Description

Join us for an inspiring Women's Leadership event, where powerful minds connect and empower each other to lead with impact.

Presented in partnership with:

Enjoy a networking reception followed by a panel of women offering lessons in leadership.

Location: The Reach Gallery

Time: 5:00PM to 7:00PM

5:00 PM Networking + Reception 

5:45 PM Panel Discussion 

6:30 PM Q&A with Audience

6:45 PM  Closing Remarks

7:00 PM Event ends, networking continues

Ticket Price:

Member: $35

Non-Member: $50

Meet our Panelists:

Sara Albert: Partner Albert and Co Law Firm 

Sara Tebbutt Albert was raised in Abbotsford. She is a proud graduate of W.J. Mouat Highschool’s French Immersion Program and long-time Abbotsford Whaler. Sara completed law school at the University of Alberta in the top of her class and then worked in Alberta for a number of years before returning to her Abbotsford roots in 2020. She founded Albert & Co. Law in 2023. The law firm has seen significant growth in its first year, growing from two people to a team of ten, with plans to continue growing. Albert & Co. Law is a full-service law firm with a focus on Wills, Estates, Trusts, Probate and Estate Litigation. Sara practices primarily estate litigation. Sara is an active member of the Abbotsford business community and is driven to support other women in business. Sara sits on the board of the Downtown Abbotsford Business Association and the Estate Litigation Committee of the Trial Lawyers Association. She is also a proud member of the Canadian Bar Association. When she isn’t working, or organizing golf lessons for female professionals, you can find Sara spending time with her husband, two kids, and big fluffy dog.”

Naomi Pisio - Branch Manager and Team Leader, Scotiabank

Naomi Pisio is an accomplished and dynamic professional with extensive experience in the banking industry. Throughout her career, Naomi has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a keen understanding of the financial landscape. As a Senior Branch Manager at one of the largest Scotiabank branches in the BC & Yukon region, she has successfully managed teams and guided clients in achieving their financial goals. Her expertise lies in developing innovative strategies, fostering strong relationships, and delivering outstanding customer service. With a strong belief in diversity and inclusion, Naomi uses her voice to advocate for minority groups. Also understanding the unique challenges that women face in the industry, she is committed to providing mentorship, support, and networking opportunities for female professionals. Naomi is a strong advocate of the Scotiabank Women’s Initiative which aims to empower women by breaking down barriers to help increase economic and professional opportunities for women to be successful. Her passion for making a positive impact has earned her recognition and respect among her peers and community. 

Susan Mide Kiss - Vice President, Community Engagement

Susan Mide Kiss brings extensive community and post-secondary experience to UFV, having spent 15 years with the University of Calgary, most recently as Vice President, Community Engagement. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and is pursuing a Doctor of Social Sciences from Royal Roads University. Susan is recognized for her work in social action, strategic planning, and philanthropy, with awards from CASE and CCAE. A dedicated advocate for ethical engagement with Indigenous and equity-deserving communities, she brings valuable expertise as UFV celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024-25. 

As an active volunteer, Susan has supported a number of community organizations in BC and Alberta and joined the Board of Directors of the Abbotsford Community Foundation in 2024. 

Panel Moderator:

Alex Mitchell - CEO, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce

Alex Mitchell is the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, where she leads with a deep commitment to the economic vitality of the Fraser Valley. Her mission is to amplify the voice of Abbotsford’s business community, ensuring their interests are represented at every level of government. With over ten years of experience in communications, public affairs, and economic development, Alex is a trusted leader who brings strategic insight to her role.

Before joining the Chamber, Alex served as a Director at Hill + Knowlton Strategies, one of the world’s foremost public relations agencies. In this capacity, she directed crisis communications strategies, orchestrated national media campaigns for some of Canada’s largest corporations, and provided executive-level guidance on media relations and corporate reputation management.

Alex’s expertise also extends into municipal economic development, where she focused on advancing key sectors such as clean technology, agriculture, and ag-tech. Her work has taken her across the Asia Pacific region, collaborating with various levels of government and industry to foster economic growth and innovation.

A graduate of Simon Fraser University’s MBA program and holding a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia, Alex’s accomplishments have been recognized by BC Business, where she was named one of the Top 30 Under 30. She is also a proud Weston Loran Scholar and a fellow at SFU’s Social Innovation Lab (RADIUS).

In her personal time, Alex is passionate about food and wine, regularly hosting tastings and events as a certified sommelier through the London Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She is actively involved in her community, serving on the boards of the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre and Tourism Abbotsford Society. Proud to call Abbotsford home, Alex is dedicated to making a lasting impact in both her professional and personal endeavors.