Imagine how your life could be enhanced with a little inspiration, a bit of pertinent information, a few tips on how to handle issues and having the opportunity to network and share stories with like-minded women!
Doreen Ashton Wagner
Founder/Executive Director, Business Sisters | Consœurs en Affaires, Alexandria, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Collaboration Over Rivalry: Building Bold Alliances in Business
A discussion about how collaboration creates resilience. Even when women collaborate across perceived competition lines, they build stronger networks and greater visibility—especially important in underrepresented industries.
Doreen Ashton Wagner is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for creating business ecosystems where collaboration trumps competition. Over the past two decades, she has founded and grown multiple ventures, each built on the belief that women succeed faster and stronger when they support each other.
Her latest initiative, Business Sisters, is a vibrant community designed to connect women entrepreneurs—especially in rural and small-town Canada—through authentic conversations, resource sharing, and collaborative opportunities. Doreen champions the concept of co-opetition, proving that even competitors can create value together without sacrificing individuality or success.
With a background in strategic business development and event planning, Doreen brings both practical experience and big-picture thinking to the table. Whether she’s mentoring a startup founder, hosting a mastermind, or leading a session like this one, she shows up with clarity, candor, and a commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
Doreen lives in eastern Ontario and believes the best conversations happen over coffee—or better yet, breakfast.
Beverly Beuermann-King
Mental Health and Resiliency Expert, R ‘n’ B Consulting Corp – Work Smart Live Smart, Little Britain, ON
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Rooted in Respect: Strategies to End Gossip and Grow Trust
We’ve all seen how fast gossip can spread—and how much damage it can do to trust and teamwork. In this down-to-earth session, we’ll talk about why gossip happens, how to stop it in its tracks, and what strong, respectful leadership looks like.
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • 7 Ways To Beat Burnout: Without Quitting Your Job
Are you feeling constantly hustling, overwhelmed, exhausted, yet unsure how to break the cycle, without sacrificing your career? Burnout doesn’t just zap your energy—it’s like carrying an ever-growing backpack of stress that weighs you down and makes every step harder. Constant pressure can lead to mental exhaustion, health challenges, and strained relationships—but dropping everything isn’t the only solution.
Workshop Speaker
Session title • Stop Letting That Difficult Person Ruin Your Day: Effectively Handle Negative and Difficult People For Better Productivity and Less Drama
Are you constantly drained by difficult individuals in your workplace? Do challenging personalities derail your day, leaving you frustrated and overwhelmed? It’s time to take action and reclaim your energy and productivity.
With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, Beverly has been guiding individuals and organizations toward mastering their reactions to stress, cultivating resilience, and achieving thriving, successful lives through her innovative S-O-S Principle™.
As the driving force behind WorkSmartLiveSmart.com since 1995, Beverly has been at the forefront of transforming teams across diverse industries, including healthcare, education, government agencies, finance, and not-for-profit sectors, from overwhelmed to resilient powerhouses. Her presentations, rooted in extensive research and drawing from her background in psychology, sociology, management, and adult education, are both enlightening and inspirational, offering audiences the precise strategies needed to improve mental health, tackle workplace challenges, and amplify overall life satisfaction.
Beverly’s influence extends far beyond her captivating speaking engagements. She is a prolific author, esteemed podcaster, and a sought-after media and brand spokesperson, gracing over 500 television and radio shows. Recognized as one of the esteemed Certified Speaking Professionals, a distinction held by less than 70 Canadians, she has also made history as the inaugural Certified Virtual Presenter through eSpeakers and Power Women WorldWide. And currently, Beverly is the National President of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. Prepare to be captivated as Beverly empowers you to conquer stress, cultivate resilience, and unlock the secrets to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Ashleigh Brownlie
National Account Manager, Bunge, Oakville, ON
Leader Panel Speaker
Panel Discussion • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture
AI is no longer just for the field — it’s revolutionizing the business behind agriculture. From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, financial planning, customer insights, and product development, agri-businesses are using AI to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global market.
As a dynamic National Account Manager, I specialize in forging strategic partnerships and driving substantial growth within the vital agricultural sector. My expertise lies in understanding the intricate market dynamics, operational complexities, and diverse needs of agri-businesses, allowing me to cultivate robust relationships that deliver mutual success. I am deeply committed to identifying and implementing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen market positioning for my partners.
My approach is built on a foundation of keen business insight and a proactive mindset, consistently seeking opportunities to streamline supply chains, improve distribution networks, and leverage customer insights for competitive advantage. I excel at translating complex challenges into actionable strategies, ensuring that our collaborations not only meet but exceed business objectives.
Beyond my core responsibilities, I am a passionate advocate for strong leadership and continuous development, particularly for women navigating critical industries like agriculture. I believe in empowering individuals to lead with vision, foster innovation, and effectively navigate an ever-evolving global landscape. My mission is to drive tangible impact and positive change through strategic collaboration and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson
Mayor, Township of Lucan Biddulph, Lucan, ON
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Why Me? Why Not Me? Why Not YOU!
