International Women's Day Brunch 2026

March 6, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (PST)

Description

- SOLD OUT. WAITLIST AVAILABLE - 

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of women—past, present, and future. On Friday, March 6, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is proud to host our annual International Women’s Day Celebration.

Join us for an inspiring brunch at the Vancouver Golf Club, featuring a powerful keynote speaker, thought-provoking panel discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities. 

This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, highlights the idea that when we invest in others—through mentorship, collaboration, advocacy, and community—we all grow stronger. It encourages participants to share knowledge, elevate diverse voices, and build meaningful connections that lead to both personal and professional advancement.

Our inspiration for this year is "She Opened the Door for Me" — celebrating the mentors, sponsors, and allies who break barriers and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Through real stories, practical insights, and engaging conversations, attendees will explore how generosity of time, experience, and support can create lasting impact and open the door to new opportunities.

Keynote Speaker:

Katrina Chen

Katrina Chen (陳葦蓁) immigrated to Canada from Taiwan on her own and began her career in grassroots community work before serving as a Trustee on the Burnaby Board of Education. She was later elected MLA for Burnaby–Lougheed and became the first Taiwanese-born Canadian appointed to the BC Cabinet as Minister of State for Child Care, where she helped lay the groundwork for the $10-a-Day child care system.

With nearly 20 years in community service, Katrina is now a life and career coach and the President of 安信 Community Savings, B.C.’s first credit union initiative serving Chinese-language communities. A survivor of gender-based violence, she is also the author of A Stronger Home, a picture book about family violence, healing, and the meaning of home. She continues to advocate for child care, public education and equity.

Panelists:

Sarah Cameron, Vice President, Commercial Insurance BC, Westland Insurance Group Ltd.

Sarah is a senior insurance executive and transformational leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth and operational excellence in the Canadian insurance industry. As Vice President, Commercial Insurance at Westland Insurance Group, she leads strategic initiatives focused on performance, people development, and innovation across commercial lines.

Known for breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated environments, Sarah has led large teams through complex change, including operational transformation and M&A integration, while building inclusive, high-performing cultures.

A passionate advocate for mentorship and women’s leadership, she believes in investing in others to unlock collective success. Her leadership reflects the #GiveToGain philosophy — grounded in collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and opening doors for others to succeed.

Joanna Tong, Executive Director, Foundation, British Columbia Institute of Technology

Joanna Tong, Executive Director at the BCIT Foundation, has unwittingly made a few “breakthroughs”. She was the first female postgraduate student in a master’s degree program in its 30-year history. She received the first North West Women’s Achievement Award in England for her community services and radio presenting. She successfully spearheaded a £2 billion fundraising campaign at the University of Cambridge in Asia and has been tirelessly championing diversity (gender and ethnicity) in philanthropy. The experience of living and working across three continents made her realize that what we do and how we interact with each other can make an impact that could last for generations to come. She believes that we can lift each other no matter what because giving is gaining. It is a FULL CIRCLE.

Jesi Neill, Senior Project Manager, Kiewit

With over 10 years of experience in civil infrastructure and construction, Jesi Neill currently oversees multiple projects in British Columbia as a Project Manager with Kiewit's Western Canada District. 

Jesi's leadership spans all aspects of construction management, design coordination, client relations, and team development, making her a key contributor to critical infrastructure projects. 

She excels at assembling and managing high performing teams capable to delivering technically challenging projects. 

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IWD 2026: #GivetoGain

The IWD 2026 GiveToGain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

GiveToGain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.

Social Media Campaign

Are you in? Strike the #GivetoGain pose to show solidarity. 

Encourage others to help accelerate action within their own sphere of influence by sharing your image and statement across social media throughout the year using #IWD2026 #GivetoGain.

We are proud to support the Soroptimists through donations to Period Promise. Our tap machine will be available for anyone who would like to contribute to this important cause. Thank you for your support!