: Making Networking Work For You In Making Networking Work for You, Stephanie Edward shares three practical shifts that help professionals approach networking in a way that feels genuine and doable. Drawing on her two decades in financial services, she brings an honest and relatable perspective to networking. Participants will leave with simple, actionable ideas to make networking less about “selling yourself” and more about showing up, building trust, and growing relationships that matter. Key Takeaways:
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| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Networking |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. |
Panel Session on Women In Technology Speakers: Dr. Jodie Lobana, Ph.D., FCPA, FCA, ICD.D, Founder and CEO AIGE Global Advisors, Jennifer Arnold, Co-founder & CEO @ Minerva | Automated AML Risk Screening and Ongoing Monitoring & Frincy Clement, Head of North America & Board Director, Women in AI | WEF | Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 | Principal Data Scientist |
| 2:10 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Susan Allen, FCPA (FCA), ICD.D, Author, Former PwC Audit Partner, Corporate Director Topic: Redefining Success: Building the Career You Were Meant to Have Discover what is holding you back from the promotion you didn’t receive, the risk you were afraid to accept, and the career you were meant to have. If you feel stuck in the talent pipeline, suffer from imposter syndrome or perfectionism, wish for better work life balance, this session will ignite your true potential and passion. Join celebrated author and trailblazer, Susan Allen, as she shares her inspiring, deeply personal and professional leadership journey, and lessons learned to help you avoid the mistakes she made and the misconceptions she held. You Will Learn Strategies To:
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| 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Break & Networking |
| 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Annie Gaudreault, Founder, Nutritionist, Women's Health Coach Topic: Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honour: Reclaiming Energy, Health & Confidence at Midlife In professional business sectors, long hours, relentless deadlines, and high-pressure expectations often make exhaustion feel inevitable — even admirable. But burnout isn’t a badge of honour; it’s a warning sign. In this empowering session, nutritionist and women’s health expert Annie Gaudreault reveals why midlife is the perfect time to reset your approach to energy, health, and performance. She’ll uncover the science behind fatigue, hormones, and stress, and show how small, strategic changes in nutrition, movement, and mindset can reignite your energy, sharpen your focus, and restore your confidence, in and out of the office. This talk will inspire attendees to move from simply surviving busy seasons to sustainably thriving all year long. Key Takeaways:
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| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Closing Keynote: Rola Dagher, C.M. Former Global Channel Chief, Dell Technologies | Former President, Cisco Canada | Board Member | Disruptor | Public Speaker | Humanitarian Advocate Topic: Empowering Leadership at Every Level: Creating Cultures of Ownership True leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about creating environments where every individual can rise to their potential. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, organizations that empower leadership at every level don’t just survive disruption but drive it. Drawing on her decades long experience as a tech leader, Rola Dagher shows audiences how to cultivate cultures of ownership, initiative, and continuous learning to unlock innovation at every level. She breaks down the crucial difference between listening to speak versus listening to understand in order to maximize individual strengths, while sharing practical strategies for leading with empathy, heart, soul, and mind to give people the empowerment and inspiration they need to make an impact. Key Takeaways:
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| 5:00 p.m. – 5:05 p.m. | Host Closing Remarks: Jacqueline Jordan, CPA, CA, Senior Director of Finance & Operations Giants of Africa |
| 5:05 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Networking |
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Disclaimer
The views expressed in the course are non-authoritative and have not been formally endorsed by CPA Ontario and do not reflect the views of CPA Ontario. The information included in the course is for general information purposes only.
CPA Ontario, the presenters and the authors do not accept any responsibility or liability that might occur directly or indirectly as a consequence of the use or application of or reliance on this material.
How to Access the Conference
This is an in person conference hosted at Hotel X - 111 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3. You must attend the full conference to receive verifiable CPD hours.
Registration, cancellation, withdrawal and all other CPA Ontario Program policies can be found here.
