Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in Calgary
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub joined entrepreneurs to discuss how women-led businesses are shaping the future
On November 19, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Shannon Pestun, senior advisor to the Diversity Institute’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), joined the Calgary Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WEDO) event, one of five held across Canada to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and foster collaboration. With over 200 participants, the event created a vibrant space for connection, inspiration and innovation. This year’s theme, “Rise with HER: Fueling the success of women entrepreneurs in the tech and digital age,” spotlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Pestun connected with Milena Radakovic, the Canadian ambassador for WEDO, who underscored the day’s global significance. Radakovic shared that the day symbolizes more than an occasion to celebrate women’s entrepreneurship—it’s a call to action. “Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is a powerful reminder that gender should never be a barrier to success,” Radakovic said. “It’s about empowering and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs by inspiring the four billion women worldwide to be catalysts for change. Together, we can uplift the 250 million girls living in poverty and create a future filled with opportunity, equality and innovation.”
Her words echoed the event’s mission not only to celebrate achievements, but also to inspire action and drive systemic change for women entrepreneurs. The keynote speaker, Keri Lee, managing director of BlueMarvel.ai, shared her journey through the tech world in her talk, Hacking the glass ceiling: real-life stories and strategies for success in tech. Lee’s reflections on resilience and growth in men-dominated spaces resonated with the audience. “Every glass ceiling I was prepared to crack served as preparation for the next step in my life,” she noted, offering practical strategies for overcoming barriers and achieving success in the tech industry.
Katanya B. Kuntz, co-founder and CEO of Qubo Consulting Corp, delivered an engaging talk on The Next Revolution in the Digital Age: #QuantumTechnologies. Her forward-thinking presentation highlighted the transformative potential of quantum technologies and their implications for future innovation.
A diverse panel of industry leaders later explored the event’s central theme, Fueling the Success of Women Entrepreneurs in the Tech and Digital Age. The panel discussions resonated with WEKH’s research findings, underscoring the critical importance of fostering inclusive ecosystems and leveraging technology to overcome barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. Insights from a recent WEKH report, Empowering Women in Venture Capital, revealed that women-led startups achieve 35% greater returns on investment and emphasized the need for inclusive practices in funding and mentorship to ensure women can thrive in high-growth industries. Additionally, WEKH’s annual flagship report, State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2024, highlighted systemic challenges such as access to financing and under-representation in key sectors, reinforcing the importance of targeted interventions to support women entrepreneurs in the technology and digital innovation.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Attendees left inspired and equipped with new knowledge and stronger connections. As Pestun remarked, advancing women’s voices and talents is an investment in a more equitable and innovative future. By engaging with women entrepreneurs and promoting the WEKH’s support for the ecosystem, her contribution underscores the importance of collaborations and resources sharing.