AI Pioneers and Global Tech Leaders to Drive Future of Women in Technology at Toronto Summit
Exclusive cross-border symposium features breakthrough strategies for navigating AI revolution and achieving exponential career growth
TORONTO, Canada – September 4, 2025 – As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, Women in Tech® Canada and Women in Tech® USA announce an unprecedented gathering of industry pioneers for the ELEVATE Symposium 2025, taking place September 12 at Vena Solutions’ Toronto headquarters. The one-day intensive will address critical questions facing women in technology today: How do we lead in the age of AI? What evidence-based strategies actually accelerate women’s success in STEM? How can tech diplomacy reshape global business?
“We’re at an inflection point where women’s leadership in technology isn’t just important—it’s essential for innovation and economic growth,” said Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech® Global. “This symposium brings together the exact voices and strategies needed to navigate this transformation, representing our commitment to empowering women across North America and beyond.”
The cross-border collaboration between the Canadian and US chapters demonstrates the global nature of today’s tech challenges and opportunities.
Breakthrough Sessions Address Today’s Most Pressing Tech Challenges
The symposium features six targeted sessions designed to deliver actionable insights:
Opening Keynote: “Energize for Impact” – TED speaker and executive coach Marisa Murray sets the stage for transformational thinking in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
“The Emerging Tech Revolution: From AI to Crypto and Beyond” – Moderated by Marie-Soleil Boucher (Partner, HR Path), this panel features industry leaders including Dessalen Wood (Chief People Officer, Syntax), Vanessa Heppner (Founder & CEO, Altas AI), Tania Tanic (Founder & CEO, BrainStorm CyberRisk), and Ray Daoud (CSO, CGI), revealing how emerging technologies are creating new opportunities for women leaders.
“Transform: From Linear to Exponential Thinking” – Moderated by Bibiana Souza, featuring Cheryl Miller (VP Digital Policy, US Council for International Business), Jennifer Hall (LIDD Supply Chain), and Armando Elias (SAP Practice Leader, IBM Consulting), demonstrating how tech is redefining global business strategies.
“Evidence-Based Strategies for Women in STEM” – Moderated by Roula Habchi (Global Learning & Development Manager, CGI), featuring Andrea Mohamed (COO & Co-Founder, QuantumBloom and 2024 WIT Impact Winner), Jay Thakore (VP Consulting Services, CGI), and Michelle Paquin (Partner Avversita, CSO SAP Practice Lead). This session moves beyond inspiration to proven tactics that drive real career advancement.
Closing Keynote: “Psychological Safety as Strategic Advantage” – Nogol Madani (Founder & CEO, Glee Factor) reveals how psychological safety becomes a competitive advantage in AI-driven organizations.
“Bridging the Gap: Tech Diplomacy and Public-Private Partnerships” – Exploring how technology policy shapes global innovation and collaboration.
“The quality of speakers and the diversity of perspectives we’re bringing together reflects the collaborative spirit that drives innovation in our industry,” said Nyla Beth Gawel, North America Regional and USA Country Director. “This symposium exemplifies how cross-border partnerships can accelerate progress for women in technology.”
