REGISTER HERE

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from accomplished women who have navigated the challenges and triumphs of leadership.In a candid and intimate setting, three of VanWIT founding members will share their personal stories, highlighting the lessons they learned along the way—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

This is not just about success, but also about the resilience and growth that come from facing obstacles head-on.

**Inspiring Stories**: Real-life experiences that reveal the complexities of leadership and the power of perseverance.

**Interactive Discussions**: Engage in meaningful conversations and Q&A where you can seek advice and insights directly from our speakers.

**Networking Opportunities**: Connect with like-minded women who share your passion for leadership and personal growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this event is designed to provide you with valuable takeaways that you can apply in your own journey. Together, let’s learn from each other and create a supportive community that champions women in leadership.

Nieder-Ingelheim About our guest panel

Joanne Hausch

Joanne is a founding member and former president of VanWIT. In her 30 year career with a Big Four accounting firm, she provided tax and business advice to technology startups and their founders Her expertise in government funding programs, stock options, corporate structuring and governance helped launch companies and promoted entrepreneurship. She is committed to advancing women in the workplace, particularly in the technology sector.After retiring in 2017, Joanne started a new career as a corporate director, author, teacher and grandmother. She is a volunteer advisor with Catalyst+, formerly known as Canadian Executive Services Overseas. She also returned to her musical roots and plays in community orchestras. She and her husband Les are restoring an 80 year old log cabin in the woods.

Catherine Aczél Boivie, PhD, ICD.D

A senior executive, CEO, Board Chair/Board member, Dr. Boivie has led the advancement of the strategic value of information technology as a business enabler at Vancity Credit Union, Pacific Blue Cross and CAA British Columbia. She is the CEO of Strategic Technology Leadership Corporation (STLC) that specializes in advisory services to boards on IT governance and the strategic use of technology. Active in her community, she is a Board Director for several boards including the BC Real Estate Association, Canada Foundation for Innovation, General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) and on the Board of Governors of British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

Maryam Zargar

Maryam Zargar is a partner at Miller Thomson, leading the Corporate Group in Vancouver. Maryam focuses her practice on corporate transactions across various industries, domestically and internationally, as well as commercial and strategic advice with focus on the technology and retail sectors. Maryam’s personalized approach makes her a trusted advisor, emphasizing client success.

Maryam has significant experience serving on boards of corporations and non-profits, in additional to building and growing a business as an entrepreneur, founding a successful boutique law firm. Her broad experience strengthens her commitment to her clients’ businesses. She excels in negotiations during transactions, structuring and advising on financing, and M&A, priding herself on providing tailored solutions and being a strong advocate for her clients.Maryam frequently presents on emerging trends and global issues in M&A, Tech, retail and fashion, sharing her practical and academic depth to help businesses and their advisors navigate through legal issues towards successful growth and operations.

—

Your ticket price includes:

• Admission to the event
• Refreshments

Event Schedule Location: Miller Thomson Offices – 700 West Georgia Street – Suite 2200

• 6:00pm – 6:30pm: Networking and refreshments
• 6:30pm – 7:30pm: Panel discussion
• 7:30pm – 8:00pm: Networking

We are grateful to our sponsor Miller Thomson for hosting this event.