2025 Barrie Women Driven
Barrie Women Driven: May 21, 2025
Hosted at the prestigious Automotive Business School of Canada on May 21st, immerse yourself in an evening dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in the automotive industry. Network with fellow leaders, gain invaluable insights from our esteemed panel of industry experts, and discover actionable strategies to propel your career forward. Together, let’s pave the way for greater equity and inclusivity in automotive.
All genders are welcome, making this event the perfect opportunity to bring your whole team together in support of diversity and empowerment. Tickets are $150+hst and include drinks and dinner. Your ticket purchase proceeds contributes directly to Women Driven scholarships, empowering future generations of leaders. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and make a difference – secure your tickets now for Women Driven Barrie!
What to Expect:
Leadership Panel – Deloitte Employee Engagement Results and Insights
Women Driven Exclusive! Join us for an eye-opening leadership panel where we’ll reveal the results of our employee engagement study conducted in partnership with Deloitte—designed specifically for the retail automotive industry.
Deloitte will kick off the conversation by sharing key findings from the study, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with top industry leaders who will reflect on the results and offer real-world strategies to address them. The panel will explore critical themes such as leadership, employee retention, work-life balance, and creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Panelists include:
🔹 Alyssa McKeown, GM & Managing Partner, Forbes GM
🔹 Christy Fines, GM & Managing Partner, Barrie Chrysler
🔹 Heidi McElwain, Controller, Currie Truck Centre
🔹 Lauren Carter, Director of Dealer Finance, BMO
This session offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from top industry voices and discover actionable insights that can help improve employee engagement and strengthen your organization from within.
Personal Power Branding Workshop
Presented by: Ritika Saraswat, Founder & CEO of Re-Defined | LinkedIn Top Voice | 2X TEDx Speaker
In today’s competitive world, knowing how to position yourself is just as important as knowing your skills. In this engaging and empowering session, Ritika Saraswat—a globally recognized voice in personal branding, networking, and career development—will guide attendees through the fundamentals of Personal Power Branding.
Drawing on her experience as the founder of Re-Defined, a global community of 50K+ students, and her personal network of over 120K across social media, Ritika will share actionable strategies to help you define who you are, what you stand for, and the unique value you bring to your industry. Attendees will learn how to authentically market themselves, build a standout professional reputation, and create meaningful connections that advance both personal and career goals.
This session is ideal for anyone looking to gain clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge through the power of personal branding.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with students, fellow leaders, industry peers, and like-minded professionals in the automotive sector. This is your chance to build relationships, exchange ideas, and expand your network in a supportive and empowering environment.
Team Building
This is an opportunity to bring your team together and strengthen bonds over shared experiences and inspiration.
agenda
| 5:30 PM | Networking & Cocktail Reception |
| 6:oo PM | Welcome statements, Dinner Served |
| 6:20 PM | Guest Speaker: Personal Power Branding |
| 7:00 PM | Networking Break, Coffee & Dessert |
| 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Leadership Panel |
location
Building N- Automotive Business School of Canada Event Space
Barrie Dealer Host
Alyssa McKeown
Managing Partner at Forbes Motors GM
Alyssa McKeown is the General Manager and Managing Partner at Forbes GM in Waterloo and the 2024 recipient of the Women Driven Influencer and Advocacy Award. With a career spanning over two decades, Alyssa began as a funding analyst in 2000 before moving into automotive retail, where she has held leadership roles across finance, sales, and general management. Known for her empathetic leadership style and commitment to mentorship, she champions workplace diversity and gender equity, with several women holding senior roles on her team. Alyssa is also active in her community, introducing wellness initiatives like weekly yoga classes at her dealership. Her passion for the industry and advocacy for women in automotive continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.
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