I never set out to enter politics. This wasn’t a path I planned. It has been a path full of challenges and opportunity. It’s a path I will be forever grateful I took! I want to share my story to encourage others – especially women, who may feel politics is “not for them” – to consider taking a step on the path I took. I want to reinforce that your voice matters more than you think, and sometimes, the best leaders are the ones who never expected to lead.
Raised in a family where service to your community was an expectation, Burghardt-Jesson has spent a lifetime living up to those values and giving back to the people around her.
First elected to municipal council in 2010 as the Deputy Mayor of Lucan Biddulph, Cathy Burghardt-Jesson has passionately served the residents of her community for well over a decade. Since 2014, Burghardt-Jesson has served as Mayor of Lucan Biddulph, and between the years of 2014 and 2023, she fought to further the well-being of families in rural Ontario as a Councillor and the Warden of Middlesex County. She now continues her service to Middlesex County as Deputy Warden.
Megan Burnside-Poitras
Interim Senior Strategic Communications Advisor, AgWO, Agriculture Wellness Ontario, Toronto, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Navigating Stress in Agriculture
Focusing on stress management, this workshop addresses the unique pressures farmers face, offering techniques to recognize, manage, and mitigate stress. It introduces practical tools for day-to-day mental resilience, guiding participants to navigate stress effectively while fostering a proactive approach to wellness.
Patricia Catallo
WE Banker, TD Business Bank, Saint-Catherines, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Growing your small business
Hear from bankers who interact with business owners daily top 5 best practices and a deep dive into what your banker is looking for when you are borrowing.
Patricia Catallo has been with TD Bank for 15 years, with the last 7 years in Small Business and Agricultural Banking. She is passionate about specifically helping female business owners. She is local to St. Catharines and supports the Niagara Region.
Karla Congson
CEO, Agentiiv, Toronto, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • AI, Agents and reinventing the future of work
This hands-on session demystifies AI, raises awareness of the critical developments related to this transformational technology and equips participants with actionable tools for both business and life. It’s not about theory—it’s about unlocking your ability to engage, delegate, and innovate with the help of AI.
Leader Panel Speaker
Panel Discussion • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture
AI is no longer just for the field — it’s revolutionizing the business behind agriculture. From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, financial planning, customer insights, and product development, agri-businesses are using AI to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global market.
Karla Congson is a highly influential Canadian business leader, recognized for her extensive expertise in innovation, marketing, and AI. As CEO and CTO of Agentiiv, she spearheads advancements in artificial intelligence for mid-market and enterprise organizations. With over 25 years of experience, Karla has held significant leadership roles as a corporate executive and repeat founder. She is celebrated as one of Canada’s Top 50 Women Over 50 by The CEO Magazine, advocating for the invaluable wisdom of experienced professionals. Her journey reflects a blend of strategic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to leveraging technology for impactful change.
Dr. Gail Cunningham
Mother, FarmHer, Veterinarian, Entrepreneur, Menopause Coach, Touch of Humanity Inc., Kelsey, AB
Workshop One
Workshop title • Don’t Sweat it! – Navigating Your OWN Journey Through Menopause
Living in Perimenopause/menopause is a bit like waking up to see what weird and unexplained thing will happen with your body today. Tired of aches, pains and hot flashes, I dug into the new world of Menopause. I will share my journey including symptoms, how to have meaningful conversations with your physician about treatment options and daily strategies to feel your best. There is no one size fits all!
Workshop Two
Workshop title • “Can I See Your Patch?” – REAL talk on Perimenopause and menopause treatment/support options and preparing for the discussion with your healthcare professional.
In order to navigate their peri/menopause journey, women need the KNOWLEDGE of what is available to them. We will look at current guidelines, treatment/support options and how to prepare for the conversation with your healthcare provider to get the support you need and DESERVE.
Dr. Gail Cunningham was raised on a mixed farm near Camrose, Alberta, obtained a B.Sc. in Animal Science from the University of Alberta in 1992 and a DVM from WCVM in 1996. She worked in mixed animal practice, primarily in beef and dairy production medicine, until completing a Master of
Veterinary Science degree in Epidemiology in 2001 at WCVM. She and her husband also own and operate a fourth generation 2000-acre grain farm and have two daughters, aged 21 and 20.
In addition to doing mixed animal locum work, she launched her own company, “Touch of Humanity Inc’., aimed at doing projects that bring the importance of the human touch back to agriculture and agribusiness. She believes women play a key role in striking the balance between technology and humanity in the agriculture industry.
She also started her Resilient Roots menopause coaching business which was born during her own journey in perimenopause. The conversation around menopause has exploded in recent years. However, women need tools to distill the information into tools that they can USE to be effective in their own lives. There is also still a gap in adequate women’s health specific care which is wider in rural areas, requiring women to advocate for themselves but often lacking the information to do so. This is the gap she is passionate about trying to fill. To give women the information they need to advocate for their own care and health and empower them to fell their best on their own journey.
Nicole Davis
Strategic HR Consultant, UnCommon Farms, Calgary, AB
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Voice · Value · Credibility: Leading from Any Seat in Agriculture
Leadership resilience isn’t about stamina—it’s about strategy. When you lead with an authentic voice and a clear understanding of your value—whether on the farm or within agribusiness—you earn trust, shape outcomes, and create change.
