Martina Kelades is a professional storyteller, mental health and wellness speaker, and actor whose work bridges performance and purpose. As the founder of Life Out Loud—Mental Health Consulting & Creatives, she empowers individuals and organizations to foster cultures of care, connection, and change through story-driven training, creative approaches to mental wellness, and meaningful conversations that inspire personal and collective growth. Martina creates space for honest dialogue around mental recovery, rest and resilience — especially for those who feel unseen or overextended.

Becky Davison is the Vice President of Marketing at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and was named the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada’s Staff Person of the Year in 2018. With 20 years of experience in event management, real estate, and publishing, she leads a team that delivers 100+ events annually and supports nearly 2,000 members. Becky holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s University, a PMP certification, and recently earned her Certified Chamber Executive designation. A passionate advocate for small businesses, she’s also an Ironman finisher and nine-time marathoner, living in Dartmouth with her husband and rescue dog.

Ann-Marie Flinn is the energy and heart behind Champion Change Agency, where she’s all about helping people unleash their inner champion and lead with confidence. With over 35 years’ experience—including facilitating and training leaders at a Fortune 100 company, building her own business, and ranking 3rd in the world as an international athlete—Ann-Marie knows how to break through barriers and build real resilience.

She’s the creator of the Champion Women’s Program and Summit, as well as the Corporate Champion Mindset Program—signature experiences that help women step up, own their power, and lead authentically. Ann-Marie’s mission is simple: help others silence their inner critic, close the confidence gap, and rediscover their Inner Champion.

When she’s not coaching or leading powerhouse workshops, you’ll find Ann-Marie hiking, travelling, staying fit, or giving back as a board member for Doctor’s Nova Scotia Healthy Tomorrow Foundation and as a Halifax Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

Ann-Marie brings a Champion’s Mindset, contagious energy, and a down-to-earth approach to everything she does, making her a true Wonder Woman for anyone ready to rise to their full potential!

Barb Stegemann is a trailblazing entrepreneur, author, and changemaker who turned a promise to a wounded soldier friend into a global movement for peace. As the Founder of The 7 Virtues, a clean, sustainable fragrance company, Barb sources fair trade essential oils from nations rebuilding after war—empowering farmers, women, and entire communities through commerce. 

After becoming the first woman from Atlantic Canada to land a deal on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, her social enterprise went on to become the only Canadian perfume brand at Sephora, now in over 1,500 stores worldwide. In 2023, Unilever Ventures made its first-ever investment in a fragrance brand—hers. Barb is redefining beauty with purpose.

Her viral Perfume Atelier on the Halifax waterfront invites visitors to craft their own scents while supporting The 7 Virtues’ mission, including funding menstrual equity through Days for Girls. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Barb brings humor, humility, and bold innovation to every stage.

Tracy is the National Director of Business Banking Distribution. As the national leader, she oversees the sales strategy and execution of the branch and virtual business advisor-based teams across Canada.

Tracy joined Scotiabank in 2009 and has held various positions including Branch Manager, Small Business Development Manager and Regional Director Small Business. She is known for her tenured expertise within the Business Banking channel and for leading teams to deliver superior advice and solutions to their SME clients.

Tracy holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University. She is a mentor within the Canadian Banking DEI Sponsorship Program and former Executive Champion of the Scotia Young Professionals Employee Resource Group in Atlantic Region. She lives in Halifax with her husband and their two daughters.

Dani has been working in the finance field since 2001 when she graduated from Dalhousie University with a Commerce Degree. She started at Scotiabank here in Halifax and has worked many roles within the company. Currently a Team Lead for Business Banking, her banking experience crosses multiple business lines, including the Customer Contact Centre, Retail banking, Wealth and Business Banking. Dani is a director on the Scotiabank Atlantic Black Employee Network (an Employee Resource Group) and has a passion for DE&I. On the weekends Dani is actively involved with her son’s sports, primarily football and basketball, making sure she is heading up the cheering squad on the sidelines.

Jeannine Riant is a transformational guide, speaker, and founder of Fully Align Studio. She helps women navigate big life transitions by reconnecting with the deep wisdom of the body—so they can find clarity, reclaim their power, and align with their soul’s true calling.

Originally from the Acadian French shores of Eastern Nova Scotia, Jeannine now calls Bedford, NS home. Her healing journey began in 2006, when life first handed her moments of chaos that shook her foundations. It was during this time she was introduced to sacred drumming journeys and whole body focusing—modalities that awakened a profound connection to her body’s innate wisdom. Over the years, travel became a teacher, especially her time in Costa Rica, where the unraveling of her 27-year marriage took place. Returning to Canada amid emotional upheaval and financial uncertainty, Jeannine chose to meet life with vulnerability, trust, and aligned action. She deepened her spiritual practice during this turning point which ultimately led her to birth Fully Align Studio, a sacred space for healing, embodiment, and deep personal transformation.

Jeannine creates safe, empowering containers where you release emotional blockages, awaken self-trust, and shift your vibrational state. Jeannine meets you where you are and walks beside you as you uncover clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her offerings include conscious life coaching, retreats, breath work, sacred drumming, family constellations, boundary work, reiki, cacao ceremonies, and more—designed to help you remember who you are.

A published co-author of Superwoman Myths – Break the Rules of Silence and Speak UP Your Truth, Jeannine also speaks on stages to inspire others to honour their truth and embrace change as a path to purpose. In 2023, she was named a Top 5 Finalist for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award.

Sarah Gallant is Director, Client Delivery and AI‑enabled improvement strategist with Symplicity Designs in Atlantic Canada. Leveraging her Master of Chemical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, she blends operational discipline with applied artificial intelligence to improve workflow and transform live data into predictive insights—always in bite‑sized steps that teams can execute. Her hallmark is pairing cutting‑edge technology with pragmatic change‑leadership tactics so gains take root and endure.

