Haltech Celebrates 6th Annual HERhalton International Women’s Day Breakfast in Milton

On March 9th, 2023, Haltech Regional Innovation Centre hosted the HERhalton International Women’s Day Breakfast at Piper’s Heath Golf Club. The sold-out event brought together 180 attendees from across the region to celebrate and raise awareness of the many accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and professionals in Halton Region and beyond.

Left to right: Allison Christilaw, Evangeline China, Emily O’Brien, Shane Ropp, Hannah Fritchley, Jiten Bhambhani. Front: Anita Grant, Shann McGrail, Idas Levato

HERhalton 2023 saw attendance of Federal and Municipal representatives including Marianne Meed Ward – Mayor of Burlington, Councillor Kristina Tesser Derksen, representing of Mayor Gordon Krantz of Milton, and councillors from Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills, just to name a few.

Here’s what happened

The event featured a keynote speech from Emily O’Brien, a former incarcerated inmate who started a specialty popcorn business in prison called Comeback Snacks. Her inspiring story of resilience and determination was a reminder of the power of entrepreneurship and the ability to overcome adversity.

This year’s HERhalton also featured a brilliant panel discussion, moderated by Julia Matthews – Founder of Not Your Child Corporation, a Canadian road safety company. Julia led a group discussion around this year’s International Women’s Day theme – Embrace Equity with Renee Durepos – Founder and Owner of Be Strong Fitness, Beatriz Zanatelli – Director of Programs at Accelerator Centre in Waterloo, and Manpreet Sachdev – Founder of Wise Tree Inspirations. The panelists shared their own unique experiences and insights as women entrepreneurs, providing valuable advice and inspiration to the audience.

Top takeaways

One of the top takeaways from this year’s HERhalton International Women’s Day Breakfast included a quote shared by Beatriz Zanatelli, Founder of Lightouch, originally from Eleanor Roosevelt: “No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent” – a powerful bit of food for thought to the many girls and women who may experience additional barriers to success.

The HERhalton International Women’s Day Breakfast was a great success, highlighting the many accomplishments of women entrepreneurs in Halton Region and beyond. As we at Haltech continue to support and empower women entrepreneurs, we look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of women-led businesses in our community.

Catch up with some Tweets

That’s a wrap on #HERhalton 2023! Thank you to all who joined us today to help make this amazing event possible. We heard some incredible stories and inspiring journeys, making this HERhalton one to remember #IWD2023 pic.twitter.com/AvJCmo1XK0

— Haltech (@Haltech_RIC) March 9, 2023

We are better together!! #EmbraceEquity #WomanDay2023 #WomenSupportingWomen pic.twitter.com/6wd1WzViG1

— Dania Thurman (She/Her) (@dania_thurman) March 9, 2023

Another great keynote at #HerHalton #IWD women’s day event @comebacksnacks founder @EmzObrien shares her story from federal prison to running a business that supports women and marginalized groups pic.twitter.com/DVaH68nO66

— Anita (@anitacassidys) March 9, 2023

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