International Women’s Forum Canada Connects

Host Committee Members

  • Adriana Dolnyckyj DesignThinkers Group
  • Dr. Alice Aiken Dalhousie University
  • Ava Czapalay Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU)
  • Carrie Cussons Events East
  • Cathy Bennett Sandpiper Ventures
  • Dr. Christine Chambers Dalhousie University
  • Christine Hanson Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (NATO DIANA)
  • Christine Pound Stewart McKelvey
  • Marion MacKenzie Royer Thompson
  • The Honourable Myra Freeman Former Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia
  • Wendy Brookhouse Black Star Wealth
  • Wendy Luther Halifax Partnership
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International Women’s Forum Canada Connects

2025

Halifax welcomed accomplished female leaders from across Canada in June 2025 for IWF Canada Connects: Inspiration & Innovation, a three-day gathering focused on leadership, bold ideas and the people driving change across sectors and communities.

The program paired conversations about innovation and leadership with an unmistakably Atlantic Canadian sense of place. Sessions brought together leaders from business, academia, government and community organizations, while experiences beyond the conference room introduced attendees to Halifax’s history, culture and people. From an opening reception on the waterfront to behind-the-scenes excursions exploring significant cultural and historic sites, the conference gave participants opportunities to build relationships while experiencing the collaborative spirit that helps define the region. It was a gathering designed not only to share ideas, but to strengthen connections among women shaping Canada’s future.

Host Committee

The impact of this committee was substantial. IWF 2025 brought together accomplished women from across sectors and regions, creating opportunities for exchange, relationship building, and future collaboration. The local committee’s work helped position Halifax within an international leadership network and strengthened the city’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting high caliber, values aligned business events.