Drawing on hands‑on work with start‑ups, scale‑ups, manufacturers, and public‑sector agencies, Sarah brings a panoramic view of what it takes to move ideas from whiteboard to bottom‑line results. She toggles seamlessly between executor and coach—rolling up her sleeves to lead mission‑critical projects while cultivating the internal capability that sustains momentum.

Sarah’s own journey from a world of biology and chemical‑engineering to AI‑powered transformation business projects offers a relatable blueprint for women in pursuit of high-impact leadership from a background of deep technical and subject-matter expertise.

Since 2020, Sarah has served as a Professor of Practice in UNB’s Technology Management & Entrepreneurship program, where she teaches Quality Management and mentors emerging innovators. She also volunteers as a judge for regional youth innovation challenges.

When she isn’t mapping value streams, you’ll likely find Sarah at the barn—recharging in the saddle—before heading off to explore New Brunswick’s coastline with her husband and young daughter.

Dr. Maria Migas is a passionate family physician based in Halifax with over 20 years of experience and a deep commitment to women’s health.

Specializing in menopause care, she is a certified menopause practitioner through The Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society). Driven by her dedication to supporting women through this pivotal life stage, Dr. Migas co-founded the Menopause Society of Nova Scotia.

With strong support from the Nova Scotia government, she is leading the development of the NS Menopause Centre of Excellence—an initiative designed to expand access to care and drive vital research in midlife women’s health. She is also the founder of Three Wise Women, a wellness company focused on creating empowering tools and products to help women flourish during midlife and beyond.

An Occupational Therapist and Geographer with a powerhouse background in leadership, Shawna brings passion, purpose, and a bold voice to the conversation around women’s health. With years of experience championing inclusive workplaces and empowering others to thrive, she is on a mission to break the silence around menopause, reduce stigma, and make sure every woman feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether she’s leading teams or leading tough conversations, her energy is contagious and her message is clear: women deserve to navigate every stage of life with confidence, knowledge, and community.

Tia Upshaw is a force for women ready to rise. A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, author, and mentor, Tia is dedicated to helping women break barriers, build wealth, and own their excellence. Through her bold leadership and unapologetic authenticity, she empowers women to rewrite their stories, claim their power, and lead with purpose. Tia believes success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you become along the way.

Dr. Denise Daley is a Pharmacognosist and Natural Health Consultant with over 15 years of research experience and more than a decade in academia and community service. A graduate of The University of the West Indies, Mona in Biochemistry, she specialized in diabetes, hypertension, and medicinal plant research. She later pursued Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Daley educates communities, professionals, and university students on using food and natural resources for health and wellness.

She has received numerous awards, including “Innovator of the Year” and the Minister of Science and Technology’s Best Innovation in Health and Wellness (2012). She was also recognized with the UWI Graduate Scholar Award (2013), UWI Principal’s Award (2014), and University of Technology’s President’s Award for Excellence in Research (2017). More recently, she received two major nonprofit awards in 2023 for her work with Nova Scotia’s largest independent food bank.

As Chief Wellness Strategist of Nasore Personalized Wellness Ltd., she supports individuals and organizations in adopting sustainable natural health practices. She also works in philanthropy and is passionate about nature, science, and community. Dr. Daley is known for her leadership, innovation, and commitment to wellness.

Laura is a CERTFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Chartered Investment Manager® professional with over a decade of experience in finance. The founder of Inclusive Financial Planning, she has worked to make financial advice and services more welcoming and accessible for individuals, companies, and non-profit organizations from coast to coast to coast. A nationally recognized expert in financial planning, she has spoken to audiences across Canada on making better decisions, and feeling more confident about your finances. Laura is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in rural Nova Scotia.

Navdeep Parmanand is the founder of Celebrate Your Curves, a pioneering fashion brand championing inclusivity and empowerment. Born in Punjab, India, and now based in Canada, Navdeep’s work challenges traditional beauty norms by offering bespoke clothing for diverse body types and abilities. She’s recognized for her commitment to social change, empowering women through employment opportunities in both India and Nova Scotia. Navdeep’s accolades include awards for innovation and community impact in the fashion industry.

Angie Gillis, BA, LLB is a proud Mi’kmaw woman and member of Eskasoni First Nation. Growing up outside her community in East Bay Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Angie grew up surrounded by her family and her culture. She remains grateful as her unique upbringing gave her the strength and ingenuity to pursue her education. She is an alumni of Dalhousie University, and obtained her LL.B from Schulich School of Law and was called to the Nova Scotia Bar Society in June 2010.

Angeline is a practicing lawyer and has worked with The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) since October 2011. In 2013, she became the Director of Environment and Natural Resources after successfully establishing several environmental programs for CMM’s Member Communities.

In 2022, Angeline became The CMM’s Executive Director. Making her the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s history, and the largest tribal council in the east. Within this role she provides oversight and guidance to all The CMM’s departments, over 190 staff members, numerous files, projects, and services offered to eight (8) M’ikmaw communities in Mainland Nova Scotia.

Angeline’s career has been primarily focused on the inclusion of traditional knowledge and modern science. She is passionate and unrelenting in creating real, measurable progress in the priorities that matter most to her organization’s communities.

Angeline sits as an advisor for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Chiefs’, Dalhousie’s Board of Governors, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management External Advisory Board, the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR) Board of Directors, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Board of Directors, Natural Resource Canada’s Departmental Audit Committee, and the Indigenous Centre of Cumulative Effects Management Board of Directors.