Start the day with purpose. These morning gatherings create a space for professional women to connect, share experiences, and gain insights from inspiring speakers. With a focus on leadership, business strategy, and personal development, these events energize attendees before the workday begins, fostering meaningful relationships and actionable takeaways.
Leading with Heart: Compassion, Resilience, and Indigenous Wisdom in Business
This breakfast event offers a grounding exploration of compassionate leadership and resilience through an Indigenous lens. In honor of Indigenous History Month, the session will focus on the strength and perseverance of marginalized communities, particularly women and Indigenous People, who continue to lead and thrive despite systemic barriers. Compassion, both for self and within business practices, will be explored as a radical and strategic act of leadership.
Rooted in the sacred teachings of the Medicine Wheel, this session will highlight how emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing can inform everyday decision-making, nurture healthier organizational cultures, and support long-term sustainability. Participants will gain insight into how Indigenous wisdom and wholistic frameworks can shape values-driven leadership, foster inclusive environments, and contribute to a thriving and balanced approach to business.
Guest Speaker - Kassondra Walters
Kassondra Walters is a visionary Indigenous entrepreneur, healer, and changemaker dedicated to economic empowerment and wholistic well-being for entrepreneurs and communities; leading initiatives that strengthen economic independence, foster cultural revitalization, and create inclusive spaces where education, business, and traditional knowledge meet.
A proud Oneida woman, she is a member of Six Nations of the Grand River, Kassondra is of mixed Indigenous First Nations and European heritage. Born and raised on the east coast of Turtle Island, Kassondra lives, works, and gives back in the spirit of reconciliation on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Peoples in Ottawa, Ontario.
An International Business graduate with over 25 years of corporate experience, Kassondra has worked across sectors including Human Resources, Environmental Engineering, Information Technology, and Consumer Packaged Goods. Founder & CEO of KD Management & Consulting, Kassondra shares her corporate and business expertise through the co-creation of Indigenous business incubator and accelerator programs, as well as through her contributions to community engagement and Human Rights initiatives with Indigenous organizations across Turtle Island, all in the spirit of empowerment and collective growth.
Kassondra is a passionate advocate for economic reconciliation, Indigenous Collective Rights, and social equity, empowering women, youth, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits through coaching, consulting, and mentorship. Integrating traditional wisdom with modern practices to support individuals and communities in healing and transformation, Kassondra weaves together business, healing, and advocacy to create lasting impact for future generations.
Location
Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre
215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1
Parking is available in the lot behind event centre building off Balsam Street between Preston and Rochester.