#BreakTheBias with us this IWD! Let’s celebrate the achievement of women as we confront gender bias in every space in which we exist. 

To register for this event, click here! 

About the Event

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias. We are invited to imagine a world where gender equity exists, and take actionable steps toward that reality. The IWD website identifies the following ”missions” to get us all moving toward that future:

✨Build workplaces where women thrive

✨Elevate visibility of women creatives

✨Forge women’s empowerment worldwide

✨Forge women’s equity in tech

✨Celebrate the women forging change

✨Empower women’s choices in health

(source: internationalwomensday.com )

Creating equity in the workplace for all genders is a necessary step toward a safer, more collaborative space for us all. SNIWWOC is pleased to invite four guest speakers to share about their experiences across their respective industries: fashion, sports, real estate and law. Our guests will share about their journey to success, the gender bias they face along the way, and some of the other intersecting issues they’ve encountered. 

Meet Our Speakers

Izabella Rampersaud

Izabella Rampersaud is a 21-year-old model and Assistant Buyer in the Fashion Industry. She was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and moved to Toronto in 2019 to pursue an education in Fashion. Izabella attended Toronto Film school, and at her young age, was awarded a Diploma with Distinction in Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment; graduating the accelerated program. 

She started her career in 2017 working as a sales associate at Foot Locker in Calgary. After moving east for school, Izabella was transferred to the Flagship store in Toronto and continued to work throughout her rigorous education. After she graduated, the company launched their summer internship program for the first time in Canada. Izabella was hired as one of three interns in the country, and was the first Toronto-based intern. Once she completed her internship, she naturally acclimated to her new role as a Merchandising Support Specialist on the Foot Locker North America team, working out of Wausau, Wisconsin. Izabella has always been passionate about the fashion industry, and has consistently set big goals for herself, and achieved every one of them. She soon came closer to her goal of becoming a Buyer by accepting a position as Assistant Buyer for Kid’s Athletics & Initiatives at a designer company. Her dedication-led success story is bold and encouraging. Izabella’s journey reminds us to go after what we want, and stay true to our passion.

Katie Collar

Katie Collar started her professional coaching career in 2015 after graduating as an NCAA D1 student-athlete out of Eastern Kentucky University. She began her coaching career in Nova Scotia, working in the youth club system and in the high performance stream before moving back to Calgary. There, she worked with the University of Calgary Dinos and Calgary Foothills Soccer Club. 

Katie has since progressed into a head coaching position with the Vancouver Whitecaps organization as the leader of the Calgary Regional Excel (REX) Program. Katie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and is currently furthering her education as a candidate on the highest coaching license offered in Canada (Canada National A License), and a Master of High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership degree out of the University of British Columbia. Katie is a proud supporter of women in sport and leadership, and has led a number of initiatives to support the recruitment, retention and progression of girls and women in sport. Katie is a fierce competitor, and her work in elevating women in this space has only just begun.

Cheryl Sanguinetti

Cheryl Sanguinetti is the founder of The Mortgage Gallery. Based out of Calgary, Alberta, she helps clients across the country. In January of this year, she was recognized in the National top 20% of Mortgage Brokers for Invis. Cheryl’s mission is to provide information and guidance to her clients as she collaborates with them to advance their financial plan. Cheryl takes a holistic approach to mortgages because she believes the right mortgage can help to build wealth, free up cash flow, and keep more money in your pocket. 

Cheryl has been a passionate entrepreneur her entire life, and has over 25 years of experience in the real estate sector, private financing, marketing and administration. Her other full-time job is Mom to three young men. Recognizing what an individual can achieve, as well as the profound impact we can have on others, Cheryl is committed to modelling hard work and dedication for her boys. It is clear to all who know her, she values family and community most of all. When she's not either Brokering or Mothering, Cheryl loves to travel, practice yoga and spend time with her friends.

Briana Williams

Briana Williams is an attorney based in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from St. John's University with a B.A. in Legal Studies. At St. John's, she received high honors in the English department, as well as worked with both the City Council and the Fifth District's Congressional Office. She received her J.D. from Harvard Law School and her certificate for Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard's Business School. She currently sits on the board of Children's Rights, a non-profit, as well as frequently contributes articles to USA Today as a freelance writer.

Briana is connected to Vancouver through her maternal family. Though her journey has been primarily in the U.S. legal system, Briana’s experience gives valuable insight to all North American WOC who have aspirations in law. A full-time, single mother of two beautiful children, Briana has risen to every challenge and accomplished every one of her goals. Since walking the graduate stage to collect her diploma from Harvard Law with her daughter in her arms, she has celebrated every one of her incredible achievements with her kids. Briana’s journey is a reminder to each of us to fully participate in each moment life offers - wholly giving of ourselves, and freely absorbing the joys of our successes.

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We can’t wait to share with you, and hear from you! 

To register for this event, click here! 

Join us on zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84544257975

Meeting ID: 845 4425 7975

For media enquires, please contact domi@sniwwoc.ca at least 48 hours before the event. 

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We acknowledge that this event is hosted from the traditional territory of the Lekwungen people, currently and specifically the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.