Events
Women Who Lead
Join us for an empowering and dynamic networking event designed for women of colour to connect, grow, and thrive in their professional journeys. This event offers unparalleled opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and meaningful networking with like-minded individuals and industry trailblazers.
Our inspiring panel of industry powerhouses will share insights and experiences on advancing women of colour in today's competitive workforce. Learn directly from industry leaders who are breaking barriers, driving change, and setting new standards across diverse fields.
After the panel, we will host a networking session where you can engage with fellow attendees, form valuable connections, and explore potential collaborations. Plus, take the chance to support local women of colour-owned businesses as they exhibit their exceptional products and services throughout the event!
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of a movement that champions diversity, professional excellence, and the advancement of women of colour!
Ticket includes: appetizers + non-alcoholic drink
Speaker biographies
Dana-Lyn Mackenzie (LinkedIn)
She is the Senior Manager, EDI and Indigeneity at the University of British Columbia. Dana-Lyn (born Wilson) is a member of the Hwlitsum First Nation, based in Canoe Pass, BC and a lawyer. Dana-Lyn is an elected councilor of her Coast Salish nation, serving since 2021. She has practiced criminal law and continues to practice administrative and employment law as an Associate at Acumen Law. She is a double alumna of UBC, having obtained her Bachelors of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees here.
Sabrina Ismail (LinkedIn)
Sabrina Ismail is the Regional Vice-President, Mortgage Specialists, B.C. West with RBC Royal Bank. She co-leads the business and is responsible for leadership and direction of 18 Leaders and over 400 Mortgage Specialists. Sabrina has been with RBC for over 30 years, and during her banking career, has held a number of leadership positions including Vice-President, Business Markets, B.C. and Vice-President Private Banking.
Healthy You
The BIPOC Women’s Society (BWS) presents Healthy You—a dynamic, free online health series that tackles the unique health challenges BIPOC women face. Featuring three expert speakers, this series dives into essential topics like mental health, trauma, reproductive health, and nutrition.
Healthy You offers more than just knowledge; it empowers attendees with practical tools to take charge of their well-being. It’s a space where BIPOC women connect, inspire, and learn together, through engaging discussions and interactive Q&A sessions. Healthy You hopes to create a powerful, lasting impact.
Session information
Session 1: 14 Sep 12-1 pm PST
From Wounds to Wisdom - Healing Trauma and Reclaiming Your Power
Trauma takes many forms—it’s not just about war or systemic oppression, but also migration, loss, cultural shaming, and unresolved childhood wounds. 🌍💔 In this powerful talk with Pavna Sodhi, we’ll explore how trauma impacts BIPOC communities, its mental health implications, and how to access culturally responsive care to heal and break intergenerational cycles. ✨💪🏽 Don’t miss this essential conversation on resilience and recovery!
Session 2: 18 Sep 6-7 pm pst
Flavors of Wellness: Celebrating Cultural Foods for Women’s Health and Wellbeing
Get ready to discover what healthy eating truly means and how our diverse cultural diets can power lifelong health and wellness! 🌱✨ In this talk with Nilou Deilami, we’ll dive into practical tips for maintaining healthy habits, eating well on a budget, and mastering the art of label reading. 🍎🛒 Don’t miss out on these strategies for a healthier you! 💪🏽
Session 3: 25 Sep 6-7 pm pst
From Ovaries to Oh yes! - Everything You Wish You Learned in Sex Ed
Get ready to dive into the essentials of sexual and reproductive health for bodies with ovaries and uteruses! 🌸✨ In this talk with Joefin Peter we discuss sex-positivity, cultural awareness, and pleasure. 💖🌍 You won’t want to miss this empowering and insightful talk!
Colour Between The Wines
Colour Between The Wines: A BWS Paint Picnic
Join us for another electrifying BIPOC Women's Society event! Immerse yourself in the summer sun, sip on exquisite wines, and unleash your creativity on canvas as we picnic.
We provide all the art supplies, delightful snacks, and a complimentary glass of wine/non-alcoholic beverage. Plus, you'll get to take home your stunning masterpiece as a cherished memento of this unforgettable day!
Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of art and the BIPOC community!
Exact location will be shared on the day.
Golden Hour Get-Together
Golden Hour Get-Together: A BWS Summer Event
You're invited to join us for an enchanting summer evening at the Golden Hour Get-Together, a gathering designed for BIPOC women! 🌟
Prepare to celebrate, connect, and uplift one another, while basking in the summer sun at the patio of Eat Bar & Patio Haraheri. This is a professional and personal networking experience.
Indulge in delicious appetizers (included in ticket price), engage in meaningful conversations, and forge new connections amidst the vibrant atmosphere.
Spicy Steps
Spicy Steps- A BIPOC Women's Society Event!
Dive into the vibrant world of salsa with BWS' sensational dance class: Spicy Steps! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or taking your very first steps onto the dance floor, this event promises to ignite your passion for movement and dance. 🎉
Join us for an exhilarating hour-long session where you'll unleash your inner dancer and learn sizzling new salsa moves. Led by an expert instructor, our inclusive atmosphere welcomes dancers of all levels, ensuring everyone can groove to the infectious Latin rhythms. But the excitement doesn't stop there! 🌟
After our dance extravaganza, let's keep the energy flowing and continue the festivities at the nearby Sweet Puffin cafe (5252 Imperial St). Relax and unwind over coffee, tea, or indulge in some delectable snacks while basking in the company of fellow dancers and newfound friends. Grab your dancing shoes and join us for an evening of rhythm, laughter, and camaraderie. See you there! 💃🕺🌟
The class will focus on beginner Salsa footwork styling. 🪇
Schedule:
1:45 PM: Arrive and Prepare for the Class (Need to get changed? Changing rooms are available)
2:00-3:00: Salsa Class
3:00: Head over to Sweet Puffin Cafe (Cafe purchases are not included in ticket price and are optional)
For BIPOC women and female-identifying folk.
Colourful Connections
Colourful Connections: Debut event of BIPOC Women's Society
You're cordially invited to the groundbreaking inaugural event of the BIPOC Women's Society! 🌟
Attention all fierce and fabulous female-identifying women of colour: save the date for an unforgettable gathering that's all about celebrating YOU! The BWS kick-off extravaganza promises an electrifying space tailor-made for our vibrant and diverse community of BIPOC women. 🎉
Get ready to dive into the heart of the BWS mission as we unveil our goals, plans, and purpose. This isn't just an event—it's a celebration of our shared identity.
Join us at the dazzling Jambo Grill- a local gem owned by members of our very own BIPOC community. With a tantalizing array of appetizers and snacks, the evening promises to be a feast for the senses as we mingle, make connections, and forge lifelong friendships and professional networks.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of BWS history! Tickets are available now, let's kick off this incredible journey together! 🚀