Jennifer Benedict is the founder of Ironwood Infrastructure, a growing engineering firm operating in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Ironwood is focused on railway safety, risk, and infrastructure projects across Canada. Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach, she has built her career on solving complex problems and creating strong, trusted partnerships. As a wife, mom, and entrepreneur, Jennifer brings a grounded perspective on balancing ambition with sustainability—building a business without losing yourself in the process. She is a strong advocate for women stepping into leadership with confidence, and actively supports newcomers to Canada in gaining meaningful engineering experience and breaking into the industry. Jennifer is a mentor through Futurpreneur, is a director on the Etobicoke Chapter of the Professional Engineers of Ontario, and has been recognized in Railway Track & Structures magazine as a leading woman in the railway industry. Jennifer was also the recipient of the Emerging Entrepreneur Award at last year’s Empowering Women in Business Conference, for her impact, growth, and leadership. 

Dr. Rina Raichada is a dentist, CEO, and speaker with over two decades of clinical and leadership experience. A graduate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, she leads a respected practice in Ontario and is known for her commitment to excellence, advocacy, and mentorship. She then went on to complete a General Practice Residency Program at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston in 2002. She has been serving the Mississauga community, providing general dentistry, Invisalign, Implants and Cosmetic dental treatments, and her patients range from little children to seniors. She brings a grounded, real-world perspective on leadership, financial clarity, and navigating change—drawing from her experience balancing clinical practice, business operations, and growth in a highly regulated environment. In addition, she is also a member of the Ontario Dental Association, Ontario Dental Implant Network, and founding member and current President of the South Asian Dental Association.

Nadiya Yashan is an Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights and the official representative of the Ombudsman of Ukraine in Canada. She is the President and Founder of Business Woman PRO Canada, Director of Business Woman Magazine in Canada, and Co-Director of VONA Foundation. With over 15 years of experience in PR, media, and business community development, Nadiya is a marketing strategist and international event producer. She also brings public sector leadership experience, having served as Deputy Head of the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Religion. Nadiya is dedicated to empowering women in business through strategic marketing, AI-driven tools, and community building. She is the organizer of large-scale international events, including the International Business Woman Forum in Toronto, bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders. She has represented her organization at international platforms, including the European Parliament in Brussels, as well as conferences in Washington, D.C. and Luxembourg, contributing to global dialogue on leadership, human rights, and women’s entrepreneurship. In her speaking engagements, Nadiya shares practical insights on building resilient communities, scaling business initiatives, and navigating change in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Ezza Yasmeen Malik Zahoor is an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, and investor with over 8 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and a Master’s of Teaching from OISE (University of Toronto). She is the Co-Founder & President of Zalik Academy, a rapidly growing microschool and tutoring community in the Greater Toronto Area, where she has supported over 30,000 families through innovative, student-centered programming that blends academics, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Alongside her husband, Ezza is also a local and international investor and a partner in Popeyes Ajax North, building ventures that create both economic and community impact. She has supported thousands of families through her work. Ezza has won numerous awards in both business and education, including being named Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2025 EWB Conference. 

Session Description

Format: Rapid-fire stories, guided questions, interactive Q&A session

In a world where markets, regulations, and supply chains are shifting faster than ever, growth demands more than resilience— it requires strategic reinvention, financial clarity, and decisive leadership. In this intimate VIP conversation, Southern Ontario women entrepreneurs share how they navigate complexity on the ground: knowing their numbers, leading in highly regulated environments, managing supply-chain pressures, shifting from survival mode to CEO energy, and making bold decisions under uncertainty.

Key Takeaways: 

• Identify where you are in this shifting environment: starting over, standing out, scaling, or stabilizing.
• Translate their lessons into one concrete action you can take in the next 7 days in your own business or career.

Perfect for: Women entrepreneurs, career rebuilders, and emerging leaders who want honest, practical insight.