AIA Canada hosting Womens Leadership Conference on June 18

AIA Canada’s Inaugural Women’s Leadership Conference will be all about celebrating visionary women and their remarkable leadership in nontraditional female careers.

Beginning with a Welcome Reception on June 17th and a full day conference on June 18th at the Hilton Niagara Falls, this conference will allow women in the automotive industry to spend time and network with like-minded, talented and accomplished leaders.

In addition to the exciting line up of speakers, there will also be a panel session featuring women from different facets of the automotive industry who will be sharing their career stories, what has influenced them in their careers, opportunities that are available for women in automotive as well as obstacles that they have been able to overcome.

The event will also feature a trade show that AIA has named “The Hat Shop.” Women wear many hats – including the mom hat, the wife hat, the friend hat, the daughter hat, the sister hat, and the career woman hat. Advancing and succeeding in the professional world is becoming increasingly challenging for women who are expected to take on so many roles in their lives. Exhibitors will be onsite to showcase products that can save you both time and money as well as tips and strategies to achieve a successful life balance.

Keynote Speaker:  Dianne Craig – president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada

Dianne began her career at Ford in 1986 in an entry level field position and held a variety of sales and marketing positions including advertising, product marketing, contests and incentives and field operations before being appointed as president in November 2011.

Dianne now leads Ford of Canada’s operations across the country, including a national headquarters, three regional offices, two branch offices, three vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants and two parts distribution centres.

Guest Speaker #1 – Amanda Lindhout – Author of NYT bestseller A House in the Sky, and founder of the Global Enrichment Foundation

In 2008, Amanda traveled to Somalia as a freelance journalist to research a story on the millions of people affected by two decades of war, drought, and famine. Kidnapped by teenage criminals outside of the capital city, Mogadishu, Amanda spent 460 days enduring unimaginable hardships as a hostage in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Following her release in November 2009, she became an unlikely and passionate advocate for the people of Somalia. Four months after returning home, Amanda founded the Global Enrichment Foundation (GEF) to ignite leadership in Somalia through education and economic initiatives, which the GEF creates, funds and implements. Since the GEF’s inception, Amanda has raised millions of dollars to support development and aid in the wartorn country reaching over 300,000 people. She captured international headlines again when she returned to Somalia to lead famine relief efforts in 2011.

Guest Speaker #2 – Margot Micallef – founder and president Oliver Capital Partners Inc.

Margot Micallef exemplifies the proverb “when you reach the top, keep climbing”. This mother, lawyer, philanthropist, educator, and entrepreneur is living proof that women can do it all. After early success as Partner at Russell and DuMoulin and then as SVP at Shaw Communications, Margot became a trailblazer; founding Oliver Capital Partners, a private equity investment and advisory firm. Margot’s determination and her flare for entrepreneurialism have driven her to remarkable success; proving that there truly is no ceiling on success. Margot is a firm believer in the benefits of mentoring and the opportunity to pass on the benefits of an individual’s experience by providing guidance, offering an alternative perspective, encouraging confidence, and providing a positive influence to individuals seeking out their individual goals.

Accommodations

AIA Canada has reserved a block of King Studio Suites for 2014 Women’s Leadership Conference participants: $149/suite. All guests must make their own reservations directly with the Hilton on an individual basis, identifying themselves as members of AIA Canada. Reservations can be made directly with the hotel and must be received at the hotel by May 17, 2014.

To register for this event, visit AIA Canada’s website.