Fierce Leadership Summit

FIERCE Mission Statement

To elevate and empower women and gender-diverse individuals—especially those from equity deserving communities. FIERCE creates an inclusive space for courageous leadership, innovation, and connection.

FIERCE exists to challenge outdated models of leadership and replace them with something bolder, more honest, and more human. We center lived experience. We amplify voices that are often unheard. And we do it all in the spirit of equity, belonging, and collective impact.

FIERCE Purpose Statement

At FIERCE, we know that true leadership is rooted in belonging, authenticity, and access. That’s why this summit brings together changemakers who identify as Two-Spirit, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, Black and Racialized, Immigrant, and people with disabilities to share space, build confidence, and reimagine leadership on their own terms.

Our purpose is to:

1. Create a space where everyone feels seen, safe, and celebrated.
2. Foster inclusive leadership that reflects the richness of our communities.
3. Spark dialogue and relationships that lead to action, innovation, and systems change.

FIERCE provides a curated, high-impact leadership experience through:

Community-Rooted Programming

• A full-day in-person summit (November 6, 2025) with keynote talks, interactive workshops, and guided activities.
• A diverse agenda led by leaders who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, Black and Racialized, Immigrant(s), Women, persons with Disabilities and gender diverse.
• Thoughtful inclusion of cultural practices (e.g., St. John’s Mi’kmaw Drum Circle, Land Acknowledgement) to foster respect and acknowledge we all have a role to play with reconciliation.

Leadership Development & Empowerment

• Safer, welcoming space for 100–150 women and gender-diverse participants to grow and embrace their leadership capacity.
• Confidence-building through storytelling, panel discussions, and skill-based sessions.
• A platform for emerging and community-based leaders to build visibility and influence.

Networking & Connection

• Structured and informal opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, mentors, and sponsors.
• Cross-sector engagement between business owners (small and large) across various sectors, service providers, corporate allies and students.
• Digital touchpoints before and after the event to extend relationship-building beyond the summit.

Equity in Action

• Prioritization of accessibility and inclusion (sliding-scale ticketing available, accommodations, and inclusive practices).
• Payment of honoraria to speakers and panelists to recognize and value lived and professional expertise.
• Visual, cultural, and experiential design that celebrates diversity and affirms belonging.

November 6, 2026 @ AMAL Unite & Empower (7 Ricketts Road)

9:00-9:30 / St. John’s Mi’kmaw Drum Circle/ Video / Welcome

9:30-10:00 / Opener

10:00-10:30 / Session 1- Kathy Hawkins- EmpowerNL- Showing Up as Leaders

10:30-10:50 / Break

10:50-11:50 / Activity Laurabel Mba- Laurabel Mba Consulting- Building Community

11:50-12:30 / Session 2- Tera McDonald- Kalawikk Diversity Inc.- Relational Leadership: Decolonizing Workplace Culture

12:30-1:30 / Lunch & Connecting

1:30-2:15 / Session 3 / Panel Discussion (AnnMarie Boudreau (CEO Board of Trade & moderator, Ogaga Johnson (Verisult), Chief Jenny Brake (Qalipu First Nation), Tzu Hao Hsu (United Rentals) Leadership That Feels Like Us: Messy, Real, and Transformative

2:15-2:45 / Activity 2 / Being Your Authentic Self

2:45-3:00 / Break

3:00-3:30 / Session 4 / Constanza Safatle (Newbornlander) Leaders Don’t Back Down

3:30-3:45/ Closing