Accelerating Action: A Celebration of Resilience, Empowerment, and Community at CWB’s 14th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast
International Women’s Day provides opportunities for collaboration and community building on small and global scales. At our CWB event celebrating IWD, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront was the site for our annual breakfast. More than 400 people gathered at our 14th annual event, CWB’s largest of the year. Filled with meaningful conversations, an inspiring panel discussion, and a vibrant marketplace with 15 incredible local vendors, it was a day to connect, share stories, and honor the strength and resilience of women.
Collaboration and the power of community were the thread for this celebration of women and entrepreneurship and we are proud to share the outcomes and inspiration of the day to those who weren’t in attendance, and as a reminder for those who were.
Amber Fryday led an energizing discussion with Bernadette Hamilton-Reid, Sankofa Bookkeeping, Rashmi Prakash, Aruna Revolution and Tori Yeomans, Pride Beauty Lounge who shared their stories of resilience and not only overcoming challenges but seeing them for the opportunities they present.
Our event sponsors and their teams helped pulled the day together and remain a critical part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The RBC Trivia Contest added competition and excitement and awarded prizes to 10 lucky attendees, and we were proud to showcase some of our RBC Alliance for Young Women Entrepreneurs (AYWE) program participants as part of the vendor marketplace.
Invest Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women have long supported the work of the CWB. Our community needs collaboration to thrive, so we encourage you to engage with these organizations to build out your network.
You can also continue supporting the marketplace vendors by shopping with them or sharing their posts:
Event attendees shared their thoughts on social media here are some of the takeaways people shared:
Tisha Parker Kemp, shiftEd Academy shared:
“This morning, I was privileged to attend #CWBIWD2025 International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by the Centre for Women in Business. Thank you, gold sponsor, RBC, for supporting!
This year’s theme—Accelerate Action—was at the heart of every conversation. Progress doesn’t happen by waiting for change; it happens when we stand up, speak out, lead, and actively create opportunities for ourselves and those who come after us. Women belong in leadership. No question.
The marketplace vendors, hotel staff, and event hosts also deserve appreciation for creating a space where women entrepreneurs could be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Key Panel Takeaways:
Bernadette Hamilton-Reid reminded us: “We don’t have problems, we have opportunities.” As women entrepreneurs, we must lift as we rise, own our strengths, and take our place at the table. If there is no seat? Pull one up.
Rashmi Prakash spoke about turning challenges into opportunities to level up, and her words hit home about feeling the need to dress down femininity in corporate spaces.
Tori Yeomans emphasized that leadership, mentorship, and community are key to accelerating action. Building your own table and bringing others to it is as important as seeking a seat at someone else’s.
Moderator Amber Fryday brought attention to societal barriers and the internal battles we all face, admitting to butterflies in her belly before speaking today—a reminder that even the strongest voices feel fear, but we do it anyway. “Can’t is a cowardly word.”
This morning was more than a discussion—it was an opportunity to stand in solidarity, hand in hand, uplift each other, encourage and support, and inspire bolder action.”
“Celebrating this day with a roomful of trailblazing women, sharing stories, adjusting each other’s crown as we are reminded that progress does not happen by accident, it is intentional hence this year’s celebration is themed: Accelerate Action. Cheers to all of us women doing great things and making a difference wherever we go. Many thanks also to @cwb_ns”
“Women’s Day Celebration with the Centre for Women in Business
What happens when you bring together incredible women-led businesses under one roof? Innovation, impact, and unstoppable energy!
Yesterday, Davira had the honor of participating in the International Women’s Day Breakfast organized by @cwb_ns . This event wasn’t just a celebration, it was a powerful reminder of what happens when women support women.
One thing that stood out? Women don’t just create businesses: we create impact. Every business showcased at the event had a mission to build a better world, whether through sustainability, empowerment, or well-being.”
Thank you to our member Rebekah, owner of Voda Retreats for the activity to accelerate action. You can keep that going by following this link. Period Equity Alliance let us know that the 40 Dignity Bags made that day were given to people in Windsor, NS.
Here’s what’s coming up over the next few months with our sponsors and partners:
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce Wonder Women event is happening on June 13th! Join them to build up your local networks, gain insights from expert speakers, and fuel your career. As well as hear from game-changing keynotes and industry leaders. Learn more and get your tickets now!
Our member, Mena Riley owner of Leading Ladies Network, who were our fantastic wing woman for the morning, is hosting their next event– Spring at the Moxy on April 17th. Get your tickets before April 3rd, and receive a bonus.
If you attended the event and haven’t already, make sure to fill out our post event evaluation! Your feedback is important, and we are always looking for ways to improve our events. By filling out the evaluation you can be entered to win two tickets to next year’s IWD celebration! See below for photos that captured the spirit of the event.
Photos courtesy of Jacqualine Fraser.