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March 6-7 |  StFX University

In Full Bloom: The Leader Within

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What to Expect

A welcoming, inspiring space to step outside the classroom and into the broader world of business. This conference is designed to help you connect with industry leaders, build meaningful relationships, and explore what success can look like on your own terms—through conversation, curiosity, and community.

❋ Meaningful Connections

Meet students from diverse programs and backgrounds, form genuine friendships, and expand your network in ways that feel natural and authentic—not forced or transactional.

❋ Industry Insight

Engage with professionals who are shaping their fields. Through panels, talks, and conversations, you’ll gain real-world perspectives on careers, leadership, and the many paths business can take beyond textbooks.

❋ Exploration Beyond the Classroom

This is a space to rethink what “business” means to you. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your values, interests, and goals—and how they can translate into fulfilling careers and impactful work.

❋ A Supportive, Inclusive Environment

Come as you are. The conference prioritizes respect, comfort, and openness so everyone feels empowered to participate, ask questions, and share ideas.

OUR SPEAKERS

Tia Upshaw

Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEO 2025 | 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlantic Canada 2025 | Top 100 Black Women in Canada to watch 2023 | CEO | Founder of BWIE & CEO | Founder It Is Tia Upshaw

Ann-Marie Flinn

Champion Change Agency - Helping individuals, teams and organizations navigate through Change. Certified Diverse Supplier |Proud P&G Alumni | Leadership Coach | Facilitator | Board of Directors member

Ann-Marie's Website

Johanne Belanger

CEO, Sodexo Canada

Doreen MacAulay

Consultant | Facilitator | Life-long Learner

Day One

Friday, March 6th, 2026

Location: Coady Institute, Dennis & Desmond Hall

St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS

6-9 PM

Doors Open

5:45 PM

Networking

5:45 - 6:25 PM

Opening Remarks

6:30 PM

Fireside Chat Keynote

6:45 PM

Beverages & Appetizers

7:30 PM

Hotseat Q&A

8:15 PM

Closing Remarks

8:45 PM

Doors Close

9:00 PM

Day Two

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

Location: Gerald Schwartz School of Business

St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS

8 AM - 3 PM

Doors Open

8:00 AM

Registration

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

9:00 AM

Keynote Speaker

9:30 AM

Workshops

10:30 AM

Lunch

12:00 PM

Interactive Activity

1:00 PM

Alumni Workshop

1:00 PM

Alumni Association Panel

2:00 PM

Closing Remarks

2:45 PM

Day Two - Evening

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

Location: Bloomfield Center, McKay Room

St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Doors Open

5:30 PM

Networking

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Opening Remarks

6:30 PM

Speeches

6:45 PM

Dinner & Desserts

7:15 PM

Keynote Speakers

8:15 PM

Speeches & Awards

9:15 PM

Closing Remarks

9:30 PM

  • "As a student in math, the WIB environment was a pleasant surprise. The engaging speakers and workshops provided me with inspiring and relevant takeaways. The ability to experience interdisciplinary networking was a highlight for me! I highly encourage ALL students - especially those in the sciences - to join this year's conference!"

    - Rivka Peters, 4th year BSC Mathematics Student

  • "I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 WIB Conference as an alumna. What a fantastic experience of learning, sharing and connecting with current and past X students, including my daughter! The conference was so well organized and engaging from start to finish! My favourite part was the open candid chats with students and alumnae. Well done WIB!! I look forward to attending this year's conference and am prepared to bloom with this year's theme of In Full Bloom: The Leader Within!!"

    - Leah (Taurasi) Hatfield, BBA Marketing & Management Graduate, Class of ‘95

  • "Last year's conference was such a meaningful way to bring together alumnae from across Canada to connect, share, and learn from one another. It was especially memorable for me because I had the chance to attend with both my mother and my younger sister. Hearing the advice and career journeys of so many accomplished women was incredibly empowering, and I left feeling inspired and motivated to keep pushing toward my goals. This is just a testament to how impactful and well-organized the conference was, and I can't wait to see what this year brings!"

    - Ella Smith, 4th year BBA Advanced Finance Student

Interested?

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