Attendees of our most recent Women United Disruptive Dialogue event, Learn. Lead. Give to Gain., are ready to embrace their own leadership, support others in their organizations, and find inspiration in their communities.
As Invest Ottawa’s charity partner for International Women’s Month 2026, Women United presented this special edition of Disruptive Dialogue at Bayview Yards on March 30. We brought together leaders, changemakers, and community-minded professionals for bold conversations and hands-on leadership development.
The room was full and the audience was incredibly engaged.
The event was split up into three segments:
A fireside chat, where women in leadership roles like Frances McRae, Deputy Minister, Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Rachael Wilson, President and CEO, United Way East Ontario, and Suzanne Obiorah, CEO, Somerset West Community Health Centre, talked about investing in women to create stronger systems and healthier communities.
“There was such a real and necessary dialogue about what it means to be a woman in the workplace. The incredible speakers Frances McRae, Rachael Wilson, and moderator Suzanne Obiorah named the seen and unseen layers we navigate every day.”
An interactive leadership workshop, introduced by Kelli Toner, CEO, South East Ottawa Community Health Centre, and led by Fatima Andad, Mental Wellbeing Coordinator, Community Development Framework, where participants explored practical ways to give beyond dollars—by sharing time, expertise, mentorship, and influence—and learned how small, intentional acts can create ripple effects across teams, organizations, and communities.
“I particularly appreciated the perspective from Fatima Andad’s workshop, which expanded our definition of giving. It’s not only financial, it’s about offering time, trust, advocacy, and creating space for others to contribute. Meaningful change often begins with small, intentional actions.”
A spotlight on local changemakers. Joy Otundo and Esther Fagbola of Project Agape talked about their program called Gather and Nourish, while Pooneh Azimi of Somerset West Community Health Centre spoke about the Sunshine Hub. These are two programs backed by our Community Action Grants, which Women United members choose the recipients for each year. Grassroots organizations with women leaders are creating measurable change in our communities, and it’s made possible through collective giving and community investment.
“Food can be a powerful entry point into conversations around wellness, community, and belonging. For many of the people we serve, these spaces are necessary. We also reflected on what it means to build programming that is rooted in cultural relevance and community voice. When we center the lived experiences of Black survivors, we create spaces that feel safer, more impactful, and more sustainable.”
Alongside Invest Ottawa, we would like to thank our partners for this event: BMO, Desjardins, and Bridgehead.
All proceeds from this event directly support Women United programs advancing gender equity for women, girls, and gender diverse people across East Ontario.
Learn more about Women United and how to become a Women United member here.
