Join us for our 2025 AWE Summit: Building Capacity in Uncertain Times
Join us from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on May 14th for an inspiring day designed to fuel business growth, ignite leadership, and drive meaningful change.
Women entrepreneurs are shaping the future of business, innovation, and leadership. At this year’s AWE Summit 2025, we bring together Alberta’s most dynamic business minds to strengthen connections, unlock opportunities, and drive lasting success.
This year’s theme, Building Capacity in Uncertain Times, reflects our commitment to fostering the networks, knowledge, and capital needed for women entrepreneurs to thrive. Through engaging keynote speakers, and thought-provoking panels, the AWE Summit provides invaluable insights and tangible strategies to help you scale your business, grow your impact, and build meaningful relationships.
Meet Our Speakers: Wisdom, Strategy & Real Talk from the Frontlines of Entrepreneurship
This year’s Summit will feature an insightful panel discussion and a hands-on workshop, all designed to equip women entrepreneurs with practical tools, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies for navigating uncertain times.
Keynote Speaker
This year, AWE is excited and proud to have Jess Tetu speak to our audience. Overcoming adversity at a very young age, Jess began her adult life on her own at the age of 15 years old and through dedication, determination and hard work has become a national award winning philanthropist and entrepreneur.
Jess is the sole owner of five Just For You Day Spas in Saskatchewan & Alberta, Founder & CEO of Lia Reese Canada, (Saskatchewan’s Beauty Brand), Founder & CEO of Iconic Betty Jewelry, Founder of Jess Tetu Consulting, and Founder & CEO of 4seventyone Recovery Resources, a not-for-profit charity she created.
She was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, awarded the SK Entrepreneur of the Year Award, honoured with the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and most recently received one of Canada’s most coveted awards when she was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women.
Panel Discussion: “Been There, Still Doing That: Building Business in Uncertain Times”
Join us for an honest, grounded conversation with three exceptional entrepreneurs who’ve turned challenges into opportunities, and continued to build thriving businesses with clarity, creativity, and resilience:
Casey Sharp is the Co-Founder and COO of the Risio Institute, a dental assisting school focused on expanding access to education for people in rural and remote communities. Drawing from a background in e-learning and aviation, Casey brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to entrepreneurship and continues to advocate for accessible education and innovation in regulated industries.
Kendall Barber is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Poppy Barley, a Canadian brand redefining luxury with sustainably made, ultra-comfortable footwear and accessories. A lifelong advocate for women, girls, and ethical fashion, Kendall is leading a movement toward more conscious consumerism and a more inclusive industry one step at a time.
Trena Laine Olfert is a passionate entrepreneur, an award-winning beauty industry coach and makeup artist, and the heartfelt author of Dear Aaron. With a decades-long career, Trena has touched countless lives as a podcast host of The Uncut, as a keynote speaker, blending authenticity and compassion into all she does. Following the profound loss of her husband, Aaron, she channeled her grief, resilience, and hard-won lessons into a poignant memoir that explores love, loss, healing, and the courage to redefine life beyond hustle culture and societal norms. Trena’s mission is to inspire others to prioritize mental well-being, find strength in vulnerability, and create meaningful work and connections.
Vartika Satija, CPA, CA, is the founder of a boutique accounting and tax advisory firm serving a wide range of entrepreneurs and not-for-profits. Known for her client-focused and empowering approach, Vartika supports business owners with strategic tax planning, financial systems, and financial literacy ensuring they’re not just compliant, but confident and future-ready.
Workshop
At this year's AWE Summit, Melissa Martin, AWE and Sunrise Co., will deliver an engaging, 30 minute workshop designed to help you use marketing as a tool for resilience and growth. You’ll explore how to communicate with clarity, build stronger customer relationships, and stay agile with digital strategies that actually work. Whether you're rethinking your brand or planning your next big move, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can put into action right away.
Why Attend?
Gain fresh insights from entrepreneurs, financial experts, and business advisors who’ve weathered economic uncertainty and come out stronger.
Engage in real conversations about growth, capital access, and leadership challenges in today’s climate.
Network with a powerful community of entrepreneurs, funders, and ecosystem leaders across Alberta.
Leave with tangible strategies to strengthen your business, build resilience, and grow with purpose.