She Leads: SWB International Women’s Day 2026

🌟 International Women’s Day: Celebrating Immigrant Women in Tech Scale Without Borders is proud to host a landmark International Women’s Day event celebrating immigrant women in tech and innovation. At the heart of Toronto, we're taking over the Well's 29th and 30th floor to make space for immigrant women.On the one hand, this is a unique gathering of immigrant women leaders, allies, employers, and partners—coming together for authentic conversation, actionable insights. On the other, this will be the launchpad for two transformative initiatives: A National Virtual AI Hackathon hosted by Scale Without Borders– designed to surface hundreds of hire-ready talent, early-stage product ideas, and high-potential teams of women across Canada.A Fund to Support Women in Need – details to be shared soon, aiming to provide tangible support where it matters most. Why this matters The truth is: women experience the workplace differently. Studies show that: Burnout disproportionately affects women, with 48% of women reporting burnout (Gallup, 2023).Women are underpaid and under-rewarded, earning 23% less than their male counterparts in tech on average (NCWIT, 2022).Women are more likely to overfunction, taking on extra tasks and emotional labor, often without recognition. Layer on immigrant identity, and the challenges compound: Immigrant women are more likely to face underemployment, with 42% working in jobs below their qualification level (Statistics Canada, 2021).They experience higher barriers to mentorship, networks, and sponsorship, making advancement in tech more challenging.Despite these obstacles, immigrant women bring resilience, innovation, and global perspectives that drive industry transformation. This event is a celebration, a safe and curated setting, and a launchpad. Immigrant women leaders will share their authentic stories, have honest conversations, and connect with allies and employers ready to make change.Refreshments will be provided. Event Highlights Welcome & Networking: Connect with like-minded leaders and allies.Keynote & Icebreakers: Hear inspirational journeys and spark meaningful conversation.Panel: Immigrant Women Leading in AI: Insights from the forefront of innovation.Employer-Led Workshops & Mentorship: Gain actionable strategies and launch the hackathon.Curated Networking & Reception: Build connections that last beyond the event. We’re also honoured to share that we will be featuring a special message from Mayor Olivia Chow as part of the evening. Who Should Join Immigrant women in tech and innovationAllies ready to support, sponsor, and champion women in techEmployers, partners, and tech leaders eager to tap into Canada’s top immigrant talent Speaker Lineup: We’re finalizing an incredible roster—stay tuned as we add more! Bindhu Alvar ThiruvenkadathanCIO, Wealth Management Technology, BMOSaima MalikHead of Enterprise Process Automation COE, TDRachel ZimmerCo-Founder & CEO, Simple VenturesNouhaila ChelkhaouiFounder & CEO, Scale Without BordersKristina GubanovVice President, Global Operations, Index Exchange If this is you, sign up today. Know a woman or ally who should join? Share this invite—let’s grow this community together. 🚪 Getting to the Event Main Entrance (Recommended) Enter through The Well’s main doors on Spadina AvenueWalk through the lobby to the B bank elevators (back of the building)Use the touchpads to go to the 29th floorHead toward the glass doors and check in at Index reception 🚗 Parking (Underground Garage) Entrance: 421 Wellington St WPark on P3 (guest parking)Follow signs to “8 Spadina Elevator Lobby”Take elevators to the main lobby → then proceed to B bank elevatorsGo to the 29th floor and check in at reception