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Navigating Working Life As Spouses
Running a farm with your spouse blurs home and work. This session offers practical HR tools to align on purpose and roles, reduce conflict, and protect both the relationship and the business.
Nicole is a strategic HR leader and executive coach who helps North American organizations align business goals with employment best practices—and translate strategy into everyday decisions. With experience across the U.S. and Canada and in multinational environments, Nicole partners with leaders in agribusiness and adjacent sectors to design people practices that improve performance, reduce risk, and strengthen culture. Drawing on deep knowledge of U.S. and Canadian labour/employment legislation and the case law that shapes operations, Nicole is known for plain-language guidance, practical judgment, and a steady coaching style that builds credibility, voice, and value at every level. What Nicole loves most is helping leaders communicate with confidence, make clean decisions, and equip their teams to deliver. If your organization is tackling culture, compliance, or change, Nicole thrives in the messy middle—where strategy meets real work.
Julie Dimitri
National Manager, Women in Enterprise, TD Business Banking, Toronto, ON
Leader Panel Speaker
Panel Discussion • Building Teams and Cultures that Stick
In a fast-moving world, company culture isn’t built by chance it is crafted with intention. The panel will explore how executives and owners can shape resilient and productive teams where employees feel seen, supported and motivated. How to build a company culture where people want to be part of it, for the long run. What it takes to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and no one gets left behind.
Julie Dimitri holds 20+ years of professional experience. She moved from Montreal to Toronto to open the Ontario operations of the business she had started with two partners in Quebec. Julie’s professional experience spams from business development, leading sales teams, and startup operations. Passionate about professional development, she founded a women’s networking group in her first few years in her new city to grow her network and enable like-minded professional women to grow there’s. Twelve years of her experience has been in sales, offering human resources and talent management services to small to mid-size organizations. Since joining the financial industry, she has been instrumental in empowering sales force to elevate their overall practices, and continues to be known for her coaching skills and drive for results.
Julie lives in mid-town Toronto with her two teenage girls, husband and cat. Passionate about performance, she stays active by boxing and going out for weekly trail runs.
Celestine Djane
Procurement Specialist, Bunge, Accra, Ghana
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Bridging Tradition and Innovation: How Women Are Shaping the Future of Agriculture in Ghana
This presentation explores how Ghanaian women in agriculture are creatively blending traditional knowledge with modern innovations to lead transformative change across farming, processing, and entrepreneurship. It also highlights how mental health resilience plays a vital role in enabling these women to adapt, lead, and thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.
Celestine’s presentation portion will highlight the pivotal role of Ghanaian women in shaping the future of agriculture, driving both economic growth and sustainable practices. We’ll delve into their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience strategies, and contributions to innovative agricultural solutions.
Reverend Celestine Djane is uniquely positioned to address the “Bridging Tradition and Innovation: How Women are Shaping the Future of Agriculture in Ghana” topic.
She brings nearly two decades of practical experience in procurement and supply chain management within the agriculture, financial and media services sectors. This makes her an authority on optimizing processes and empowering communities within this vital industry.
Rev. Djane’s expertise is underscored by her credentials as a fully Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS UK) and the youngest Astute Fellow of the Ghana Institute of Procurement & Supply (GIPS Ghana).
Her academic foundation includes a Master’s in Supply Chain Management, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Laws. She also holds certifications in leadership and strategic management, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rev. Djane is deeply committed to women’s empowerment. She serves as an Executive Board Member of GIPS, Board Chair for the Empowered Girl Project (which continues to mentor over 500 girls in leadership and entrepreneurship)
She is Founding President of The Pan Africa Women in Procurement and Supply Network, and Founder of Legacy Leadership Africa Institute and a Published Author.
Through her work with the Empowered Girl Project, Rev. Djane directly impacts the lives of African women and girls, fostering leadership skills and economic independence. These principles are directly applicable to the conference theme, highlighting the importance of empowering women in agriculture.
Rev. Djane’s unique blend of spiritual leadership, supply chain acumen, and passion for women’s advancement provides a compelling perspective on how Ghanaian women are leveraging both traditional wisdom and innovative strategies to revolutionize agriculture. She will offer practical insights, inspirational stories, and actionable takeaways that conference attendees can immediately implement to support women in agriculture and drive sustainable change, connecting her global supply chain insights to local Ghanaian realities.
For speaking engagements, mentorship, or collaborations aimed at empowering women in agriculture, optimizing supply chains in developing regions, or fostering leadership development, please contact Reverend Celestine Djane at celestine.djane@bunge.com or +233243479704
Nelly Elinam Kurd-Marckay
Quality and Food Safety Manager, Bunge – West Africa, Greater Accra, Ghana
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Bridging Tradition and Innovation: How Women Are Shaping the Future of Agriculture in Ghana
This presentation explores how Ghanaian women in agriculture are creatively blending traditional knowledge with modern innovations to lead transformative change across farming, processing, and entrepreneurship. It also highlights how mental health resilience plays a vital role in enabling these women to adapt, lead, and thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.
