8 unique women.
8 different journeys.
8 stories to inspire you.
On Saturday, March 23rd the Women & Money Montreal community gathered for its Inspiring Financial Inclusion event. It was an evening of connecting, laughing, sharing stories, and listening to the incredibly different, inspirational journeys of 8 panelists during our fireside chat.
Maria Bello is the founder and host of the Raising Sparks podcast. She shared her story of moving to Montreal from Colombia and her difficulties of finding work because of a lack of Canadian experience. Even after earning a certificate from McGill University in Public Relations and Communications Maria still faced barriers but used the power of networking not only to grow her business as a freelancer but eventually finding work in her field. You can follow Maria on LinkedIn here.
Jordan Green started off her career in public relations but finds herself today as the Director of Sales at Invico Capital Corporation. Jordan spoke her transition from a women-centred field to the world of alternative investments. She also spoke candidly about women and imposter syndrome, and how we need to empower each other so we can not only have a “seat at the table” but feel we belong there, too. Jordan is currently studying for the Certified Financial Analyst exam. You can follow Jordan on LinkedIn here.
Cordelia McNeal is a 30 year veteran in nursing. She shared her frustration with the government when it comes to nurses, pay negotiations, and work conditions, and why nurses are leaving the field or moving to other provinces. “It’s insulting how much they were offering us compared to the Surêté du Québec,” she said. “We were heroes during the pandemic but the minute we ask for money, they block us.”
Vivian Zabuga is a CPA auditor and a real estate investor. Her style of real estate investing is not typical – she focuses on luxury condos. Her goal is to rent to professionals who are in a transitional period in their lives, and need to rent for a few short years. Vivian shared why she took this approach as well as factors she considers when choosing which condo to purchase. You can follow Vivian on LinkedIn here.
Lezlie Karls is the Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Creative Director of Mid-Day Squares, a chocolate company that started from a small apartment kitchen to a manufacturing facility with the potential of generating $70M in revenue. She spoke about the microaggressions that sometimes comes with being a woman in manufacturing and the lack of confidence women sometimes have that keep them in their comfort zone. You can follow the Mid-Day Squares journey here.
Kelly Bron Johnson (she/they) is an Autistic and Hard-of-Hearing self-advocate, keynote speaker, author, and founder of Completely Inclusive and the Autistic Entrepreneurs Network. Kelly Bron dove into the barriers disabled persons face when it comes to employment, owning a business, and the requalification requirements when it comes to the Disability Tax Credit. You can follow Kelly Bron on LinkedIn here.
After 14 years as President of Cuisines Nuenza, Nancy Boudreau officially handed in her keys and sold her business February 9th. Nancy talked about her experience as a first time business owner and the lack of support for entrepreneurs over the age of 40 at that time the started her business. As a mother and wife herself, she shared her advice on trying to balance career and family, and the importance of having a community to support you. You can follow Nancy on LinkedIn here.
Judy Saltarelli is the President of Notarial Office Saltarelli Inc and the founder of the Legacy Ladies of Montreal community. Judy shared her strong “why’s” and what inspired her to open her own business at the age of 24. You can follow Judy on LinkedIn here.
You can catch the photo gallery from the event here.
Missed the Inspiring Financial Inclusion event? You can catch the fireside chat with the panelists here.
Lin Sok is an Independent Financial Security Advisor and Mortgage Broker. To discuss your insurance, investment or mortgage needs, or if you would like to discuss your overall personal or business financial situation, you can reach out to Lin here.