Breaking Barriers: Solutions for Women in Entrepreneurship - IWD
In recognition of International Women’s Day 2026, The BRIDGE and SICIEEIL are proud to co-host a celebration of women entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators.
All members of the U of T community are invited to join us on Tuesday, March 3 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in SICIEEIL (IA 2000) for a moderated panel discussion with audience Q&A, spotlighting women who are advancing entrepreneurship through innovation and leadership.
Generously supported by U of T Scarborough alumna Gigi Pang as part of the Community and Resources for Enterprising Women (CREW) Program
Moderator:
Vania Sakelaris
Founder/Principal of VAS & Associates.
Vania Sakelaris specializes in catalyzing, supporting, and advancing change. This includes working in the capacity of CEO, as a provincial planner and funder, as an entrepreneur and Executive Coach. Building on more than 25 years of progressive senior leadership, Vania has established and demonstrated effective knowledge of good governance through her work with boards in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.
She is committed to lifelong learning and providing mentorship to university students and entrepreneurs.
Panelists:
Hadriana Leo
Wealth Strategist and Founder of Money Navigator™ International.
Hadriana Leo is a Wealth Strategist and the founder of Money Navigator™ International. A personal finance professional since 2009, she brings over a decade of specialized experience to helping successful, high-earning women move beyond the overwhelm of complex finances to become the confident architects of their wealth and legacy. She is the author of Becoming a Wealthy Woman on Purpose and host of the Catalyst Conversations podcast, where she sparks change in women’s wealth.
Jenny Chen
Founder & CEO, Catalais Consulting Ltd.
After 16 years in corporate finance, Jenny Chen transitioned from a top-ranking investment professional and Financial Planner to become a senior leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a global wealth management firm. She later served as Director of Business Enablement, overseeing talent and business strategy to help the firm compete meaningfully in a fast-evolving landscape for talent and clients.
Today, as Founder & CEO of Catalais Consulting Ltd., Jenny advises organizations across all sectors including finance, government, healthcare, and philanthropy, on building structures that ensure no talent or business is left behind — creating systems that are inclusive, human-centric, and performance-driven.
Jenny has been featured in Wealth Professional Canada, The Globe and Mail, and numerous leadership platforms for her work bridging strategy, equity, and impact.
Stacey Ann Berry
Founder and President, Bstellar® Group Inc.
Ethical AI and Governance Advisor
Stacey Ann Berry, BA (Hons.) MPPAL Founder and President, Bstellar® Group Inc. Ethical AI and Governance Advisor Stacey Ann Berry is the founder and president of Bstellar® Group Inc., which provides professional development workshops, consulting services in government relations, business development and strategic planning. Bstellar® Group Inc. helps non-profits and private companies build relationships with elected officials, navigate the complexities of government, advocate for equitable policies and advance local economic development initiatives. Stacey Ann is also a published author, highly sought after speaker and public policy professional. She provides thought leadership on Ethical AI, the impact of digitizing essential services and the importance of protecting human rights in the digital age. She created AI Governance, Policy and The Public Good, a digital course for Udacity, which provides a governance focused framework for how AI can benefit society, respect human values, and promote fairness.” She is an AI Policy Research Member with the Centre for AI and Digital Policy and completed AI safety training with BlueDot Impact. Stacey has a graduate degree in Public Policy Administration and Law, and an Honours BA in History and Law and Society from York University. She also has a diploma in Court and Tribunal Administration and a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Seneca College. Stacey is the recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to the community, such as, the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and Canada’s 100 Black Women to Watch.
She was recognized as the top “150 Neighbors and Community Builders” by University of Toronto Scarborough, a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience Award by York University and the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: SICIEEIL - IA 2000