Evening Awards Celebrate Game-Changing Leadership Across North America
The symposium culminates with the 2025 North America Women in Tech Awards, recognizing breakthrough achievements across nine categories:
Aspiring Teen:
- Jahnavi Kari, Founder, The Draumur Initiative
- Nisa Thomas, Student, Del Norte High School
- Toluwakitan Akinsola, Student Technologist & Digital Ethics Advocate, Digital Harmony
- April Surac, Founder & Creative Director, NeuraSensa
- Emily Fetco, Front End JS Developer, Ultimate Tech
Best Ally:
- Genevieve Taurand, AI Team Lead, Vooban
- Mary Killelea, Founder, 2B Bolder
- Mike Amato, Women’s Executive Coach
- Allen Lau, Co-founder & CEO, Wattpad
- Daryl Hammet, General Manager Global Demand ML/AI & Operations, Amazon
Global Leadership:
- Titi Akinsanmi, Global Policy Director, Google
- Nicole Alexander, Professor, New York University
- Olanda Sharp-Buckley, Vice President, Dell Technologies
- Nidhi Gupta, Vice President, Etsy
- Saumya Bhatnagar, CPO & Co-founder, Involve.ai
Most Disruptive:
- Alda Mizaku, VP Chief Data & AI Officer, Children’s National Hospital
- Maryam Shanechi, Founding Director, University of Southern California Center for Neurotechnology
- Erin Bradner, Director of Strategic Foresight, Autodesk Inc
- Kyler Cheatham, Chief Performance Officer, The Confluential
- Linda Yao, Vice President and General Manager, Hybrid Cloud & AI Solutions, Lenovo
Most Impactful Initiative:
- Les EssenTIelles – CGI’s Greater Montreal women’s network
- The Hira Collective
- #Learn with Bren
- Merge Lane
- The Forum
Startup Award:
- Navrina Singh, CEO & Founder, CREDO AI
- Amanda Levay, CEO & Founder, Redactable
- Fiona Bao, CEO & Founder, Genpulse
- Shivangi Khurania, CEO & Founder, Deso Group Inc
- Lianna Genovese, CEO & Founder, ImaginAble Solutions
Woman in Web3:
- Emily Ekshian, Communications Lead Global Policy & Crypto Impact Research, Crypto Council for Innovation
- Staci Warden, CEO, Algorand Foundation
- Anisha Reddy, Lead Counsel, Roblox
- Denelle Dixon, CEO, Stellar Development Foundation
- Elena Sinelnikova, Co-founder, CryptoChicks and Metis
Tech Diplomacy:
- Eileen Donahoe, Executive Director, Global Digital Policy Incubator
- Nicol Turner Lee, Senior Fellow, Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institute
- Christina Steinbrecher-Pfandt, CEO, Tech Diplomacy Network
- Rebecca Finlay, CEO, Partnership on AI
- Merry Walker, Senior Policy Advisor, US State Department
Lifetime Achievement:
- Julie Godin, Executive Chair of the Board of Directors, CGI
- Kathleen Kramer, President, IEEE
- Nicole Martel, CEO, AQT – Quebec Technology Association
- Lauren Woodman, CEO, DataKind
- Michelle Soul, President, Aero Athena
Industry Leaders Unite in Support of Women’s Tech Advancement
The event is proudly supported by leading technology organizations including Amazon, CGI, LIDD, HR Path, Vast Data Federal, Syntax, Vena Solutions (host venue), Channel Marketing Association, Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, and Ultimate Tech, among others.
“The enthusiastic support from our sponsors demonstrates the industry’s commitment to advancing women in technology,” said Julie Watson, Canada Country Director. “These partnerships enable us to create meaningful opportunities for learning, networking, and career advancement that benefit our entire tech ecosystem.”
Limited Capacity Event Offers Unprecedented Networking
With only 200 seats available, the symposium provides intimate access to industry leaders driving the future of technology. Attendees will join executives from Google, IBM, Dell Technologies, Amazon, and emerging AI companies shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape.
Registration & Media Information
Symposium & Awards Registration:
- US Visitors: US Vistors
- Canadian Visitors: Canada visitors
Event Details:
- Date: September 12, 2025
- Location: Vena Solutions Toronto Headquarters
- Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Symposium: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM; Awards: 5:30 PM – 9:30PM)
About Women in Tech Global
Founded in 2018 by Ayumi Moore Aoki, Women in Tech® Global operates in 65 countries with over 250,000 members worldwide. The organization aims to impact 5 million women and girls in STEM by 2030, focusing on education, business development, digital inclusion, and policy advocacy. Women in Tech® Global leads tech diplomacy initiatives that influence international cooperation and policy development for a more inclusive digital future.
The Canada Chapter and USA Chapter of Women in Tech® Global work collaboratively to advance opportunities for women in technology across North America, fostering cross-border partnerships and shared learning initiatives.
Media Contact: northamerica.awards@women-in-tech.org