Nelly Elinam Kurd-Marckay is a seasoned quality professional with over a decade of experience in the food manufacturing industry. At Bunge, she oversees quality and food safety operations across West Africa, ensuring compliance with global standards, implementing robust quality systems and driving continuous improvement. Her expertise spans food safety, quality control and assurance, audits, and risk management-all rooted in her ability to thrive in dynamic, multicultural environments.
Beyond her professional role, Nelly is the President of Women of Bunge – West Africa, where she leads initiatives that promote professional networking, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment within the organization. Deeply passioate about mentorship, she is committed to creating platforms that enable women to thrive in both corporate leadership and enterpreneurial ventures. Her commitment to fostering a supportive environment is evident through her participation in certification and sustainability projects, including achieving GMP+,Halal, Kosher, and International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) for her organization.
An ambitious entrepreneur, Nelly is the founder of NyCa Pro Beauty, an ethical beauty brand that supports shea cooperatives in Northern Ghana through fair trade and sustainable practices. She has also contributed as a consultant, helping companies like Pure and Just Foods and Jenz Consulting Limited achieve critical ISO Certifications.
Nelly holds an MSc in Food Quality Management and a BSc in Biological Sciences from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, along with Multiple Diplomas in Business and Finance. Fluent in English and a beginner in French, she is a versatile communicator whose passion for quality and empowerment makes her a remarkable leader and an inspiration across the global agricultural and food industry.
Jordan Eyamie
Farm Manager, Webster Farms Limited, a division of AVFN, Kentville, NS
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Finding Confidence and Building confidence in Others: Life lessons managing a strawberry farm
This talk will highlight my experiences in regard to learning to manage a medium-scale farming operation and the lessons that I have learned along the way.
I grew-up on a strawberry farm in Carleton Place, Ontario, run by my mother. Growing up on a strawberry farm, and eventually running the farm with my mother for two summers, I developed a passion for farming. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and subsequently completing a Master degree, at the university of Guelph, I ended-up on a 400 acre mixed-crop farm in Nova Scotia. The farm was previously owned by the Webster brothers, but was sold the First Nation community, Annapolis Valley First Nation. The farm employs 12 local workers and 46 foreign workers and together we grow rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries, dry beans, and fall rye. Before I was fully managing the farm, I had to navigate being sexually assaulted by one of the employees. Through this negative experience, I hope to highlight the red flags leading up to the assault, steps that followed, and strategies I continue to use to navigate assault and harassment in the workplace. Since the assault, I started managing the farm. It has been a steep learning curve. Not just with growing the crops, but also learning how to manage people. I am learning more and more with every year how to make things more efficient and how to create a more positive working environment for everyone.
Dianne Finstad
Moderator/Program Host, Red Deer County, AB
Master of Ceremonies
Dianne Finstad used her ranch roots to build what’s become a long communications career in television, radio and writing, specializing in agriculture and rodeo coverage. She’s based in the Red Deer area. Along with MC’ing events and conferences, Dianne also does some announcing at places like the Ponoka and Calgary Stampede’s, as well as reporting from the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Always, she delights in interviewing people and sharing their stories. Dianne enjoys activities like golf and skiing, keeping the faith at church, and is proud to have been a part of Advancing Women in Agriculture since almost right from its start!
Nafisa Mahabub
Program and Operations Lead, FEAD, Saskatoon, SK
Panel Speaker
Panel topic • Building Teams and Cultures that Stick
The panel will explore how executives and owners can shape resilient and productive teams.
Workshop Speaker
Panel topic • Zoom Out and Build Your Dream Life
This session will give you space to step back from day-to-day business and envision the life you truly want – personally, professionally, and financially – then map out actionable steps to get there. Through grounding exercises and guided journaling, you’ll leave with a focused plan and renewed clarity for the next 1, 5, 10 years!
Nafisa Mahabub is a champion for small to medium-sized businesses, specializing in business development, investment readiness, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurship. She currently serves as Programs and Operations Lead at FEAD, where she has helped grow the organization’s network from 200 to 2,300 members. Nafisa manages memberships, analytics, and strategic partnerships while spearheading initiatives like the Table Talk Conferences in collaboration with the Advancing Women Conference, fostering connections for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector. Her work has been featured in Douglas Magazine, highlighting FEAD’s role in empowering women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs.
A certified Investor Ready Trainer, Nafisa has facilitated most of FEAD’s accelerators, investment-ready cohorts, and webinars, mentoring over 100 women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, secure funding, and unlock their full growth potential. She has worked closely with entrepreneurs such as Vegain, Atome Bakery, and Wildfolks to support their investment journeys and raise capital, and has served as a judge for pitch competitions, providing guidance on investor readiness and market positioning.
Nafisa is also the Co-Founder and Director of Business Operations at Step 2 Marketing, a regional apparel and automotive lifestyle brand, where she leads growth programs, financial planning, and cross-border logistics while building strategic partnerships and strengthening client relationships. She thrives on working directly with businesses to refine growth strategies, enhance market positioning, and unlock new opportunities. Through speaking engagements and blogs, she shares insights that help women overcome funding barriers and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
Azrah Manji-Savin
Co-Founder, Syzl, Toronto, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • No Dumb Questions: A Beginner’s Guide to AI for Business Owners
Get a clear, jargon-free explanation of today’s AI landscape and what technologies like ChatGPT, copilots, and business agents actually mean for food and agriculture entrepreneurs. You’ll learn practical use cases where AI adds real value, from planning to sales, while also developing the skills to evaluate AI tools responsibly, protect your data, and adopt this technology with confidence.
