On Friday, April 17, 2015, nine successful businesswomen inspired more than 70 young women from local high schools to become entrepreneurs during an event by Girls Aloud – Youth Empowerment! The event was hosted at the Carleton-led Accelerator located in the first floor of the St Patrick’s Building.
Brianna Davrowski, a Grade 10 student at Russell High School, is the founder of Girls Aloud, a program that inspires girls to be who they want to be. Davrowski came up with the idea for Girls Aloud while attending a Youth Ambassador Program at the State University of New York last year.
Canada eSchool Director Annette Levesque organized the event and provided welcoming remarks. A powerhouse of successful women entrepreneurs spoke to the young women, including Marisa McTasney, founder and owner, Moxie Trades Ltd.; Maggie Tessier, broker of record, Tessier Team Realty; Diane Dufour, president and strategist, Accurate Design and Communications; Eva Cooper, owner, Delilah Boutique; Erin Kelly, president and CEO, ZeroPi; Rebecca Page, founder and CEO, Concierge Home Services; Mia Hempey, president and co-founder, CTC TrainCanada; and Fran Biderman-Gross, CEO and strategista of Advantages.
“Dream big, think the impossible, love passionately, give generously,” said McTasney, who delivered the event’s first keynote. “Find your moxie, I dare you.”
Biderman-Gross reminded the young women that they need to retain their individuality to be entrepreneurs.
“Be who you are, you don’t have to conform to be successful,” added Kelly.
“Brianna Dabrowski’s vision for Girls Aloud – Youth Empowerment! is a great example of what young women can come up with to change the world for the better,” said Tony Bailetti, director of the Technology Innovation Management (TIM) program and entrepreneurship area co-ordinator at the Sprott School of Business. “Individuals and organizations came together today to deliver a great event for young women interested in entrepreneurship. Ottawa is a great city for talented entrepreneurs!”
A roundtable meet and greet session followed the talks from businesswomen. Groups of young women were able to talk to and ask questions with the entrepreneurs.
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