A panel discussion dedicated to empowering rising women in leadership is coming to Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) on March 26.
Free and open to the public, In Bloom: Rising Women in Leadership features networking opportunities and a panel of five industry leaders — all KPU alumni — who will share insights on what it takes to lead in today’s world. With March also being Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Month, many of the questions will focus around how the panelists support sustainability through leadership within their industries.
“We titled the spring night of networking In Bloom to embody the growth and flourishing of women's stories in their careers,” says Jessica Sangalang, a KPU student who helped produce the event. “It’s also a space for connection, bringing together students, as future leaders, with alumni and industry professionals who are inspiring change in their industries.”
The event will be moderated by KPU instructor Natasha Campbell, who first launched the Rising Women in Leadership series in 2024.
“I noticed that there was a lack of female representation in the field of entrepreneurship when looking at resources shared with students,” says Campbell, an instructor at both the Wilson School of Design and Melville School of Business at KPU. “I developed this panel series to create that conversation and engagement for students to see how women's leadership is attainable."
This year’s panel brings together KPU alumni from varying disciplines, who will bring a range of expertise to the discussion: Kim Baird, Chancellor of KPU and Chief Administrator Officer of the Tsawwassen First Nation; Ieda Del Bianco, Interim General Manager and Director of Operations, Van Belle Nursery Inc.; Vanessa Fors, Founder of Apparel Camp and Key Account Manager at Helly Hansen; Antonia Iamartino, Senior Director of Franchise Innovation and Design Director, Lululemon; and Amy Robinson, Founder and Executive Director, LOCO BC.
The event is sponsored by the KPU Alumni Association and is in partnership with the KPU Wilson School of Design. It’s being produced entirely by second-year Fashion Marketing students at KPU, who are responsible for everything from set decoration, marketing, sponsorships, engagement, public relations and more.
“It has been really rewarding to apply what we’ve learned over the past two years to create an evening that celebrates our community,” says student Taylene Yurick. “From planning and outreach to marketing and event coordination, we’ve strengthened our teamwork and communication skills, experiences that we’re excited to carry into our careers.”
In Bloom will be held on Thursday, March 26 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the KPU Wilson School of Design, 5600 Kwantlen St., Richmond, B.C. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.