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • From spark to startup: Turning your ideas into a thriving business
Starting a business doesn’t have to be overwhelming – every successful company begins with a simple idea and a clear next step. In this workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and walk away with tools to transform your vision into a business that works for you.
Leader Panel Speaker
Panel Discussion • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture
AI is no longer just for the field — it’s revolutionizing the business behind agriculture. From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, financial planning, customer insights, and product development, agri-businesses are using AI to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global market.
Azrah Manji-Savin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Syzl, a technology company rethinking how food entrepreneurs and small businesses grow. Syzl combines a marketplace for flexible access to resources with an AI business copilot that replaces static business plans with dynamic, real-time guidance. This AI, known for its ability to model, adapt, and execute alongside founders, empowers entrepreneurs to scale faster and make better decisions.
Beyond building Syzl, Azrah is a speaker and thought leader on the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.
She works closely with founders and small business owners, helping them sharpen their sales strategies, pitching skills, and AI adoption, drawing from her experience scaling both startups and enterprise ventures.
Her leadership has earned wide recognition. Azra won the Collision Pitch competition aginst 1400 other founders, and in 2025 Azrah was named one of The Globe and Mail’s Top 25 Changemakers for her impact across Canada’s food and tech industries.
Azrah’s career includes roles at WeWork, LinkedIn and Warner Music Group. Prior to launching Syzl shew was the Vice President of Innovation at Durum Capital. She holds a Master’s in Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA from the University of Toronto. Passionate about innovation, accessibility, and the transformative power of technology, Azrah continues to drive solutions that help entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses.
Domenique Mastronardi
President, Beck’s Broth, Guelph, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Zoom Out and Build Your Dream Life
This session will give you space to step back from day-to-day business and envision the life you truly want – personally, professionally, and financially – then map out actionable steps to get there. Through grounding exercises and guided journaling, you’ll leave with a focused plan and renewed clarity for the next 1, 5, 10 years!
Domenique is the President and co-founder of Beck’s Broth, a fast-rising brands in the wellness beverage space. Beck’s Broth has reinvented your favourite everyday comfort beverages, like coffee and hot chocolate, with the infusion of grass-fed bone broth, delivering 15g of protein in every cup.
Domenique’s leadership is grounded in science and sustainability. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Applied Science in Food and Sustainability Engineering from the University of Guelph, where she earned the Winegard Medal, the university’s highest undergraduate honor. Her work advancing sustainable food systems has also been recognized with the Arrell Food Institute OMAFRA HQP Scholarship and the OMAFRA Youth Excellence Award in 2024.
Since launching Beck’s Broth in 2023, Domenique has raised more than $750,000 through grants and loans, scaled the brand profi tably to a $5 million valuation (you read that right!), and built a team of four full-time employees who embody a culture of collaboration and creativity. Thousands of customers across North America now enjoy Beck’s Broth, with many superfans spending over $1,000 lifetime. Yet beyond revenue, she is proudest of building a company culture centered on young women leaders and empowering them to thrive and redefine what leadership in food and wellness can look like.
Outside her company, Domenique has hosted 50+ webinars supporting entrepreneurs—especially women in STEM and food innovation—while sharing candid behind-the-scenes insights on LinkedIn. By openly showing the wins, challenges, and chaos of building a company, she encourages other founders to lead with authenticity and transparency.
Anne Miner
The Dunvegan Group/Founder of Women with GRIT, Woodstock, ON
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • GRIT: What is it? Why do we need it? Who has it? How to get it?
GRIT is a term rarely applied to women and yet without it, little can be accomplished. Angela Duckworth defines GRIT as ‘passion and perseverance in pursuit of a long-term goal(s); GRIT is not a trait, it is not something you are born with, it is a skill that can be learned and applied. Learn about GRIT and how it can support your success in pursuit of long-term goals.
Anne Miner is an International Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Business Owner. She’s a confident leader. A creative genius. And a cool and collected woman of style and charisma. Her proven ability to bring calm to chaos, success to failures, and solutions to problems weave together seamlessly to define her executive charm.
As an author and sought-after speaker, Anne’s written and spoken word encom¬passes her soothing and positive personality and youthful wit, revealing an infectious brand of go-getter wisdom for achieving personal success. She has successfully empowered many “to go over, under, around, or through the obstacles on any path… and to be courageous in pursuing their dreams.”
Anne is the President and Founder of The Dunvegan Group, Ltd. a company specializing in business retention; she is an Executive Coach and Mentor as well as teaching Leadership in the Business School at Conestoga College.
Among Anne’s awards are the Alumni Medal of Achievement from the University of Guelph and the Luminary Award from the International Women’s Forum of Canada.
