IWD 2026 | Women Tech Makers

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Some patterns are meant to be followed. Others are meant to be broken.

For generations, women have navigated systems shaped by expectations, traditions, and structures that were not always designed with them in mind. These patterns defined who could lead, who could innovate, and who was given a seat at the table. But across the world today, those patterns are shifting.

Women are challenging norms. Redefining leadership. Building companies. Advancing science and technology. Shaping policy. Creating communities.And designing the future in ways previous generations could only imagine.

Break the Pattern

“Break the Pattern” reflects a moment in history where women across industries are reshaping what is possible. In technology, women are driving breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and digital innovation. In entrepreneurship, women are building companies that solve global challenges. In communities, women are creating networks that uplift, mentor, and empower the next generation of leaders. Every barrier challenged, every voice amplified, and every opportunity created becomes part of a new pattern - one that is more inclusive, more innovative, and more powerful.

This theme celebrates those moments of transformation.

Why This Conversation Matters Now

The world is evolving rapidly. Technology is transforming industries, economies are shifting, and new opportunities are emerging. But progress requires intention. The systems we build today will shape the opportunities available tomorrow.

Breaking the pattern means ensuring that the future of innovation, leadership, and progress reflects the diversity of the world we live in.

It means empowering voices that have historically been underrepresented. It means supporting bold ideas. It means creating spaces where leadership can emerge in new and unexpected ways. When women rise, communities rise with them.

What This Event Represents

This event is a celebration of possibility.

A space where innovators, leaders, students, and professionals come together to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and inspire one another. It is a moment to reflect on how far we have come, and how much more is possible when barriers are challenged and new paths are created.

The conversations sparked here are meant to inspire action long after the event ends. Because breaking the pattern is not a single moment.

It is a continuous movement toward a future where opportunity, innovation, and leadership are accessible to everyone.

Speakers

Alex Titov

Community Manager | Hunters Hub, University of Calgary

Opening Address: “Breaking the Pattern Starts Here”

Alex Titov is the Manager, Community at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, where she plays a key role in cultivating and strengthening one of Calgary’s most dynamic innovation spaces. In her role, Alex focuses on supporting, developing, and growing the entrepreneurial mindset across the Hub’s diverse community of founders, innovators, students, and ecosystem partners.

Her work sits at the heart of community building. On any given day, Alex can be found moving seamlessly between the boardroom, collaborative spaces, and event venues, connecting people, supporting programming, and helping create the environment where ideas, ventures, and partnerships can flourish.

Before joining the Hunter Hub team, Alex worked at the Haskayne School of Business in an operations role that supported the smooth running of programs and initiatives within the school. This experience aligned closely with her academic background, having earned her Bachelor of Commerce from the Haskayne School of Business, where she specialized in Operations Management.

Alex brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to everything she does, helping ensure that the Hunter Hub remains a welcoming and vibrant space where entrepreneurship, innovation, and community can thrive.

Simi Obasan

Lawyer | Councillor, City of Airdrie

Keynote Speaker - Keynote: “Unlearning Survival, Relearning Power”

Simisola Obasan is a multiple award-winning, triple-qualified lawyer, community leader, educator, and public servant. She currently serves as City Councillor for the City of Airdrie, making history as the first Black woman, immigrant, and person of colour to ever hold this role.

Simi is also the Co-Founder and Principal Partner at Grandforth Legal Practitioners, where she brings her deep expertise in legal practice, governance, and leadership to support individuals and organizations navigating complex systems.

Beyond her legal work, Simi is deeply passionate about education, mentorship, and community building. She serves as a Law Instructor at Bow Valley College, where she inspires the next generation of professionals, and she actively supports emerging leaders as a Career Mentor and Life Coach.

Her commitment to community leadership is longstanding. As the Immediate Past President of the Airdrie Black Community, Simi has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities, building leaders, and amplifying voices within the community she serves.

With a strong academic foundation in Law, Public Administration, and Communication, alongside a Business Entrepreneurship Certificate from Harvard University, Simi brings a thoughtful and well-rounded perspective to conversations around policy, governance, leadership, and civic engagement.

