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 Chima, 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, formerly 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.
“You have a lot more than you think”
– Julia Matthews, Founder of Julia M. founder of Not Your Child™ Corporation
“Buckle Up”
– Emily O’Brien Founder of Comeback Snacks
“Be Present”
– Beatriz Zanatelli Founder of Lightouch
“Expand Your Horizons”
– Manpreet Kaur Sachdev, LL.M, Founder of Wise Tree Inspirations
“Build Your Community”
– Renee Durepos, Founder of Be Strong Fitness
Keynote Speaker, Emily O’Brien, delivering keynote speech
PowerTalks Panelists left to right: Julia Matthews – panel moderator, Emily O’Brien, Beatriz Zanatelli, Renee Durepos, Manpreet Sachdev
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
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
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
Excited to be at the #HerHalton Women’s Day breakfast today!
In addition to celebrating #womenentrepreneurs & engaging with a diverse community of women & supporters, we also announced a new partnership with @Haltech_RIC @_The51
For full details:https://t.co/KwEdgkBxxu pic.twitter.com/XLxtl8AqN2
— Innovation Factory (@iF_hamont) March 9, 2023
Keynote Address from an inspiring women with an incredible backstory… Emily O’Brien from Come Back Snacks…at the #Herhalton Women’s Day Breakfast celebrating Women Entrepreneurs everywhere! #techplace #burlington #EmbraceEquity #comebacksnacks #neighburburlington pic.twitter.com/4BJvHceRIG
— snapd Burlington (@snapdBurlington) March 9, 2023
Kicking off #herhalton IWD Breakfast hosted by @Haltech_RIC with an amazing group of entrepreneurs and community leaders! #embraceequity2023 #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/oXQBVUHM2Q
— ACE Coworking (@acecoworking) March 9, 2023
Amazing story of Entrepreneurship from Comeback Snacks CEO Emily O’Brien. @comebacksnacks @Haltech_RIC #HerHalton #EmbraceEquity pic.twitter.com/NRQM49jQlD
— ARC: Active Results Collaborative (@ActiveResultsCo) March 9, 2023