Anne is Past President of Oxford Women in Networking (OWIN) and Past President of the Toronto Chapter of the International Women’s Forum Canada.
Mariah Moen
Director of Agriculture – Uniking Canada, Saskatoon, SK
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • How to Succeed in Male Dominated Spaces
Mariah will share her experiences and perspectives on empowering women to advocate for themselves in agriculture, from sales and business to everyday life.
Mariah Moen was raised on a fifth-generation family farm and ranch in Elrose, Saskatchewan, where she developed a lifelong passion for agriculture. As one of two daughters carrying on the family legacy, she worked full-time alongside her father and grandfather, gaining hands-on experience in both cattle and grain production—an industry she remains actively involved in today through beef production.
Her education in Agribusiness and Kinesiology from the University of Saskatchewan laid the foundation for a dynamic career spanning multiple sectors of agriculture, including agronomy, crop inputs, grain equipment, and industrial sales. As the Director of Agriculture for Uniking Canada, Mariah continues to drive innovation and growth in the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an active member of the rodeo community and a dedicated fitness enthusiast. Passionate about mentorship and leadership, Mariah is committed to empowering women in agriculture and other traditionally male-dominated industries, equipping them with the tools and confidence to advocate for themselves and excel in their careers.
Sydney Mohr
Digital Communications & Events Specialist, FoodGrads, Waterloo, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Level Up Your Connections: Tips to Networking
“Level Up Your Connections: Tips to Networking” explores why networking is essential for career growth and how to build meaningful professional relationships. This session covers practical strategies, digital tools like LinkedIn, and exercises to help you confidently connect and thrive in your industry.
Sydney Mohr works as the Marketing Communications & PR Specialist for FoodGrads. She graduated from the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Conestoga College in 2023. Sydney is passionate about creating meaningful connections through digital media and event management. Her dedication to fostering growth within the agricultural and food industries drives her to continually innovate and inspire others in the field.
Ashley Nicholls
Founder, DiSC Facilitator, REACH Agriculture Strategies, Foothills, AB
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • “Not That Gate, The Other Gate!” – Adapting Communication To Different Personality Styles in Agriculture
This sessions explores how personality styles influence the way we give, receive, and interpret instructions – especially in fast-paced or high-pressure settings. This session will help you recognize communication blind spots and build tools to connect more clearly and effectively with every member of your team.
I am originally from a small farming community in NSW, Australia and now reside in Foothills County. What started as a 3-month summer adventure to live out my cowboy dream turned into 14 years, a wife, a pony named Pineapple and multiple passports. I was not raised in an Ag family, but I was lucky enough to be around, and work with, several mixed farming operations.
I am a passionate advocate for Canadian Agriculture, driven by a deep appreciation for the vital role it plays in our environment and society. My company, REACH Agriculture Strategies, works to cultivate resilient workplace cultures, improve staff retention, and enhance hiring practices. With a progressive approach to leadership and a focus on effective communication, we take our customized programs to help producers get boots on the ground and keep them there.
Michele O’Sullivan
Owner/Operator, Hutchinson Maple Syrup, Oro-Medonte, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • My Journey into the Agricultural Sector
My presentation will take you through our start up into the agricultural sector of making maple syrup and now growing Christmas Trees. How my passion for maple syrup had us grow from producing maple syrup as a hobby to now running it as a business.
I am a Wills & Estates Law Clerk by day and a maple syrup producer by all other hours of the day. Our maple syrup farm, Hutchinson Maple Syrup, is family owned and operated by myself, my husband, Doug, and my father-in-law, Orval. When my husband and I bought our property in 2011 there was a small sugarshack located on the property and it was not long before the evaporator was fired up to produce sweet maple syrup. What started as a hobby of 300 taps flowing into buckets has now grown to over 1600 taps flowing through a high vacuum system right into our new Sugarshack. We have also been growing Christmas Trees since 2020, and expect to be open for “Cut Your Own” within the next 2 years. This is what we call our “retirement plan”.
Rebecca Posthumus
In the Know Program Coordinator, Agriculture Wellness Ontario, Toronto, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Navigating Stress in Agriculture
Focusing on stress management, this workshop addresses the unique pressures farmers face, offering techniques to recognize, manage, and mitigate stress. It introduces practical tools for day-to-day mental resilience, guiding participants to navigate stress effectively while fostering a proactive approach to wellness.
Rebecca is the Program Coordinator for In the Know with Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO) at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Ontario Division. She holds a B.A. Sc. in Child, Youth and Family Development from the University of Guelph, along with diplomas in Developmental Service Work and Social Service Work from Loyalist College.
Rebecca grew up immersed in the agriculture industry, her family owns and operates JP Dairy Systems-selling, serving and installing dairy equipment. A proud 4-H alum and current volunteer in Hastings County, she brings a strong rural lens to her work and a deep understanding of the pressures faced by farming families and communities.
Before joining CMHA Ontario, Rebecca worked in front-line human services, gaining firsthand experience supporting individuals navigating complex challenges. She’s passionate about bridging the gap between mental health literacy and the unique realities of rural life. Her work focuses on supporting the agriculture community through real conversations, relevant tools, and connections that last.
