Toronto’s business leaders are gathering on November 3. Will you be in the room?

On Tuesday, November 3, Women in Governance will bring together an exceptional community of senior executives, decision-makers and changemakers at the Liberty Grand for our 2026 Annual Recognition Gala.

This is much more than a celebration of progress.

It is one of those rare evenings when leaders from across industries come together in the same room, not only to recognize organizations advancing gender parity, but to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen the relationships that can move leadership and governance forward.

Nearly 100 organizations will be represented, creating a remarkable concentration of senior leadership and an unparalleled opportunity to build meaningful connections across sectors.

At a time when progress for women can no longer be taken for granted, bringing influential leaders together around this mission matters more than ever.

And today, we are delighted to reveal some of the distinguished leaders already confirmed at our head table, a glimpse of the extraordinary community that will gather with us on November 3.

More prominent names will be announced in the coming weeks: 

• Marie-Pier Bédard: Division President | Randstad Canada

• Dominic Bégin: President and Managing Director | Organon Canada

• Nigel Branker: Chief Executive Officer | Securian Canada and Co-Chair, 2026 Gala

• Caroline Codsi: Founder & Chief Equity Officer | Women in Governance

• Ghyslain Deschamps: President and Chief Executive Officer | EBC Inc.

• Christa Dickenson: President and Chief Executive Officer | Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC)

• Emily Heitman: CEO - Country President | Schneider Electric Canada

• Chad Hiley: Canadian Leader | WTW

• Britta Kroupa: Group SVP, Americas and Head of HR Adecco North America | The Adecco Group

• Michael Lewis: President | Marsh Risk Canada

• Teresa Palandra: CEO | Marsh Canada & President | Marsh People and Investments Canada and Co-Chair, 2026 Gala

• Julie Roy: Executive Director & CEO | Telefilm Canada

• Lindsay Temple: Interim CEO | HRPA

• David Veld: Board Chair | BDO Canada LLP

• Sonja Volpe: Chief Executive Officer | BNP Paribas Canada

• Riva Walia: Founding Managing Director | France Canada Chamber of Commerce (ON, MB)

• Scott Wood: President and Chief Executive Officer | Fairstone Bank of Canada

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of one of Canada’s must-attend events celebrating leadership and gender parity.

Join us. Celebrate progress. Expand your network. And be part of the conversation shaping what comes next.

Why attend our Galas?

Our Galas offer a unique opportunity for high-impact visibility and strategic connections. By taking part, you will:

✔ Build privileged, long-term relationships with key decision-makers from the business world and the public sector
✔ Access an exclusive and influential network, rarely accessible elsewhere 
✔ Strengthen your positioning and demonstrate your concrete commitment to more equitable leadership
✔ Offer your teams a high-impact experience, both inspiring and rewarding, in a refined and stimulating setting

To experience the unique atmosphere of our Galas, click on the image below to watch a short compilation of highlights from our previous editions:

We would be delighted to have you join us for this exceptional edition. 
Together, we can celebrate the progress achieved and strengthen our collective momentum toward gender parity.

To learn more about our tickets, tables or sponsorships, please contact our Senior Director, Business Development, Joëlle Kiriakos:joelle.kiriakos@womeningovernance.org

Get your brand seen beyond the Gala! 

Place your organization’s advertisement in our 2026 Toronto Gala Digital Program and showcase your brand to our guests and the broader Women in Governance community.

Your advertisement will be seen by Gala attendees on November 3 and the digital program will also be shared across our social media channels, giving your organization additional visibility among our broader community of leaders, professionals, and partners.

A great opportunity to:

✔ Showcase your organization and brand
✔ Reach an engaged audience of business and community leaders
✔ Extend your visibility beyond the Gala itself
✔ Benefit from additional exposure through Women in Governance’s social media channels

Exclusive offer for certified organizations! 
Parity certified organizations benefit from 50% off advertising in the Toronto Gala digital program. 

To reserve your advertising space, please contact our Senior Director, Business Development, Joëlle Kiriakos : joelle.kiriakos@womeningovernance.org