This event is SOLD OUT!
Join Women United for a half-day experience bringing together leaders, changemakers, and community-minded professionals for bold conversation and hands-on leadership development.
As Invest Ottawa’s charity partner for International Women’s Month 2026, Women United presents this special edition of Disruptive Dialogue as part of a month-long event series. The event explores the power of Give to Gain, and how investing your time, knowledge, and influence in women’s leadership creates measurable returns for individuals, organizations, and our communities.
Event Details
- Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
- Time: 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
- Location: Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
- Tickets: $35 ($30 for Women United members)
- Donations to Women United are welcome!
All ticket proceeds support Women United programs advancing gender equity for women, girls, and gender diverse people across East Ontario.
Be in the room where leadership fuels impact
Whether you’re a senior leader, an emerging professional, a community builder, or someone looking to make a greater impact, this morning will leave you with:
- New perspectives on women’s leadership and collective impact
- Practical tools you can apply in your workplace and community
- Connections with people who share your values
- A deeper understanding of how Women United drives real systems change
What to expect:
Each segment builds on the last, bringing the Give to Gain theme to life through conversation, practice, and real-world impact.
Fireside Chat: Transforming Systems through Gender-lens Investment
Speakers:
- Frances McRae, Deputy Minister, Women and Gender Equality and Youth
- Rachael Wilson, CEO, United Way East Ontario
This opening conversation grounds the Give to Gain theme in a shared understanding: investing in women is an investment in stronger systems, more equitable opportunities and healthier communities.
Together, Frances McRae and Rachael Wilson will explore how gender-lens investment at both a national and local levels addresses systemic barriers faced by women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, Indigenous women, and other marginalized communities.
Interactive Leadership Workshop produced in partnership with the Community Development Framework
This hands-on workshop brings the Give to Gain theme to life.
Participants will explore practical ways to give beyond dollars, by sharing time, expertise, mentorship, and influence, and learn how small, intentional acts can create ripple effects across teams, organizations, and communities.
You’ll walk away with:
- Simple, actionable ways to integrate giving into your leadership
- Tools to foster engagement, collaboration, and purpose at work
- Ideas for strengthening community connections through collective action
Giving isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing it intentionally.
Spotlight on Local Changemakers
The final segment showcases the results of Give to Gain.
Meet local grassroots organizations and women leaders creating tangible, measurable change made possible through collective giving and community investment. From safer neighbourhoods to stronger support systems to expanded leadership pathways for women and girls, you’ll see what’s possible when we give and communities gain.
This is what impact looks like.
You’ll leave the event feeling ready to embrace your own leadership, support others in your organization, and be inspired by your community.
Supporting Women United
A vital part of United Way East Ontario, Women United brings together leaders and changemakers to drive lasting progress for gender equity across our region.
Your event ticket gives you access to the full Disruptive Dialogue experience. For those who are able, we invite you to include a donation to Women United in addition to your ticket purchase. A contribution of $25 or more is a powerful way to deepen your impact and can be continued as a monthly Women United membership following the event.
Good to know:
- Donations of $25+ receive a tax receipt.
- Donations count toward your annual Women United membership.
All proceeds directly support Women United programs advancing gender equity for women, girls, and gender diverse people across East Ontario.
Learn more about Women United membership and our investments.
Help promote the event
We would love your support to spread the word about how others can join us at Disruptive Dialogue through individual ticket purchases, sponsorship, or ticket bundles. Please consider sharing with your network.
Supporting Sponsors
