Mission and Vision

 

Young Women in Business is a community for emerging self-identified women leaders and professionals who want to create their own success.

As a nonprofit and volunteer-run organization our focus is accelerating and ignite the potential of our community. We believe every self-identified young woman stepping into the workforce or growing in their business should be well equipped with the proper set of tools and knowledge to reach their fullest personal and professional potential.

We provide young women and professionals with events, programs and an engaged network of ambitious women, to help them become successful in their careers, their businesses, self-reflect, take on new challenges, and develop skills.

 
 

Our Commitments

 
  • Reflect upon and put into action steps to increase diversity, inclusion and belonging within our team and community.

  • Continue to increase representation and diversity in our speakers, panelists, event attendance, and team members.

  • Work harder at crafting content and programming that support the expressed needs of our Black and Indigenous community members.

  • Start real conversations about mental health, equity, inclusion, and allyship to help our community become informed and empowered to make a difference in their own circles.

  • Partner with and give back to charities that actively work to increase opportunities for Black, Indigenous and POC communities and dismantle oppressive white supremacist systems.

  • Evaluate our language, communications, and content in an effort to ensure they are thoughtful, inclusive and do not create harm for BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities  well as folks living with disabilities. 

  • Discuss what it means, and plan ways for our future in-person and virtual events to be safer and more accessible.

We want you to hold us accountable to these commitments. We’re serious about doing better, and being better. We’ll mess up, but we’ll continue to unlearn and evolve so that everyone feels safe and welcome to be a part of our community.


“Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” - Vernā Myers

 

Meet Our Team

Charlotte Strahl

President

Emily McIlquham

VP, Sponsorship

Emily Santin

SheMentorship Program Coordinator

Brielle Pelletier

Vice President

Sara Berardi

VP, Finance

Danielle Marsala

Director of Events

Sarah Cartwright

VP, Communications

Victoria Spanton

VP, Marketing

Shannon Farrell

VP, Events

Jen Tran

VP, Operations & Strategy


Join Our Team

 

At Young Women in Business (YWiB) Toronto, we firmly believe in the potential of every young woman to become a strong, successful leader in their chosen field. By joining our diverse and vibrant team, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of business by empowering other young women. Our mission is to provide a supportive environment for you to hone your skills, engage with innovative ideas, and form meaningful connections. We take pride in our members who consistently drive change, break boundaries, and demonstrate a dedication to inspiring their peers.

We're seeking passionate, dynamic individuals who are committed to creating and promoting opportunities for the personal and professional growth of young women. You don't need a business background to join – our team is composed of women from a variety of disciplines and experiences, as we value the unique perspectives that each person brings to the table. By joining YWiB Toronto, you'll be involved in organizing workshops, mentorship programs, networking events, and more. You'll gain hands-on experience, enhance your leadership abilities, and make a tangible impact in our community. Be part of the YWiB Toronto team and step into a rewarding journey of growth, connection, and empowerment.

We are currently hiring for a variety of roles!

If you’re interested, submit your resume to charlotte.strahl@ywib.ca and tell us how -- and why -- would you like to be a part of YWiB Toronto!

 

Apply to be a Speaker, Workshop Facilitator or Feature Guest

We regularly engage Speakers, Workshop Facilitators and Guests to help our community succeed professionally and personally. Are you the right woman for the task? Apply below and find out!

10-MINUTE LIGHTING TALKS

10-MINUTE LIGHTING TALKS

45 MIN TO 1  HR WORKSHOPS

45 MIN TO 1 HR WORKSHOPS

BLOG POST / PODCAST GUEST

BLOG POST / PODCAST GUEST


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Testimonials

Let me tell you about my happy place: YWiB Toronto is my happy place where diversity and inclusion are a reality lived and not a terminology used.
— Lara El Shawa (VP, Programs & Philanthropy)
YWiB Toronto is like family I return to. Everything I do for and with YWiB stems out of a deeper level. I love being part of this wonderful group of women.
— Nicole Figueiredo (Social Media Manager)
Why do I love YWiB? Because by leading YWiB TO, I have had the privilege of serving a community of self-driven, committed, and ambitious women from all walks of life. They are the wind beneath my wings.
— Sandra Riano (President)
YWiB Toronto: A place that I realize how much growth a person can have even on a volunteer basis. A community that encourages women to openly share information and use our voice.  A community that believes every woman and young professional stepping into the workforce or growing in their career should be well equipped with the proper set of tools and knowledge to reach their fullest potential.
— Daisy Gao (Programs Manager)
I am a big believer that everyone should regularly take on a challenge, small or big, to prove to themselves that they are strong and confident. Being a volunteer for YWIB reminds me of all the great women out there that are also not afraid of challenges and big achievements in their lives. I moved to Toronto 3 months ago with one goal, to find a job that I like and am proud of. Challenge accomplished!
— Morgane Adam
I was interested in gaining experience in social media/blogging and I wanted to have my own lifestyle blog one day as a journal of my personal experiences since I love to write...but I didn’t know where to start. I used to tell my boyfriend my dreams all the time, wishing I had more time to pursue them and I think he finally got tired of me dreaming and not doing that he suggested to volunteer my time somewhere. So I was on the hunt to find an opportunity where I could gain experience and be passionate about the company or organization all at the same time. When I found YWiB on Charity Village, I loved what I was reading. It wasn’t just about a posting for social media/blogging but the organization really made me interested. Supporting women in business just seemed so positive. Sometimes we don’t support our fellow woman, we bring each other down rather than lifting each other up. I think it’s very important to come together, work together and support each other.
— Margaret Saliba
I brought YWiB to Toronto to bring together like minded women beginning their careers. Being at the start of my own career, YWiB gave me the opportunity to produce unique events and grow my network to include amazing and accomplished women in the city. As a chapter, the ability to give women an opportunity to expand their skill set and network is the reason I’m here today.”
— Olivia Kitevski (Original Co-Founder)
I was approached in 2015 to bring the YWiB vision to Toronto. As a young entrepreneur and side hustler who had just graduated from University, I was excited to build something new, bring together a community and provide resources for others like me. In University I started a magazine focused on bringing young professionals together and with that no longer in place I wanted something that would fill that void, and YWiB has done just that. I love the collaborative community that we’ve built!
— Victoria Stacey (Original Co-Founder)