WLC: Women’s Leadership Collaborative
How can we meet fellow leaders and build relationships that endure?
How do we build professional networks that matter?
How do we foster the next generation of women leaders in the private sector?
YWCA Halifax’s Women’s Leadership Collaborative was designed with these goals in mind.
Started in 2018, the WLC began as a network of women in the private sector to support economic inclusion and women’s leadership development through the power of professional networks. Women refer business to one another, champion each other’s career trajectories, and work toward comprehensive inclusion of all women and gender diverse people.
Our membership includes senior women in leadership across multiple business sectors, including banking, real estate, energy, law, consulting, wealth management and more.
For some organizations, this event also helps with teambuilding, creating space for women and female colleagues to get to know one another outside the office.
Thank you to our 2025 Presenting Sponsor
2026
Champion Sponsor
2026
Champion Sponsor
2026 WLC Membership
Click the WLC Leaders’ names to view their LinkedIn profiles
Caitlin Roberts
Eastlink
Cathy Menear
Scotiabank
Chika Chiekwe
Cox & Palmer
Clare Levin
Research Power Inc.
Colleen McCarville
Killam Apartment REIT
Erica McCurdy
BDO
Gina Kinsman
EY
Jacqueline Ruck
Harbinger Law
Jean MacDougall
BMO
Karen Gardiner
McInnes Cooper
Karen Hutt
Emera
Katherine Risley
KBRS
Kristan Hines
NATIONAL
Leslie Bishop
Scotia Investments
Lydia Bugden
Stewart McKelvey
Miia Suokonautio
YWCA Halifax
Melita Scott
Deloitte
Meghan Maher
Northbridge Insurance
Nadia Middleton
Middleton Group
Nicole Deveau
Doane Grant Thorton
Nicole Langille
Free People DMC and Events
Patty Faith
Medavie
Stephanie Tennant
TD Bank
Suzanne Fougere
Events East
How Does It Work?
A theme/topic is chosen, and female subject matter experts are invited to participate in a discussion panel to engage in deep, meaningful conversations about the experiences that affect women.
We learn from each other’s experiences and gain opportunities to make
connections as we share, listen, support, and learn from one another.
Past Discussion Topics Included
Pushing Fear to the Backseat: Turning Courage into the Driver of Change
Breaking Ground in a New Way: Growing Ideas, Empowering Change
Leading with Authenticity: Normalizing the Struggle to Balance a Career with our Ambitions Outside Work
Don’t Call Me Superwoman: Reclaiming Your Humanity Amid Mounting Social Pressure
Getting the Job and Owning Your Value: Strategies for Job Search & Negotiating the Total Compensation Package
Please contact Carol Anne Smith, Director of Fund Development and Communications, with questions and to receive the 2026 member registration form: ca.smith@ywcahalifax.com / 902-483-6892.