Speaker(s)
| OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER | |
|---|---|
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Pattie Lovett-Reid served as Chief Financial Commentator for CTV News, where she helped Canadians make sense of their money with relatable, expert advice. Today, she continues that work as Chief Financial Commentator at HomeEquity Bank. She also shares timely financial insights on her YouTube series, “Take Charge Now”, and weekly advice on CTV’s Your Morning, helping Canadians make informed, confident financial choices. A Certified Financial Planner and the bestselling co-author of several books, Lovett-Reid has been recognized with numerous prestigious honours, including the Donald J. Johnston Award and the Financial Planning Canada Fellow of Distinction, which celebrated her lasting impact on financial literacy across the country. Lovett-Reid is also an ambassador for Women’s Brain Health, a cause close to her heart. |
| CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER | |
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Rola Dagher, former Global Channel Chief at Dell Technologies and President and CEO of Cisco Canada has spent over two decades building world-class teams and driving breakthrough results at the highest levels of the technology industry. Her powerful story — rising from a childhood in war-torn Lebanon to executive global boardrooms — delivers audiences a masterclass in transforming adversity into opportunity, leading through change, and creating cultures where everyone can thrive. She equips leaders with practical strategies that will transform how they think, act, and achieve lasting impact. |
| FEATURED SPEAKERS | |
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Dr. Deborah Rosati, an award-winning corporate director and entrepreneur, has been described in three interconnected ways throughout her 35-year career – as a champion of corporate governance, a catalyst for change, and a community builder. Deborah is a respected leader in the boardroom, having chaired boards and several audit committees for public companies, as well as nominating and corporate governance committees. She has led and served on numerous special committees with various mandates. To Learn More: www.womengetonboard.ca |
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Stephanie Edward is a speaker, consultant, and founder of LORA Concepts Inc. She helps financial services organizations strengthen onboarding, professional skills, and people leadership. After nearly two decades in banking, Stephanie brings a relatable and compassionate approach to modern workplace success, helping professionals show up with confidence, build genuine connections, and succeed without losing themselves in the process. |
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Dr. Jodie Lobana, FCPA, FCA is the CEO & Founder of AIGE Global Advisors, a global advisory firm offering governance diagnostics, strategic guidance, and board-level training to corporations, financial institutions, and UN bodies. She holds world’s first PhD focused exclusively on AI governance for corporate boards, a groundbreaking doctoral thesis that culminated in the creation of the proprietary "A Holistic Framework of AI Governance." A globally recognized authority and trusted advisor on AI Governance, Ethics, and Risk Management, she helps boards, Crown corporations, and international institutions adopt AI strategically while embedding oversight and safety—ensuring alignment with purpose, trust, and resilience. |
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Jennifer Arnold is the CEO & Cofounder for Minerva (gominerva.com), an award-winning, AI-driven anti-money laundering (AML) compliance platform. She has made it her mission to demystify AML compliance and client risk assessment. In her leadership roles at Wells Fargo, CIBC, and BMO, Jennifer became all too familiar with the challenges of designing and implementing AML programs without introducing unnecessary complexity or cost. Now, she’s building efficient, effective solutions that scale for financial crime fighters everywhere. |
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Frincy Clement is an award-winning AI leader and passionate advocate for women in technology, currently leads as the Head of North America and member of the Global Board of Directors for Women in AI (WAI), driving initiatives to inspire, mentor and elevate women in the field. With over 10 years of experience in diverse sectors including Telecom, Technology and Consumer Goods, she also excels as a Principal Data Scientist at ADP. Recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, Global Top 100 Women Advancing AI and an influential voice in emerging tech, Frincy’s contributions to AI have garnered multiple awards and recognitions. She plays a significant role in AI governance, contributing to standardization strategies with Standards Council Canada as a Steering Committee Member of the AI & Data Governance Collaborative and as an expert member of the World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Alliance. |
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Susan Allen, FCPA, CPA, ICD.D, is the author of Count Me In: A trailblazer’s triumph in a world not built for her. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Susan is a dedicated champion and trailblazer for women, whose career spanned 34 years as an audit partner and global leader at PwC. In 1994, Susan was the only woman promoted to partner at PwC Canada. A decade later, she was the first woman elected to PwC’s Global Board. Susan continues to serve on four corporate boards in her retirement. Learn More At: www.countmein.info |
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Annie Guadreault as a nutritionist and women’s health coach, supports the needs of professional women at midlife, giving them the confidence to do what they want to do, with the energy that they need. An endurance athlete with 12 marathons and 3 Ironman® triathlons under her belt, Annie lives what she preaches. A prior 25+ year career as a brand consultant working with executives of Fortune 500 companies gave her a solid background to serve the wellness needs of those living busy lives. She is a regular speaker to the media, corporations and lifestyle organizations on various topics of health. |
Location
Testimonials
This event is a fantastic way to hear from speakers in their field of expertise as it relates to women in the workplace. The event encourages us through the many topics to ask questions and think about things from a different perspective or one that we may have not thought about.
I found the CPA Ontario’s Women in Action: Breaking Barriers Conference a great experience to learn about the ways in which women are overcoming the barriers in their professional lives. The speakers were experienced and provided personal and real-world examples that provided great insights and being in person provided ample opportunity to network and exchange ideas.
The Breaking Barriers Conference 2025 was an amazing event. Not only did the CPA Ontario team bring great speakers with relevant topics but they also created a safe space to interact and ask questions for its members. I walked away energized, confident and a few more tools in my toolbox to take advantage of.