Outside of work, Rebecca can often be found with Maisey (her dog, loyal life coach, and unofficial co-worker), snuggled in with a good book or getting her hands dirty in her gardens.
Kristin J. Pronschinske
CEO, Owner & Founder, LookUp, LLC, River Falls, WI
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • The Multigenerational Advantage: Communicate, Collaborate, and Lead with Impact
This presentation explores how high-performing leaders harness generational diversity to drive innovation, engagement, and results. Through strategic communication and inclusive leadership practices, I will talk about how to unlock the full potential of multigenerational teams.
Kristin Pronschinske grew up on a dairy farm in Western Wisconsin, where she was deeply involved in the family business. Starting at eight years old, she participated in dairy show rings, showcasing her Holsteins and judging competitions for 4-H and FFA. Kristin attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications with an Agricultural Emphasis, a Master of Science in Agricultural Education with an Extension option, and an MBA. She also earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, specializing in Training and Staff Development, from Colorado State University, where she was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar. Additionally, Kristin holds an International Advanced Leadership certification from the Stockholm School of Economics Executive Education, an International Keynote speaker, and a certified facilitator.
With a passion for people, training, coaching, and strategic business growth, Kristin has spent 20+ years in sales, developing new markets and managing sales teams. She has successfully executed corporate strategies and led international business initiatives, along with coaching and training sales teams and leaders across North America.
Driven by her strong commitment to talent development, Kristin founded LookUp, LLC where she is the CEO and Founder. The firm focuses on executive coaching and consulting, sales training and implementation, leadership development and communication strategies. Kristin also works with clients on professional development coaching.
Residing in River Falls, WI, Kristin is actively engaged in her community. She serves as the Executive Chair for the UW – River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Alumni Board, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Basics for Local Kids and coached the UW – River Falls collegiate sales team. In her free time, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, skiing, snowshoeing, motorcycling, golfing, and staying active with her dairy genetics business.
Rachita Rachita
Account Manager Small Business, TD Business Bank, Stoney Creek, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Growing your small business
Hear from bankers who interact with business owners daily top 5 best practices and a deep dive into what your banker is looking for when you are borrowing.
Rachita is a Small Business Account Manager with an MBA in Finance. She is currently preparing for her CFA Level 1 exam and is passionate about continuous learning, both professionally and personally. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and exploring new ideas. Rachita strongly believes in building long-term, meaningful relationships with her clients, helping them succeed and grow with trusted financial guidance.
Rose Ray
Financial Advisor, Co-operators, Coldwater, ON
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Harvesting Financial Success: Strategies for Farm & Financial Stability
Comprehensive and strategic strategies a farm takes to maximize profitability, manage risks, and ensure long-term viability. Creating a positive environment for transfer of the farm to the next generation.
I am the owner of the Co-operators agency located in Coldwater Ontario; I have over 20yrs in the financial services and insurance sector. I have had the blessing to work with many different types of families and businesses; none are the same. My career has allowed me to give back to my community and assist others. I am currently in the process of obtaining my CLU designation.
My favourite place is at our family cottage located in Haliburton Ontario, being in nature is very important to me. I have a love of animals and currently have 2 dogs (Riga and Leo) and 2 cats (Ginger and Smokey). I do not have children; however, I am blessed to be an Auntie and a Great Auntie to many nieces and nephews (12). I enjoy time with my family and friends; however, I love watching the sun rise/sun set at our cabin with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the evening; simple moments in life I find the most valuable.
Kim (Derrick) Rozdeba
Author, Rozdeba Brand & Company, Calgary, Alberta
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Branding Queens: The Five C’s of Building a Brand
This presentation delves into the branding successes of five visionary branding queens, showcasing how they built their legacies through the Five C’s: Commitment, Construct, Community, Content, and Consistency. It offers actionable insights and tools to create a brand that resonates with customers.
Kim Derrick Rozdeba is a distinguished branding expert with over thirty years of experience elevating Fortune 500 companies to global prominence. A visionary in the field, Kim has contributed to the success of some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Shell, Bayer, Toyota, and major Canadian corporations such as Telus, Petro-Canada, Canadian Airlines, and Moxie’s Restaurants.
Kim’s expertise spans various disciplines, including advertising, marketing, PR, social media, digital, and corporate communications—all vital tools he integrates to foster brand success across multiple industries. His engaging insights are featured globally, appearing on over 30 podcasts, where he captivates audiences with his profound branding wisdom.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Kim masterfully intertwines his roles as author, mentor, and adventurer, delivering impactful branding strategies that inspire and empower businesses to build formidable brands. His adventurous spirit has led him to exciting experiences, from exploring Europe on a $10-a-day budget as a teenager to leading Fortune 500 companies. Alongside these feats, Kim has carried the Olympic torch and indulges in culinary and wine pursuits. Additionally, he is an avid snowboarder, blogger, and committed mentor to young professionals. Kim’s first book, Branding Queens: Discover Branding Secrets from Twenty Incredible Women Who Built Global Brand Dynasties, received widespread acclaim for introducing the Five C’s of branding. His latest work, LOYALNOMICS™: The Power of Branding, delves deep into the transformative impact of brand loyalty through the Five C’s.