At the heart of everything she does is a deep commitment to service, equity, and community impact.

Outside of her professional and public life, Simi is a devoted wife and mother. She has been happily married to her husband, Oluwole, for 14 years, and together they are raising two wonderful children whom she lovingly calls “Sweetness” and “Deliciousness.”

Carrie Mah

Founder | Staff UX Designer- Fortis Games

Panelist

"Designing a Safer Digital World: The Women Behind the Screens"

Carrie Mah is a Staff UX Designer at Fortis Games and a passionate advocate for building sustainable, diverse teams where people can truly thrive.

After spending more than 15 years trying to fit into rigid, neurotypical systems and experiencing the burnout that often comes with it, Carrie chose a different path. She founded Carrie M Designs to help neurodivergent founders and professionals build businesses and careers in ways that actually work for how their minds operate.

Working at the intersection of strategy, design thinking, and analog play, Carrie helps founders transform the friction in their businesses into clear, neuro-inclusive systems that support creativity, clarity, and long-term sustainability.

As an Experience Designer, Carrie creates engaging, interactive workshops that give professionals the space to move beyond perfectionism, reconnect with their creative spark, and design portfolio careers that both sustain and nourish them.

Ejiro Onobrakpor

Film-Maker | Business Analyst - ATB Financial

Panelist - Fireside Chat: When Women Design the Future

An active listener and visionary, Ejiro Onobrakpor is a growth-minded strategist and storyteller who specializes in simplifying complexity to reveal what is possible. With over two decades of experience as a filmmaker and enabler, Ejiro bridges the gap between high-level strategy and human-centric execution. Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, his foundational experiences in one of the world’s most vibrant hubs fueled a lifelong commitment to community engagement. He has a proven track record of designing and implementing programs that foster deep connection and mitigate conflict among vulnerable populations, always placing human connection at the heart of the solution. Prolific in coordinating productions and events, Ejiro brings a unique blend of creativity and organizational skill to every project. His writing spans feature articles and films, with his latest feature film, *Love. Sex. Religion*, currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Ejiro holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Accounting and has pursued further education in Digital Film Production at the SAE Institute. In 2015, he was honored to be among 21 young Nigerian filmmakers sponsored to study at the prestigious Relativity Education Studio in Los Angeles. In addition to his filmmaking accomplishments, Ejiro is also a documentary filmmaker and a proud 2024 ATB president league winner, showcasing his dedication to excellence. Currently, he serves as an Business Analysis at ATB Financial, where he continues to uses storytelling to simplify complexities by shining light on what is possible and building the right bridge to get there. A devoted father of three and husband, Ejiro balances his professional pursuits with his commitment to family and community, always striving to make a meaningful impact through his work.

Naz Zarreen Oishie

Software Developer, Siemens

Panelist

From Passion to Profession: Empowering Women in Diverse STEM Careers

Naz is a Software Engineer working on Electronic Design Automation as part of the R&D team at Siemens. Along with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan, she has research experience in the field of Machine Learning and has published multiple papers. She loves using AI to build things and being a Women Techmaker Ambassador as well as a GDG lead, is keen on sharing her enthusiasm with the tech community.

Kim Matchett

Software Developer/Data Analyst

Panelist

From Passion to Profession: Empowering Women in Diverse STEM Careers

Kim Matchett's journey exemplifies the transformative power of curiosity and resilience. Starting as a corporate card coordinator, her passion for Excel led her to pivot towards software development and data analysis, delving deep into the world of technology.

Attending the 2023 Google Women's Techmakers event in Calgary proved to be a pivotal moment, providing not just learning but also inspiration and a sense of belonging in the tech community.

Sumaiya Saleem

Legal Practitioner, Litigation & Corporate Law

Panelist

Empowering Future Generations: Mentoring and Advocacy for Women's Advancement

Sumaiya Saleem, also known as Su, is a dynamic legal professional who recently cleared her law exams to practice in Canada, having initially started her legal career as a Lawyer in India. Her dedication to her profession led her to Calgary's vibrant legal landscape, where she began as a Paralegal at a prestigious downtown law firm. Currently, Su is undertaking her articles at a renowned law firm in NW Calgary, where she continues to demonstrate excellence in her practice.

