Conestoga’s School of Business hosted a SheMeansBusiness event, focused on career exploration for current students.
The SheMeansBusiness event in November was the most well-attended event in the series yet.
The event, held on November 5 at the college’s Kitchener - Doon campus, was designed to support women and gender minorities, providing a unique opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals and explore diverse career paths in the world of business.
Attendees could hear inspiring insights and stories from Conestoga graduates during the alumni panel and network with alumni, industry leaders and associations, including the Canadian Marketing Association, CPA Ontario, the National Payroll Institute, CIM Chartered Managers Canada, the Human Resources Professional Association, the Project Management Institute and the Insurance Brokers Association of Waterloo Region.
Representatives from Conestoga’s Talent Hub, Continuing Education and the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective were also available to discuss how their services can support students’ professional development.
Launched in November 2024, SheMeansBusiness events are held throughout the year, inspiring and empowering women and gender minorities by fostering their interest in business education. The November edition was the most well-attended event yet.
“SheMeansBusiness gives women and gender minorities the chance to see the breadth of opportunities available in business and to imagine themselves in those roles. By connecting students with diverse industries, we help them discover career paths they may never have considered,” said event organizer Jamie Wiebe, chair in the School of Business.
Speakers featured Conestoga graduates Joanna Mendonca (Business - Insurance), President at Staebler Insurance; Alexis Illes (BBA - International Business Management), a PhD student in Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, researching resilience in women leaders; and Krystal Wilson (BBA - Accounting, Audit and IT), a MNP LLP accountant.
The panel brought together diverse voices and experiences, offering students valuable perspectives on leadership, resilience and career development. Speakers emphasized the importance of leading with kindness, reframing rejection as redirection, pursuing one's passion and the role of networking and mentorship as essential tools for building a meaningful career.
The next SheMeansBusiness event is planned for March in honour of International Women's Day 2026.
The School of Business provides numerous options, opportunities and pathways for students to complete, specialize or expand their business education. Programs reflect today’s business needs across a wide range of credentials, from one-year certificates, two-year and three-year advanced diplomas, to graduate certificates and degree opportunities that include multiple specializations. Bachelor’s degree programs include International Business Management; Accounting, Audit and Information Technology; Financial Services; and Human Resource Management.