Carole Spicer
Founder and Owner, Spicer Facilitation, Pasadena, Newfoundland and Labrador
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Rooted in Resilience: A Journey of Grit, Growth, and Mental Wellness
In this powerful and personal talk, Carole shares her journey to mental wellness, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that shaped her path. She explores the characteristics of grit and offers practical strategies for building resilience, inspiring others to lead with strength, authenticity, and self-awareness.
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Excellence in Customer Service: Building a Client-Centered Approach
This workshop explores the core principles of client-centered service, its key characteristics, and how to cultivate a service culture rooted in dignity, fairness, and respect. Whether you’re in frontline service, management, or support roles, this workshop will equip you with the tools to elevate your service delivery and strengthen client satisfaction.
A seasoned professional specializing in facilitation and training services, Carole R. Spicer brings extensive experience across private, public, and community sectors. Carole has honed her expertise in creating dynamic and engaging learning environments.
As a certified master trainer, she excels in tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of her clients at Spicer Facilitation, empowering individuals, governments, and organizations to achieve their goals collaboratively.
A natural storyteller, Carole draws upon her experiences to connect and build relationships, passionately supporting her family, heritage, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Residing in Pasadena, Newfoundland and Labrador with her husband Tim, and their cats Patches and Pepper, she serves as Chairperson of the Pasadena Heritage Society – NL Inc. and Secretary of the Pasadena Public Library Board. In her free time, Carole enjoys snowshoeing, reading, swimming, and researching her family tree. With a commitment to continuous growth and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Carole R. Spicer leads Spicer Facilitation in facilitating success and fostering meaningful connections in all aspects of life.
Courtney Stevens
Owner & Chief Creative Officer, Wilmot Orchards, Newcastle, ON
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • You’re outstanding in your field but you don’t have to be out there by yourself
You’re amazing at what you do, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be sharing from my experience how building the right support into your business, you’ll be able to focus on your zone of genius.
Born and raised in Newcastle, Courtney is currently a co-owner of Wilmot Orchards along with her two business partners. Today the farm is comprised of approximately 150 acres of orchard and 35 acres of Pick-Your-Own blueberries.
Courtney attended the University of Guelph receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010 and, in 2012 received a diploma in Photography from Fanshawe College. As the CCO, Courtney is responsible for the marketing of the blueberries, hiring and training of the staff, customer service, social media, product development, branding and organizing events. Courtney has been involved in many activities and has been the recipient of many awards:
- Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association Board of Directors
- First and youngest female President of The Lions Club of Bowmanville 2016 – 2018
- Judge Brian Stevenson Award – Lions Clubs International
- Presidents’ Award
- Coaching Certificate – Khan Method Coaching
Lindsay Toth
Membership and Marketing, FEAD Canada, Saskatoon, SK
Leader Panel Speaker
Panel Discussion • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture
AI is no longer just for the field — it’s revolutionizing the business behind agriculture. From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, financial planning, customer insights, and product development, agri-businesses are using AI to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global market.
Lindsay Toth is a marketer and designer with a strong focus on Canada’s food and beverage industry. She has worked with brands across the sector, including Great Western Brewing, where she led the rebrand of Original 16 beer. Her packaging and environmental designs are now featured in retailers and arenas throughout Canada.
Lindsay also worked with Three Farmers Foods, Canada’s largest manufacturer of pulse-based snacks, where she provided rebrand and marketing support. She developed and executed a social media strategy that showcased their new 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
Since November 2023, Lindsay has led FEAD’s Membership and Marketing initiatives. She hosts The Friends of FEADies Podcast, highlighting women entrepreneurs in food, beverage, and agriculture. In addition, she has been a recurring guest speaker at FEAD’s Table Talk Conferences over the past two years, sharing insights on branding, design, and marketing strategy. Her work combines creativity, strategy, and storytelling to amplify the voices of food founders and support their growth in a competitive marketplace.
Lauren Van Ewyk
CEO, RSW, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, Courtright, ON
Plenary Speaker
Presentation title • Blending the Demands: Finding Balance between Work and Life
There is a constant demand to be there for everyone else who need. Setting boundaries, communication and practicing self-care ensure you are able to blend the most critical aspects into the life you desire.
Sunday Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Boots on the Ground: Helping at the Next Level
What does helping someone really look like? This workshop is intended to give you the skills needed to have those tough conversations about mental health through an actions-based approach. Using case study, role-play and life application participants will tackle the barriers to mental wellness and find ways to support others who may be struggling.
Workshop Speaker
Workshop title • Trauma: Helping Others Transform the Hard Things in Life
Over 70% of women have experienced trauma at some point in their life. Trauma that is not transformed is trauma transferred. Join Lauren as we learn about trauma and how we can thrive despite it!
Lauren Van Ewyk is a sheep farmer, registered social worker, foster mom and agricultural mental health advocate. She has appeared in numerous radio, television and print articles concerning the issues of mental wellness and mental health in the agriculture sector. She is a PhD student at the University of Guelph in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD). As a founding member and CEO of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, Lauren is committed to partnering with professionals to become culturally informed in their care for rural members.