Su possesses expertise in litigation and corporate law, with a focus on residential real estate, wills and estates, and personal injury law. Her attention to detail and problem-solving skills position her to make a significant impact in the legal community.

Notably, Su is forward-thinking in the realm of law and technology, exploring the integration of Generative AI tools in law firms to streamline processes and boost efficiency. She sees innovation as a driver for positive change within the legal profession and eagerly anticipates the opportunities it brings.

As Su prepares for her upcoming bar call, she is poised to leave a lasting impression on the legal community with her forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence.

Janine Rogan

CEO & Founder/Pink Tax Movement

Speaker

Inspiring Stories of Women Building Entrepreneurial Empire with Financial Freedom

Janine Rogan, CPA, is a passionate keynote and TEDx speaker. She is the Founder and CEO of The Wealth Building Academy Inc., and an award winning CPA. Her mission is to educate and empower women to confidently and profitably grow their wealth, through financial feminism - financial equality for all.

Janine has been featured internationally by a number of publications and has delivered keynotes to thousands of individuals and companies around the world. She currently sits on the CPA Alberta Education Foundation board, the board of FESA, and the planning committee of the AICPA Global Women’s Leadership Summit. Janine is pursuing her Master’s in Economic Sustainability through the University of Torrens in Australia.

In spring 2023, Rogan released her debut book “The Pink Tax: Dismantling A Financial System Designed To Keep Women Broke” published by Page Two Books. In it, Janine explores the hidden ways that women are held back in our society—from overpriced women’s themed items to the motherhood penalty. It debuted at #1 on Amazon for Feminist Theory books.

Janine is a University of Alberta alumni, born and raised in Edmonton, Canada. She is currently based out of Calgary where she lives with her husband Andrew, son Theodore, and pup Lazer.

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Paulina Sin

Senior Manager, Product

Speaker

Women in Leadership

As a second-generation Canadian, Paulina Sin navigates the intersection of Western society and Chinese customs. From her upbringing, she's cultivated a rich understanding of cultural dynamics and a deep-rooted commitment to community. Her journey into leadership began early, assisting her mother in running Chinese immigrant children's learning programs, where she not only taught English and crafts but also instilled a sense of curiosity and compassion.

Paulina's academic pursuits led her to the University of Calgary, where she sought to broaden her horizons. Eager to gain practical experience, she embarked on her first "big girl" job as an Outbound Sales Specialist at ATB Financial, a role she balanced with her studies. It was here that she discovered her affinity for the financial sector, eventually shifting her major to finance while earning a minor in psychology. Continuing her journey at ATB Financial, Paulina's career trajectory evolved from Personal Banking Specialist to Financial Advisor. Along the way, she found herself naturally assuming leadership roles, driven by a desire to make a tangible impact on those she served.

However, it was her transition into Product Management that truly ignited her passion. Recognizing the potential to affect meaningful change, Paulina embraced the challenges and rewards of leading cross-functional teams in delivering innovative solutions. Her tenure as a Product Manager at ATB Financial has been marked by continuous growth and empowerment. From guiding squads to orchestrating entire roadmaps and launches, Paulina's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization's retail online/mobile banking offerings.

For Paulina, leadership is more than just a title—it's about fostering an inclusive environment where team members can flourish, learn, and grow together. She believes in creating a culture that encourages experimentation and celebrates both successes and failures, recognizing that true innovation comes from embracing every opportunity to learn and evolve. In her role as a leader, Paulina remains committed to driving positive change, both within her team and the broader organization. With her unwavering dedication and passion for excellence, she continues to redefine what it means to be a leader in today's ever-evolving landscape.

Jen Lussier

Chief Operating Officer

Speaker

Advancing the Role of Women in Tech

Jennifer is a long-time entrepreneur in Calgary. At Platform Calgary as COO, she is responsible for operationalizing the organization's vision to support and amplify the growth of Calgary's tech sector.

