WBE Canada’s Supplier Innovation Days are full day in-person events designed to bring women-owned businesses, corporate and government organizations, partners and champions of supplier innovation together in cities across Canada. Join us to learn how to navigate today’s economic challenges, network with buyers and suppliers to find new opportunities and create common goals to expand economic prosperity within regions, provinces and across the country.
Who should join us:
Why attend:
And much more!
8:30AM - 9:15AM Coffee & Networking
9:15AM Let’s get started
9:25AM - 9:40AM Welcome Remarks
9:40AM - 10:30AM Telus Remarks and Presentation
10:30AM - 10:45AM BREAK
10:45 AM - 10:50AM SAC Update
10:47AM - 11:55AM Leading with Purpose: Reigniting Growth, Vision in a Changing World
11:55AM - 1:00PM LUNCH
1:00PM - 1:05 PM WBE Panel – Value of certification
1:45PM - 2:00PM Q & A
2:00PM - 2:30PM CIBC Presentation
2:45PM Round Tables
Table Hosts
Mhairi Petrovic is the founder of Out-Smarts Marketing, a Vancouver-based digital agency helping organisations, especially in the care sector, grow their online visibility through practical, values-driven strategies. With over 30 years of experience, she blends technical expertise with a down-to-earth approach focused on real results. Originally from Scotland and now based in Canada, Mhairi brings a perspective shaped by her Scottish roots and Canadian experience. She is known for making digital marketing accessible and effective, leading a team that specialises in SEO, website development, content strategy, and online advertising, helping purpose-led businesses get found for the great work they do.
Angela Sasso is the Founder and CEO of The Interpreter’s Lab and Shifting Pictures, an international consultancy specializing in communication access, intercultural communication, workforce development, and professional education. With more than 35 years of experience, she has led national and international initiatives that strengthen communication across healthcare, justice, social services, and other public-facing sectors. Her work includes strategic consulting, research, standards development, program design, and organizational capacity building. Angela is also a recognized leader in international standards and has been a certified WBE Canada member since 2024.
Carl Perron, with 20 years of experience at TELUS, leads Global Procurement for TELUS Regions across 70 sites over 21 countries including Europe, Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Philippines, and India. His role focuses on regional sourcing and facilities support, as well as alignment of regional delivery partners and international digital service vendors supporting TELUS Digital's global BPO operations. Carl drives strategic transformation and integration initiatives across these regions to optimize procurement capabilities and vendor relationships.
Paulina Zhang is a Senior Manager and Team Lead in Business Banking at CIBC, with 15 years of experience in financial services. Based in Vancouver, she leads a team of relationship managers supporting business owners across the region. Throughout her career, Paulina has developed extensive expertise in business development, relationship management, and helping clients navigate their financial needs at every stage of growth. She is passionate about building trusted relationships and connecting entrepreneurs with the advice, solutions, and resources they need to succeed. She strongly believes that strong relationships remain fundamental to helping businesses thrive in an increasingly complex environment.
Silvia Mwangi is a dynamic leader with a passion for empowering professionals and driving impactful programs. As the Programs Manager for the BEBC Society and Corporate Membership Lead for the BEBC Supplier Council, she plays a pivotal role in fostering supplier diversity and supporting Black entrepreneurs across Canada.
With a background in both business and psychology and a deep commitment to talent development, Silvia brings experience in career coaching, program management, and leadership training. She is also the CEO and Founder of Kuza Global Services, and she has dedicated her work to helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to navigate their careers and businesses successfully. Her work through Kuza complements her role at BEBC, where she supports programs and initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals to grow, connect, and thrive.
Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for Africa, Silvia has established herself as a thought leader in career development, stakeholder engagement, and client service management. She thrives in spaces that allow her to create impact, particularly in mentoring young professionals and shaping career pathways.
From coaching to public speaking, Silvia is a firm believer in the power of people, leadership, and results. Whether she is building relationships, managing programs, or coaching emerging leaders, at the heart of Silvia’s work is a deep commitment to people and to using her voice, experience, and platform to inspire meaningful conversations, create opportunities, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.
Meghan McNamara joined TELUS in 2021 and is currently leading the National Infrastructure & Customer Enablement Procurement Team. Prior to joining TELUS, she held progressive roles within Shell Canada, where she transformed their Supplier Diversity and Indigenous Procurement landscape. After an impressive 16-year tenure at Shell, Meghan established her own business assisting companies in transforming their Procurement and Supplier Diversity programs. Additionally, Meghan provided valuable consulting services to Indigenous businesses, with a specific emphasis on enhancing their capability and capacity beyond the OilSands region.
Meghan is a strong advocate for women and is committed to expanding the profile and impact of Supplier Diversity and Economic Reconciliation in Canada. As a member of the TELUS Procurement team, Meghan is a passionate advocate for diverse thinking and actively works to create opportunities for underrepresented groups. There is a strong commitment within TELUS towards Supplier Diversity, and a recognition that their program delivers an improved and innovative customer experience by taking proactive steps to provide equal access to a supply base that reflects the diversity of where we live, work, and serve.
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