Prior to joining Platform Calgary, Jennifer spent 4 years building a tech start-up in the construction industry focused on the under-utilization of heavy equipment. Prior to this, she spent 20+ years in developing and nurturing corporate brands from the ground up through marketing, design and writing through her own advertising agency.

Jennifer’s fun side project is Eff Academy, a forum about failure where entrepreneurs can find commonalities and connect on the challenges they've shared in starting, running, scaling, and sometimes shuttering, their businesses

Temi Jaiyeola

Geologist

Panelist

Empowering Future Generations: Mentoring and Advocacy for Women's Advancement

Temi Jaiyeola is an experienced Geoscience Professional, with an MSC in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Aberdeen and is currently enrolled in an Executive MBA program at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary.

As a Geoscience leader, guiding oil and gas exploration strategies, communicating, and
effectively managing geological operations, performance, and results; she is instrumental in creating value through increased production and reserves growth. Currently pursuing an MBA, she is actively building formal leadership skills with a focus on finance and strategic management.

She is also passionate about future energy trends, specifically carbon capture and storage and designing a path to net zero emissions. She gives back to her community by being available for opportunities to volunteer at Soup Kitchens across Calgary, as well as to her professional community by mentoring less experienced geoscience professionals on technical geoscience topics and successful career navigation practices. Her subject matter expertise is in Exploration & Prospect generation, resource evaluation,
reservoir characterization, oil field development planning, and the management of assets (oil mineral licenses) and geoscience operations.

Temi Oladapo

Medical Doctor

Panelist

From Passion to Profession: Empowering Women in Diverse STEM Careers

Dr Temi Oladapo, M.D, MRCGP, CCFP.

I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria where I lived until I was 16. I then proceeded to Ternopil national medical school in Ukraine where I lived and studied for 6 years. I moved back to Lagos and completed my medical internship as well as my mandatory national service year.

For my national service, I was posted to the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society where I then set up the first clinic with my senior colleagues. This was my first proper introduction and immersion into primary care.

I then moved to the United Kingdom where I completed my residency and worked for a little while, before moving to Calgary in October 2023.

In addition to my general practice, I am very much interested in urgent care, women’s health as well as Dermatology.

I have two amazing little boys and a very supportive husband, and we are lucky to have a lot of family around.

In my spare time, I hide in my closet so my boys can’t find me, then I devour an alarming number of novels, but I also love to cook, and I love to travel!

Bukola Adedeji

CEO / Entrepreneur

Panelist

Empowering Future Generations: Mentoring and Advocacy for Women's Advancement

TheBraGirl, a pioneering brand in the lingerie industry, is founded on the principle of empowering women by revolutionizing their approach to undergarments. This innovative brand believes firmly in the transformative power of the right lingerie for self-expression and an enhanced lifestyle.

The vision behind TheBraGirl comes from its founder, Bukola Adedeji's extensive background in dressmaking and personal experience, bringing a unique understanding of the importance of breast support in daily life. This insight forms the foundation of the brand, enabling a specialized focus on the needs of women, especially those with larger busts.

Known for its expertise in styling specialty bras, TheBraGirl addresses body confidence and breast support issues with empathy and professionalism, making it a trusted authority in the lingerie sector for women of all ages.

A key aspect of TheBraGirl's mission is its educational initiative, TheBraTalk. This platform addresses the often overlooked topic of adequate breast support, providing comprehensive resources and digital tools to assist women in enhancing their undergarment choices throughout various stages of life.

TheBraGirl's flagship store, embodying the brand's commitment to empowering women, is located on Level 3 of the Core Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary, Canada. This location serves as a testament to the brand's dedication to improving women's lives through expertly curated lingerie.

Thank you for IWD2026

There may be no better way to communicate our gratitude than through images. As you browse, take a few moments to let your eyes linger here, and reflect on the profound impact of your involvement in this year's International Women's Day event.

See you all at IWD2025!